1. Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:9-13 and the Structure of the Pastoral Epistles
2 Timothy 4:9-13 contains the Apostle Paul's personal request to his beloved disciple Timothy, but it also carries the weight of an important "last will and testament" addressed to church leaders. First Timothy, Second Timothy, and Titus are commonly referred to as the Pastoral Epistles. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that through these three letters, we learn how Scripture raises up leaders and clarifies the direction the church must take. Regardless of the various traditions or theological backgrounds, these pastoral letters offer highly practical lessons that serve as significant guidance in real ministry contexts. Second Timothy, in particular, was written when Paul sensed that his life was nearing its end, making it at once a poignant reflection and a demonstration of Paul's unyielding stance on preserving both the church and the gospel. As Pastor David Jang often preached, Paul had the clearest understanding of what the gospel and the kingdom of God are and how they must be safeguarded. He testifies to this truth through his life as a remarkable apostle.
Paul begins by urging, "Do your best to come to me quickly" (2 Tim. 4:9). This reveals that the circumstances surrounding him were far from favorable. The reason Timothy needed to come swiftly was that Paul's co-workers had scattered, fled, or been dispatched for ministry elsewhere, leaving him almost entirely alone. Paul states, "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica, Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia" (2 Tim. 4:10), illustrating the complex and challenging situations faced by the mission field and the churches of that era. Demas, who had once ministered alongside Paul, abandoned him because he "loved this world" more. Interpreting this, Pastor David Jang points out that any gospel work inevitably encounters situations where people leave for worldly temptations, material comfort, or safety. Paul, too, experienced such heartbreak firsthand. Crescens and Titus were dispatched to other regions for ministry. As a result, Paul found himself both physically confined in prison and without his co-workers nearby. He says, "Only Luke is with me" (2 Tim. 4:11), emphasizing that those closest to him were unavailable to care for him for various reasons.
Nevertheless, Paul continues to look for the workers needed for the sake of the gospel. He tells Timothy, "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry" (2 Tim. 4:11). Originally, Mark had abandoned Paul's team during the first missionary journey. Acts 13:13 mentions that Mark did not stay with them to the end but returned to Jerusalem, likely due to the difficulties or fears of the ministry environment. Later, when planning the second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark again, but Paul objected, prompting Barnabas to take Mark to Cyprus while Paul, choosing Silas, went to Asia Minor. However, over time, Mark grew into a fruitful servant of the gospel, serving as an interpreter for Peter. Now Paul clearly instructs, "Get Mark and bring him," demonstrating a willingness to reclaim and esteem Mark as a valuable co-worker in the gospel, despite his former mistakes. Pastor David Jang pays special attention to this point. Even if someone once failed, retreated, or caused disappointment in their dedication to the gospel, they can be fully restored and used greatly by God. This is the very essence of the "principle of acceptance" that characterizes the church community and apostolic leadership. Despite facing hardship and separation, Paul longed for Timothy and Mark to come before winter so they might share in the final harvest of the gospel together. Thus, "Timothy, come quickly, and bring Mark; he is helpful to me in my ministry" conveys both the warmth and acceptance of this great apostle.
Paul goes on to add, "I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments" (2 Tim. 4:12-13). In these verses, Paul makes a deeply human request. Facing cold and harsh conditions in prison, he needed a cloak for winter. The mention of "especially the parchments" indicates that Paul continued to study and meditate even in confinement. Many scholars believe these parchments may have been Old Testament manuscripts or early church records of Jesus' teachings. The key point is that Paul's imprisonment and suffering did not stop him from pursuing truth and the comfort of God's Word. In preaching on this passage, Pastor David Jang repeatedly underscores, "The fact that Paul did not neglect the study of God's Word, even in prison, shows the true standard for spiritual leadership." Regardless of circumstances, only those who never let go of Scripture and serious engagement with God's Word can continue steadfastly on the path of the gospel.
As a leading figure in the early church, Paul consistently teaches church leaders through the entire pastoral correspondence how they must live and how they must guard themselves and the church. This is why 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus remain crucial resources that pastors, missionaries, and church leaders must study today. First Timothy covers specific guidelines on the qualifications for overseers (bishops) and deacons, as well as details on worship and teaching within the church. Titus addresses how Titus should promote proper teaching and establish the church on the island of Crete, even in a rough cultural environment. Second Timothy, being Paul's last letter, is read almost like a testament, portraying even more earnestly how to defend the gospel and how a church leader must stand firm. Pastor David Jang often draws attention to the spiritual weight of Paul's "last will." A pastor, even at the end of life, should still look upon the church, love the saints, raise up future leaders, and maintain the conviction that "though everything is bound, the gospel itself cannot be bound."
The Pastoral Epistles also occupy a significant place in the overall structure of the New Testament. By analogy with the Old Testament, Pastor David Jang explains that the Gospels are akin to the Pentateuch; Acts corresponds to historical books; the Epistles from Romans to Jude function like wisdom literature; and Revelation stands as the prophetic book. Within this framework, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus serve as a crucial compass for church leaders, covering the specifics of church order and spiritual counsel. Nearing the end of his life and hearing news that the churches he established faced threats and confusion, Paul's greatest desire was that his disciples would preserve these healthy communities. This was the way to protect and expand God's kingdom, while also showing that Jesus Christ is the head of the church. Thus, at the end of 2 Timothy, with the plea "Come quickly," Paul, even in his lonely prison cell, did not try to hold onto his faith in solitude but looked to his beloved co-workers. He sought to study the Word together with them and to carry on the communal practice of completing the race for Christ. Pastor David Jang frequently emphasizes that this reflects the essence of the church and the mindset a leader must have.
What Pastor David Jang constantly highlights about "the figure Paul presented in his later years" is that despite the many trials he endured, Paul never wavered and remained on the gospel path to the end. A true leader is not merely someone who speaks of high spiritual ideals but someone who personally endures hardship and remains faithful to the gospel they proclaim. 2 Timothy 4:9-13 beautifully showcases that Paul's commitment lasted until his final moments. Others were either sent to mission fields or had returned to the world, but Paul does not blame them. Instead, he invites Timothy, Mark, and Luke to gather and finish the remaining work of Christ together. Even in a harsh prison environment where he needed a coat to stay warm, he requests his books and parchments to continue his study of the Word, proving his unquenched spiritual fervor. This passage exemplifies for church leaders how they must live and persevere through difficult times. Opposition and poverty should not lead one to forsake the Word or sever ties with fellow co-workers. Following Paul's example, leaders must remain vigilant in prayer and dedicated to building the church community to the very end. This is one of the core messages that Pastor David Jang has emphasized for many years through his preaching and writing.
To understand 2 Timothy 4:9-13 in its proper context, it is important to view it alongside all of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. This is because these texts share the same overarching theme: they contain Paul's instructions for church management and his counsel to leaders. While historical and cultural settings have changed, the principles conveyed by these pastoral letters remain fundamentally unaltered. They affirm that God's truth and the power of the gospel must remain steadfast in a constantly shifting world, and that pastors and church leaders must protect and pass on this truth. Written from prison, 2 Timothy has profound historical, theological, and spiritual implications. Historically, Paul is believed to have been martyred not long after writing it, so it may truly be his final words. Pastor David Jang underscores the importance of "final words," explaining that they are not merely personal farewells but often bear the meaning of a comprehensive conclusion God offers to the church.
Like an eagle rigorously training its eaglets, Paul sent out his disciples to the mission fields, ensuring they grew stronger through experience. Timothy was sent to Ephesus; Titus to Crete. Acts repeatedly shows Paul planting churches in Rome, the Greek regions, and Asia Minor, leaving disciples in each place before moving on again. This pattern of evangelism and commissioning gave birth to the dynamism of the early church, ultimately bearing fruit in the global church we see today. Church history reveals that some of those commissioned established communities effectively and saved many souls, while others later abandoned the faith or stirred up discord. Despite such setbacks, the church community continued to expand because leaders like Paul were devoted to God, grounded in the Word and prayer, and rooted in Christ's love. In examining how the church has grown and thrived, Pastor David Jang consistently emphasizes that Paul's spirit of sending and his wisdom, found in the Pastoral Epistles, form the most crucial foundation.
Whereas 1 Timothy and Titus give more systematic instructions about church order and the qualifications for overseers, elders, and deacons, 2 Timothy adopts a more personal and compassionate tone, highlighting the power of Paul's own life as an example. For instance, Paul tells Timothy, "Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching" (cf. 1 Tim. 4:13). This remains a fundamental principle for church leaders today: as soon as a church forgets that it primarily exists to proclaim the Word of God, it risks becoming a secular organization or a social club. Paul instructs church leaders to devote all their energies to Scripture. Pastor David Jang diagnoses that many conflicts and corruptions in contemporary churches ultimately arise from moving away from the Word and allowing carnal desires and materialism to flourish under poor leadership. The gospel and the Word must always be the church's heartbeat; only when leaders hold firmly to them can the church truly be the light and salt of the earth.
One distinct feature of the Pastoral Epistles is their highly practical and action-oriented focus, as opposed to the more doctrinal discussions found in letters like Romans or Galatians. They address real-life questions about church order, the qualifications for overseers and deacons, how women should conduct themselves in worship, how to respond to heresies, and so on, providing concrete instructions. Because Timothy was relatively young, certain pieces of advice and guidance specifically address that reality. For example, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young" underscores a timeless rule for any young pastor or leader: church leadership hinges not on age but on prayer, the Word, and spiritual maturity. Pastor David Jang often cites this verse, emphasizing that age is secondary to spiritual growth and the power of the Spirit. Even an older person may not qualify as a genuine leader if lacking in spiritual maturity, while a younger leader, if steeped in the Word and prayer and empowered by the Spirit, can effectively build up the church.
Reading 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus together shows just how meticulously and practically Paul laid the groundwork for the early church. Pastor David Jang refers to this as the church's "spiritual skeleton." Regardless of a church's size or membership numbers, if this spiritual structure is not properly established, problems will eventually surface, leading to conflict and even division. Conversely, a church may be small and unnoticed, yet if it stands firmly on the Word, the gospel, worship, and prayer, and if it heeds apostolic counsel, it will grow in a healthy way. This is one of Pastor David Jang's key teachings. Paul repeatedly tells Timothy in 2 Timothy, "Guard the gospel and the Word. Pursue godliness. Boldly testify about Jesus Christ before people. Even if suffering comes, do not lose heart; endure by the power the Lord gives." These exhortations point to a reality that the strength of the New Testament church does not lie in wealth or worldly power but in the Holy Spirit's power and the truth of the Word-an emphasis powerfully echoed by this passage and the entirety of the pastoral letters.
Particularly noteworthy is Paul's statement, "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me." This plainly reveals one of the most common temptations a church leader or pastor may face: the lure of worldly goods-money, wealth, pleasure, comfort, and security-which hinders gospel work and prompts desertion when trials arise. Rather than spew condemnation at Demas, Paul simply states, "He loved this world." While open to interpretation, it is clear that Paul expresses sorrow more than bitterness. Pastor David Jang explains that a spiritual leader must know how to grieve over such failures while continuing to teach and train the flock to prevent repetition. The church's leaders must not automatically reject or condemn those who leave; rather, if there is an opportunity for them to return, they should be welcomed back-just like Mark, who was once restored and proved useful in ministry. This is a profound insight from the Pastoral Epistles, and it corresponds to Pastor David Jang's enduring emphasis on the principles of "recovery" and "renewed dedication."
Ultimately, 2 Timothy 4:9-13 captures both the stark reality of Paul's suffering and the fervor of his spiritual yearning, revealing how the early church preserved the gospel under arduous circumstances. From it, we learn that no matter how dire our present situation, we must not relinquish the Word or our bonds with fellow co-workers. Pastor David Jang affirms that when the church faces financial struggles or personal difficulties, or even fierce adversity, returning to the spirit of 2 Timothy provides a renewed source of strength. The letter Paul wrote from prison has served as a defining document at the dawn of church history and has spurred countless church leaders to renewed commitment. This message transcends time and place. Some will leave for the world, but others will return; some will run the race to the finish. The gospel and the Word continue to be proclaimed and expanded. This is the great consolation and promise that 2 Timothy and the Pastoral Epistles hold out to us.
2. Discipleship and Leadership
Pastor David Jang believes that 2 Timothy, along with the other Pastoral Epistles, embodies the essence of training church leaders-namely, shaping spiritual leadership. The process of raising leaders within the church is essentially the practical application of discipleship as taught by Jesus. Discipleship is not merely enrolling in a church program or obtaining certain knowledge. Rather, it is an all-encompassing lifestyle wherein one follows Jesus Christ wholeheartedly, denying oneself, transcending the temptations of the world, and relinquishing attachments to family ties and possessions, elevating the gospel as the top priority. In fact, Jesus' teachings on discipleship, as seen in the Gospels, can be quite radical, even extreme. Pastor David Jang highlights three core principles:
- Release from Possessions
"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." These words emphasize freedom from material possession. Many people live according to the dictates of Mammon, celebrating when money is plentiful and despairing when it is not. However, a disciple must pursue a higher value than money-an absolute trust in God, who promises that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, all other things will be given by Him. Although it may appear foolish to the world, the willingness to sacrifice financially for the sake of the gospel demonstrates a profound spiritual commitment. - Overcoming Blood Ties
"Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." This underscores the importance of transcending the limits imposed by family ties. Recognizing the church as a spiritual family, one must accept that God's kingdom and church community stand even above one's biological family in priority. This does not endorse abandoning one's earthly family; rather, it calls the disciple to prioritize God's kingdom. In modern contexts, family obligations can often become an excuse to delay service or dedication to the church. Pastor David Jang explains, "It is precisely in those moments that our discipleship is tested." While earthly family is undoubtedly precious, church is the household of God, and believers are united spiritually as one body. - Never Looking Back
"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." This highlights the resolution to move forward without retreat-a mindset of "no turning back." Once one has chosen the path of discipleship, worldly temptations, fears, and regrets about the past should not sway one's commitment. Pastor David Jang notes that one reason the early church could spread the gospel so powerfully throughout the Roman Empire was precisely this radical, unyielding confession of faith. Paul, too, never retreated when confronted with adversity on his missionary journeys, remaining faithful unto martyrdom. By adopting the same resolve, the modern church, despite an increasingly depraved society dominated by materialism, can be firmly established.
Pastor David Jang highlights how the principles of discipleship found in the Gospels line up exactly with the leadership ideals expressed in the Pastoral Epistles like 2 Timothy. The crux is that church leaders must be those who transcend materialism and blood ties, pressing on to the end for the sake of the gospel, wholly dedicating their lives. Paul was unafraid of suffering, never stopped studying the Word even in prison, and traveled tirelessly to cities like Ephesus, Crete, Dalmatia, and Galatia, sending out disciples. Timothy and Titus were among these, Luke accompanied Paul, and Mark-once having retreated-was eventually restored as a missionary partner. Pastor David Jang calls this sequence "the great cycle of discipleship and commissioning." A church cannot rely on just one or two leaders; it must continuously discover, train, and dispatch new workers to spread the church worldwide. This has been the unbroken work of the Holy Spirit since the early church and lies at the core of the Pastoral Epistles.
Furthermore, Pastor David Jang's vision for church growth focuses not on "quantitative expansion" but on "qualitative growth" driven by spiritual discipleship. A common error in many modern churches is a blind pursuit of numerical increase, neglecting the basic foundations of the gospel and discipleship. But from the pages of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, Paul never places a premium on numbers. Rather, he insists on "healthy, godly leaders full of the power of the Spirit and the Word." When he lists the qualifications for overseers and deacons, he includes how one manages one's household, how one presents oneself to the world, and whether one maintains an upright character. In other words, spiritual character and faithful belief are more important than anything else. Once the church's quality is well-rooted, numerical growth naturally follows, resulting in a community that bears fruit and shines light, rescuing souls. As Pastor David Jang reminds us, "Quantity can never replace quality." Only a church solidly built on the Word, the gospel, worship, and prayer-where apostolic admonitions remain alive-can withstand external pressures and draw more people to Christ.
Indeed, the early church spread across the vast Roman Empire and beyond between the third and fourth centuries, despite fierce persecution from both Jewish authorities and Rome itself. Historians often call this period miraculous. How did a small, seemingly insignificant group conquer the mighty empire, bringing the gospel all over the known world and beyond? From a biblical and historical perspective, it was no accident but a direct outcome of the gospel's power merged with unwavering discipleship. "They may have had little in terms of possessions, but their hearts were ablaze with holy passion to traverse the Roman Empire," says Pastor David Jang, describing the early church leaders. Their devotion to the gospel and their radical discipleship propelled the church beyond worldly limitations, igniting unstoppable growth.
Another critical element Pastor David Jang stresses is that leaders formed through discipleship must embody a sense of "spiritual family." Paul's words in 2 Timothy-"Come quickly, Timothy. Bring Mark. Only Luke is with me"-show that a leader never stands alone. The church is one body with Christ as the head, and each member belongs to the others. When a leader grows distant from the community or pursues personal ambition while neglecting fellowship, the church loses its spiritual essence. Despite being in prison, Paul longed to gather with his disciples and study the Word together. For Pastor David Jang, this scene exemplifies the beauty of the church: a community of love and dedication. If a leader, after achieving recognition or authority, begins to isolate themselves and rule from on high, it shows they have abandoned the core principle of discipleship. But Paul, even at the end of his life, appealed for his co-workers to come, requesting that they bring him practical necessities like clothing, scrolls, and parchments so that they could endure winter together. This reaffirms that the church fundamentally thrives on reciprocal care and service.
Pastor David Jang also asserts that "sending and expanding" is essential to sustaining the church's vitality. He calls this "the C12 Project" or "the G20 Evangelism Strategy" when giving concrete examples. Just as Paul planted churches in city after city-leaving disciples in each place and then moving on to new mission fields-so the church today must persistently pursue evangelism and commissioning to unchurched areas. Whether in Istanbul, Europe, Africa, or South America-places where the gospel is not yet deeply rooted or where the church remains weak-new missionaries need to be sent and supported spiritually, receiving ongoing biblical training and discipleship. Through this, the church can experience another wave of explosive revival. Given the vast cultural, linguistic, and economic disparities across the world, the church must proclaim the gospel beyond race and social class. If Paul viewed himself as a debtor to Greeks, Jews, Romans, barbarians, and Scythians, then church leaders today must adopt the same posture, explains Pastor David Jang. This strategy is not about fulfilling personal ambitions but about obeying the Great Commission to "go to the ends of the earth and be my witnesses."
Of course, such a strategy of deployment and outreach demands strong, healthy leaders like Timothy or Titus who can effectively handle local ministry. Therefore, the church must provide continuous member training, discipleship programs, and OLI (Organization Leadership Institute) or similar leadership courses so believers can keep maturing in faith. As Paul exhorted Timothy, "Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching," the priority is always to remain immersed in the Word and prayer, building a spiritually alert community. Pastor David Jang consistently teaches that "there is no special method other than Scripture itself, which stands as our ultimate manual." Church history proves that communities most committed to reading, interpreting, and applying the Bible in everyday life remain the healthiest and grow steadily. By contrast, churches relying on human wisdom or programs for quick numerical increases often encounter severe troubles and moral failures. For this reason, ignoring the practical teachings of the Pastoral Epistles is dangerous, according to Pastor David Jang.
He further notes that the discipleship principle of "no turning back" is something the entire church must uphold. In doing so, the church must foster a culture of love and acceptance while ensuring a system of appropriate correction and guidance. Mark's example offers a fitting illustration: though he initially fled, Barnabas later took him under his wing, and Mark eventually became an important figure who even wrote a Gospel. When a believer in the church stumbles or grows apathetic and retreats, there should remain an open path for them to return, supplemented by a loving and truthful approach to nurture them. In such an environment, God can raise them again into a valuable co-worker for the gospel. But all of this requires leadership prepared to nurture believers' spiritual growth, as Paul did in 2 Timothy. Even in prison, Paul was more concerned about the churches he had planted and the spiritual condition of Timothy, Mark, and other co-workers than about his own welfare. This selfless dedication is the hallmark of true spiritual leadership-an example the church must follow. Pastor David Jang reiterates, "A pastor's role is not to exploit the congregation but to shepherd them following the example of Christ, caring for and edifying them above all." When this principle is observed, the church can grow both in number and in spiritual depth.
Discipleship and leadership are thus inseparable, also integrally tied to church growth. The gospel always transforms lives, and transformed individuals, in turn, transform the world around them. Once someone experiences this cycle, they do not want to turn back. Early Christians personally witnessed Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, encountered the Holy Spirit powerfully, and learned through leaders like Paul how the gospel unfolds in real life. This understanding spread exponentially from one generation to the next. Pastor David Jang argues that today's church must revive these same principles. "If we restore the radicalism of discipleship and the communal essence of the church found in 2 Timothy, Titus, and 1 Timothy-despite the confusion and materialistic mindset that pervades our era-we can re-establish a stronger church than ever," he says.
Ultimately, Pastor David Jang stresses that the Holy Spirit orchestrates every step in this journey. Although Scripture was written through human hands, it was ultimately authored under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit also leads the church, and our ability to tap into the profound wisdom of the Pastoral Epistles depends on His activity. Even though Paul's surroundings in 2 Timothy 4:9-13 appear bleak-prison walls, cold weather, and near-abandonment-the spiritual reality is that, through the Holy Spirit, Paul is still holding tightly to the gospel and his co-workers. This served as a catalyst that birthed and propelled the early church worldwide. The church is not a human institution but a living organism of people reborn in the Holy Spirit, woven together by mutual love and sacrifice. Hence, continuing to advance, enlisting new Timothys and Marks and Tituses for the gospel's sake, remains the surest future for the church, according to Pastor David Jang.
While imprisoned, Paul longed for Timothy to come, asked him to bring Mark, appreciated Luke's companionship, and sent Tychicus to Ephesus-never ceasing to organize and fortify the church. He did so because he was certain that only a church firmly established on apostolic tradition would preserve an uncorrupted gospel for subsequent generations. That same certainty should guide us today. Even when assailed by worldly temptations and heresies, if the church clings to the biblical principles of the Pastoral Epistles, embraces the spirit of discipleship, and relies on the power of the Holy Spirit, it cannot be shaken. Pastor David Jang emphasizes, "This is precisely why we must study the Pastoral Epistles." Whether you are a leader or a layperson, the letters of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus remind us of the church's fundamental purpose and mission. When disciples of Christ-who have transcended materialism, elevated spiritual kinship above blood ties, and refuse to look back-emerge, the church will see a fresh wave of revival.
As 2 Timothy 4:9-13 vividly illustrates, even if everyone else departs, the gospel work does not come to a halt. Winter may loom, and a prison cell may confine us, but if those who remain and those who return join forces, a new beginning is always possible. Moreover, Paul's request for his cloak and parchments, even in prison, underscores a determination to keep studying the Word. Immersing oneself in Scripture, receiving spiritual guidance, and confirming how the kingdom of God emerges and expands historically-these disciplines remain indispensable. Pastor David Jang's keynote message has always been that these truths cannot remain theoretical; they must be practiced in the church, and in the mission fields of local neighborhoods, nations, and all across the world. This is the compass that guides us in building up the church.
No external environment can topple the church when its leadership stands firm with the boldness of Paul, when the congregation wholeheartedly practices discipleship, and when all remain obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading. The near-final words of 2 Timothy-"Do your best to come to me quickly"-still call out to all churches and believers. Everyone who hears that call should respond. From that response springs the next revival and a fresh chapter in church history.
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