2 Timothy 4:11

Only. The fierce persecution under Nero in A.D. 64 apparently left few Christians alive in Rome. Paul also may have considered it wise for those few who were left to live unobtrusively until the tragic hour of persecution had passed.

Luke. For a discussion of his work see Vol. V, pp. 663, 664. In addition to writing the third Gospel and the book of Acts, Luke was one of Paul’s closest companions (see Acts 27:1; 28:11, 16; Colossians 4:14; Philemon 23, 24). The disgrace surrounding Paul’s imprisonment did not cause Luke to falter. Even though his medical profession could have brought him prestige and wealth, Luke counted fellowship with Paul in suffering the higher honor (cf. DA 225).

Mark. This verse reveals the successful ministry of one whom Paul earlier considered a failure and the magnanimous spirit of Paul, who held no grudge against Mark because of his previous failure (see on Acts 13:13; 15:37). Some time after the unfortunate episode at Perga (Acts 13:13) Mark readjusted himself to meet the requirements of the ministry, and the record reveals his new usefulness as one of Paul’s faithful assistants (see Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). At the present time he was Timothy’s assistant in Asia Minor. He had been with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome, and this previous experience would make him especially valuable in this last tragic ordeal.

Profitable. Or “useful.” The last clause of v. 11 may be translated, “he is useful in service to me.” After Paul’s death, Mark worked with Peter in Rome (see Vol. VI, pp. 34, 35). During this time he probably wrote the Gospel bearing his name (see Vol. V, p. 564).