2 Timothy 4:11-15
 
2 Tim 4:11 (KJB)
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
 
Paul had one faithful man with him and that was Luke. The real test of Christian loyalty is to be with someone who is in a bad situation and not forsake them, even if you are the only one. Paul then tells Timothy that he would like him to bring Mark with him. (Acts 15:37-39 KJV) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. {38} But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. {39} And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; Earlier in the ministry, Mark had abandoned Paul and his ministry team and there was a very serious dispute among them, so much that they split up. Now it is obvious that Mark has repented of his way and came back to the ministry. Paul now sees him as being profitable for him. This should be a lesson to us that we should never count any Christian out until they are taken home.
 
2 Tim 4:12 (KJB)
And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
 
(Eph 6:21 KJV) But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: It is not known where Tychicus was born but Paul not only sent him to Ephesus, but also to Colosse. He was a faithful brother and did whatever Paul had asked him to do. Sometimes just carrying a letter will result in the salvation of souls. There is no task in the Kingdom of God as being unnecessary.
 
2 Tim 4:13 (KJB)
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
 
Carpus was a resident of Troas and Paul had stayed at his home. Here is another test for Timothy in this verse. Timothy was in Ephesus and Troas was about 75 miles (121 km) north of Ephesus. So Timothy would have had to make a detour of about 75 miles to pick up the cloak. The books and parchments mentioned above are probably those of the Hebrew Scriptures and possibly Paul’s own writings. The parchments were vellum which was discovered about 175 B.C. We are not sure if the books and parchments were at the home of Carpus or Timothy. This shows you another aspect of Paul’s dedication. He knew that he was about to be martyred and one of the last things on his mind was the books and parchments so he could continue his ministry right up to the moment of his home going. He would probably leave them to Timothy for use in the ministry.
 
2 Tim 4:14 (KJB)
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
 
There is very little known about Alexander the coppersmith and we do not know what he did to the apostle Paul. However, Paul makes it known that he did much evil to him. Unlike today’s Christian who is afraid to name names when they are wronged in ministry, Paul records this man and probably for the reason that other Christians will steer clear of him and give their business to others who did no harm to Paul. Paul then goes on to state that the Lord will reward him or repay him for the evil which he did against Paul. (2 Th 1:7-8 KJV) And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, {8} In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: As with all Christ hating individuals, Christ will take fiery vengeance on them for their sins. Notice that Paul said that the Lord will reward him. Paul left it in the hands of the Lord leaving us precedent that repayment of evil is the Lord’s business. God knows every hateful or spiteful thing done against us and it will be repaid.
 
2 Tim 4:15 (KJB)
Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
 
Withstood - Opposed or resisted
 
Paul is warning Timothy that he must also be cautious of this person because it is obvious from this warning that this man hates the true Gospel. He may have been part of the group who was making statues of Diana and saw the writing on the wall that if people start becoming saved, then he will go out of business. This man didn’t just oppose Paul in a small way but the Scriptures state it was in a great manner. He could have stirred up the crowd or made false accusation against Paul in the presence of many, but no matter what he did, it was considered great evil and opposition to the true Gospel.

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