2 Timothy 4:9 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Do thy diligence Endeavour by all means; to come shortly unto me The apostle, now about to leave the world, wished to enjoy Timothy's company and conversation for a little while, both that that evangelist might comfort him, and might be comforted and strengthened by him, so that he might suffer death courageously when called to do so. Accordingly, it is said by some, that he actually suffered martyrdom at Ephesus. For, &c. As if he had said, I have the more need of thy company and assistance, because I have been deserted by some who ought to have acted in a very different manner: Demas Once my fellow- labourer, (Philemon 1:24,) hath forsaken me By calling the departure of Demas to Thessalonica a forsaking him, the apostle intimates that he departed without his permission. Having loved this present world And gone where his secular views invited him. Crescens Probably a preacher also, is gone with my consent to Galatia. Titus to Dalmatia Having now left Crete. These either went with him to Rome, or visited him there. Only Luke Of my fellow-labourers; is with me For, from 2 Timothy 4:21, where the salutations of some of the Roman brethren by name are mentioned, it appears that the apostle had many friends still in Rome, members of the church there, with whom he was allowed to have some intercourse, but his chief support was, that God was with him. Of the character of Luke, see on Colossians 4:14, and the preface to his gospel, Take Mark and bring him Who, though he once departed from the work, is now profitable to me for the ministry Mark, mentioned in this passage, is by some thought to be a different person from the writer of the gospel which bears his name.