Make every effortThis phrase emphasizes urgency and importance. Paul is expressing a strong desire for Timothy to prioritize this request. In the context of Paul's life, he is nearing the end of his ministry and facing execution, which adds weight to his plea. The Greek word used here, "spoudason," conveys diligence and eagerness, suggesting that Timothy should act with haste and commitment. This reflects the urgency often found in Paul's letters, where he encourages believers to be diligent in their faith and actions (
Romans 12:11).
to come to me
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely during his second imprisonment, and he longs for the companionship and support of his spiritual son, Timothy. This request highlights the deep personal relationship between Paul and Timothy, as well as the importance of fellowship and support within the Christian community. The request also underscores the isolation Paul feels in his imprisonment, as many have deserted him (2 Timothy 4:16). The need for personal presence and encouragement is a recurring theme in Paul's letters (Philippians 2:19-24).
quickly
The urgency of this request is underscored by the word "quickly." Paul is aware that his time is short, as he anticipates his impending martyrdom (2 Timothy 4:6-8). The historical context of this letter, written during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, adds to the urgency. Paul desires to see Timothy one last time, to impart final instructions and encouragement. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have (James 4:14,Psalm 90:12).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle and author of the letter, writing from a Roman prison. He is nearing the end of his life and ministry.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and close companion of Paul, to whom this letter is addressed. Paul considers him a spiritual son.
3.
RomeThe place where Paul is imprisoned. It is the center of the Roman Empire and a significant location for early Christian history.
4.
ImprisonmentPaul is in chains for the Gospel, facing the reality of his impending execution.
5.
UrgencyThe tone of the verse reflects Paul's urgent need for companionship and support during his final days.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Christian FellowshipPaul’s request for Timothy to come quickly underscores the value of fellowship and support among believers, especially in times of trial.
Urgency in MinistryPaul’s sense of urgency serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual relationships and responsibilities, recognizing the brevity of life.
Faithfulness in Difficult TimesDespite his imprisonment, Paul remains focused on his mission and relationships, teaching us to remain steadfast in our faith regardless of circumstances.
Mentorship and DiscipleshipThe relationship between Paul and Timothy exemplifies the importance of mentoring in the Christian faith, encouraging us to invest in others spiritually.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 4:9?
2.Why does Paul urge Timothy to "make every effort to come" quickly?
3.How can we prioritize supporting fellow believers in their times of need?
4.What does 2 Timothy 4:9 teach about Christian fellowship and accountability?
5.How can we apply Paul's urgency in our own spiritual relationships today?
6.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of timely support among believers?
7.Why does Paul request Timothy to come quickly in 2 Timothy 4:9?
8.What historical context surrounds Paul's plea in 2 Timothy 4:9?
9.How does 2 Timothy 4:9 reflect Paul's personal circumstances?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 4?
11.What defines an epistle?
12.What does 'Not Grow Weary in Doing Good' mean?
13.Why do some scholars believe the Pastoral Epistles were not written by Paul?
14.What are the main themes of 2 Timothy?What Does 2 Timothy 4:9 Mean
Make every effort• Paul’s words carry the weight of an urgent command, not a casual request (cf.Titus 3:12;2 Timothy 4:21;2 Peter 1:5).
• “Effort” implies intentional planning, sacrifice, and perseverance—qualities Timothy already modeled (Philippians 2:22).
• The apostle underscores diligence as a mark of faithful ministry (Hebrews 6:11;Romans 12:11).
to come• Paul desires Timothy’s physical presence, highlighting the value of personal fellowship in ministry (Romans 1:11-12;Acts 20:37-38).
• Travel then was costly and dangerous; the request shows how crucial Timothy’s support is to Paul’s final season of service (Philippians 2:25-28).
• “Come” also points to obedience—Timothy’s willingness to leave Ephesus for Rome demonstrates submission to spiritual authority (1 Corinthians 4:17).
to me• The request is deeply personal: Paul longs for his “beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2) while awaiting execution (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
• Ministry is relational; even the greatest leaders need companionship and encouragement (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10;Colossians 4:7-9).
• Paul’s transparency models godly dependence rather than solitary stoicism (2 Corinthians 7:6-7).
quickly• Winter travel would soon be impossible (2 Timothy 4:21), and Paul senses his time is short (James 4:14).
• Urgency presses Timothy to reorder priorities, reminding believers that gospel opportunities can close swiftly (Ephesians 5:15-16).
• The adverb underscores the fleeting nature of life and ministry: delays risk missing God-appointed moments (Proverbs 27:1;John 9:4).
summaryPaul, awaiting martyrdom, pleads: “Make every effort to come to me quickly”. Each phrase reveals urgency, relational depth, and a call to diligent obedience. The verse challenges believers to pursue faithful service wholeheartedly, prioritize godly relationships, and respond swiftly to the Spirit’s leading while time remains.
(9)
Do thy diligence to come shortly.--Such a request as this would--had we no other arguments--tell us that no forger ever wrote this Epistle. Who would ever have dreamed of putting into the letter such a request as this,
after those solemn expressions of the last few verses, in which the Apostle spoke of himself as even
then tasting the bitterness of death? He had been writing as though the martyr's death was so imminent that the preparations were already being made for it. This request to Timothy to come to him,
after he had written such thoughts down, is at first sight strange, and one certainly which no forger would have appended to the writing. But though the forger would never have thought of such a summons,
St. Paul might. He still lived, and the thought of life and the hope of life even in that brave Christ-loving heart still burned; after all, the martyrdom which seemed so close at hand
might be delayed. Days, months, might drag on their slow, weary length, and still find the old man languishing and solitary in his chains in that dreary prison. He longed to see some of his faithful companions once more, and for the last time to bid them with his own mouth to be faithful and brave. So, as it were, hoping against hope, he dictates on the last pages of the letter, "Do thy diligence," or better, "
earnestly endeavour to come shortly to me." His loving wish to see Timothy again appears from the words of
2Timothy 1:4 : "greatly desiring to see thee;" and again from
2Timothy 4:21. "Do thy diligence to come before winter." And some have seen in the expression, "being mindful of thy tears," in
2Timothy 1:4 (to which we have given, however, a different interpretation), a reciprocal anxiety on the part of Timothy to see and speak again with his old master. But St. Paul, though he begged him to hasten his journey as much as possible, and still, though all seemed so dark around him,
hoped to see him again, framed the charge of the last letter in such a way that Timothy, if when he reached Rome, should find that all was over, might know what were his master's last wishes and directions. On the natural human longing for sympathy in the supreme hour, compare our blessed Lord's words to Peter, James, and John (
Matthew 26:38): "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here,
andwatch with Me."
Verse 9. -
Do thy diligence (
σπούδασον); see ch. 2:15, note. St. Paul's affectionate longing for Timothy's company in present danger and desertion is very touching. (For the chronological bearing of this passage, see Introduction.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Make every effortΣπούδασον(Spoudason)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4704:To hasten, be eager, be zealous. From spoude; to use speed, i.e. To make effort, be prompt or earnest.to comeἐλθεῖν(elthein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064:To come, go.toπρός(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.quickly,ταχέως(tacheōs)Adverb
Strong's 5030:Soon, quickly, hastily. Adverb from tachus; briefly, i.e. speedily, or rapidly.
Links
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2 Timothy 4:9 BibleApps.com2 Timothy 4:9 Biblia Paralela2 Timothy 4:9 Chinese Bible2 Timothy 4:9 French Bible2 Timothy 4:9 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:9 Be diligent to come to me soon (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)