Come Shortly unto Me 2 Timothy 4:9

After sharing with Timothy concerning “a crown of righteousness” which was “laid up” for himself, Paul the apostle insured there was one reserved for “all them also that love his appearing”. Paul knew his fight, course and faith were soon to be completed, and he would presently be with the Lord Jesus as he would give his life for the gospel. In chapter four and verse nine of this final letter from Paul, he exhorts to “come shortly unto me” where we read:

Do your diligence to come shortly unto me:

The verse begins, “Do your diligence...” Paul began with the phrase, “Do your diligence” which in Greek is the single word “spoudazō” and means “to hasten, make haste, exert one's self and endeavor”. Paul desired for Timothy to quickly, swiftly and precipitously do what he is about to request.

The verse continues, “...to come shortly unto me:” Paul requested for Timothy, “to come” or “appear, make an appearance, arise, show, find place or influence” “shortly” which means “quickly, soon, hastily and suddenly” “unto” or “to the advantage of, at, near, by, towards and with” “me” which is a reference to Paul himself. As though the idea of hurrying needed repeating, Paul the apostle exhorted and encouraged Timothy to come to him speedily.

As we think through this verse, let us imagine ourselves as Paul the apostle for a moment. More than likely he is sitting in a Roman prison, chained to two guards, and basically without the care and concern of anyone in the world. He is writing this letter to Timothy, his “son in the faith”, and he knows that it will not be long before his life upon the earth will be over. It is any wonder why he would desire the company of this “dearly beloved son” Timothy? It is interesting as we read through the Bible, we see these glimpses of humanity in these people we call “giants” in the faith. Paul desired Timothy to swiftly “come” to see him. Perhaps we could use a visit by someone who is special to us, and if we could write to them, we would desire their appearance quickly as well. May the Lord Jesus help us know He is always ready to be with us, and no matter how alone we may feel or how dire our circumstances may be, the Lord is always at hand and ready and willing to meet our every need.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how “Demas” has “forsaken” him, and where others who surrounded him have gone, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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