2Ti 4:16-18 | TNotes | STEP | 4:16 The first time I was brought before the judge: A Roman trial was divided between an initial, preliminary investigation and the trial proper. Paul was probably referring to the first of these. It could also refer to his first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28 ; see 2 Timothy Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”). • Everyone abandoned me: See study note on 2 Tim 4:10.

4:16 ^a The first time I was brought before the judge: A Roman trial was divided between an initial, preliminary investigation and the trial proper. Paul was probably referring to the first of these. It could also refer to his first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28 ^b; see 2 Timothy Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

• Everyone abandoned me: See study note on 2 Tim 4:10.
4:17 ^c so that I might preach the Good News: Paul had turned his defense in court into proclamation of the Good News—just as in his earlier experiences (Acts 22:1–24:27 ^d; 26:1-29 ^e; see also 2 Tim 2:9-10 ^f; Phil 1:12-14 ^g).

• for all the Gentiles to hear: Paul sensed that he had completed his task (2 Tim 4:7-8 ^h). The Old Testament specifically anticipates the conversion of the nations (e.g., Ps 22:27-29 ⁱ).

• from certain death (literally from the mouth of a lion): The lion is often a metaphor for enemies (see Pss 7:2 ^j; 35:17 ^k; cp. Dan 6 ^l; Heb 11:33 ^m). Here, it might refer to literal lions in the amphitheater, to the emperor, to the false teachers, or to Satan (1 Pet 5:8 ⁿ; cp. Ps 22:21 ^o).
4:18 ^p God would continue to strengthen Paul and keep him strong in the faith (4:7 ^q) to the end of his life (see 1:12 ^r).

• The Lord’s heavenly Kingdom contrasts with the earthly kingdom that was about to pass judgment on Paul (see also 4:1 ^s; 1 Cor 15:48-49 ^t; Heb 12:18-29 ^u).

• All glory ... Amen: Paul’s doxology in the face of execution expresses confidence that God’s glory will be upheld (cp. 1 Tim 1:17 ^v; 6:15-16 ^w).

• to God (literally to him): The Greek suggests that this praise is ascribed to “the Lord” of the preceding sentence—namely, to Jesus (cp. Titus 2:13 ^x).