2 Timothy 4:11

11 ¹Only ²Luke is with me. Pick up ³Mark and bring him with you, ⁴for he is useful to me for service.

2 Timothy 4:11 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 4:11

Only Luke is with me
The beloved physician, who wrote the Gospel that bears his name, and "the Acts of the Apostles", and was a constant companion of Paul's in his travels and sufferings:

take Mark, and bring him with thee;
who might be at Ephesus, or somewhere in Timothy's way as he came to Rome. This seems to be the same with John Mark of Jerusalem, the son of Mary, the sister of Barnabas, and who was with Paul and Barnabas in their travels, and who parted from them at Pamphylia; on whose account, and for that reason, there was so great a difference between Paul and Barnabas, as to separate upon it; but now the apostle had entertained a better opinion of him, and was reconciled unto him, and was very desirous of his company and assistance; and which he had, ( Colossians 4:10 ) ( Philemon 1:24 ) .

For he is profitable to me for the ministry;
that is, of the Gospel, to assist in preaching it.

2 Timothy 4:11 In-Context

9 Make every effort to come to me soon;

10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

Cross References

• 1. 2 Timothy 1:15
• 2. Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24
• 3. Acts 12:12, 25; Acts 15:37-39; Colossians 4:10
• 4. 2 Timothy 2:21