2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding. Or, “but.”

The Lord stood. Compare Acts 27:23. Paul, like Christ (John 16:32), knew that in the hour of crisis, when the faith must be defended against overwhelming opposition, he was actually never alone. God never failed to be Paul’s “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Even though Paul was denied the support of influential friends (2 Timothy 4:16), his courage remained strong because of One greater than all, who remained by his side.

Strengthened. Literally, “empowered” (see on 1 Timothy 1:2).

Preaching. Gr. kerugma, “announcement by a herald,” here, the Christian message heralded by Paul, the prince of preachers. Apparently, Paul was given the opportunity at his trial to preach the gospel, even as before Felix (Acts 24:10-25) and Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32).

All the Gentiles. Or, “all the nations.” Compare Acts 9:15; Philippians 1:12, 13. The apostle thought more of the opportunity his trial afforded to proclaim the gospel than he did of his own fate (see on Acts 25:11). Paul’s courageous witness before the Romans in this last trial pressed the attack of Christianity up to and through the gates of paganism’s stronghold. Paul’s defense before Nero was no simple skirmish; it was the great hour of the veteran who had gloriously “fought a good fight” (1 Timothy 4:7).

Mouth of the lion. The context makes it almost certain that Paul does not refer either to his first imprisonment and release, some years before this (cf. v. 16), or to his imprisonment and trial now in progress (cf. v. 6). Commentators generally consider that the apostle here quotes from Psalm 22:21 and that his words are to be understood figuratively, as simply expressing great danger. Some suggest that he refers to the wrath of Satan, who had been unable to silence his fearless witness to truth.