19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. <<The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.>> (2 Timothy 4:19-22 KJV)
Come Before Winter
Paul sends greetings to Aquila, Priscilla, and the household of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 4:19). He mentions that he left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), showing that although the apostles worked miracles for confirming the gospel, they did not use miraculous power merely for personal convenience, even to heal friends.
He urges Timothy to come before winter (2 Timothy 4:21), both because he longed to see him and because travel would be difficult afterward. Paul also conveys greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. Some writers outside Scripture mention a Pudens and his wife Claudia, a Briton, which leads some to think these were the same Christians mentioned here.
Paul concludes with a prayer: “The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Nothing makes us happier or safer than having the Lord Jesus with our spirits, for in Him are all spiritual blessings. This is the best prayer we can offer for others—that Christ be with their spirits to sanctify, guide, and finally receive them to Himself, as Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59).
He ends, “Grace be with you. Amen.” This closing benediction was Paul’s mark in every letter (2 Thessalonians 3:17-18). If grace abides with us—to convert, sustain, and keep us humble and faithful—it will be followed by glory. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You” (Psalm 84:11-12). “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).