2 Timothy 4:11

KJV

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only {G3441} Luke {G3065} is {G2076} with {G3326} me {G1700}. Take {G353} Mark {G3138}, and bring him {G71} with {G3326} thee {G4572}: for {G1063} he is {G2076} profitable {G2173} to me {G3427} for {G1519} the ministry {G1248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, because he is a very useful helper in my work.

Berean Standard Bible

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.

American Standard Version

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant and urgent final letter, the Apostle Paul, facing imminent martyrdom, expresses his deep isolation while acknowledging Luke's faithful presence. He issues a specific and significant request to Timothy: to bring Mark to him, affirming Mark's renewed usefulness and profitability for the ongoing work of ministry. This verse beautifully encapsulates themes of loyalty, reconciliation, and the practical necessity of collaborative service in the spread of the Gospel, even in the face of profound personal hardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy, widely regarded as his final inspired writing before his execution in Rome under Emperor Nero. The letter is deeply personal, serving as Paul's last will and testament to his spiritual son, Timothy. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul laments the desertion of some companions (Demas, Crescens, Titus) who have gone to other regions, leaving him with only Luke ([2 Timothy 4:10](/2_timothy/4-10 "2 Timothy 4:10 - Paul's Companions Depart")). This stark reality underscores Paul's sense of isolation and highlights the profound loyalty of Luke. The subsequent verses contain further practical instructions and greetings, emphasizing the urgency of Timothy's arrival and the continuation of the Gospel mission despite Paul's impending death. The request for Mark, therefore, is not merely a personal desire but a strategic move for the ongoing work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely in harsh conditions, awaiting trial or execution. This period was characterized by intense Roman persecution of Christians, especially after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, for which Christians were scapegoated. Travel in the ancient world was challenging and dangerous, often requiring significant planning and resources. The early Christian movement relied heavily on personal networks, itinerant evangelists, and the collaborative efforts of apostles and their co-workers. Paul's request for Mark, despite their past conflict ([Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - Paul and Barnabas Disagree Over Mark")), reflects the high value placed on capable and trustworthy individuals in a time when the spread of the Gospel depended on dedicated, resilient teams. The "ministry" (diakonia) Paul refers to would have encompassed a wide range of activities, from preaching and teaching to practical support and administrative tasks essential for the nascent church.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme is **Loyalty and Companionship** in suffering. Luke's steadfast presence is a testament to faithful friendship in Paul's darkest hour, contrasting sharply with those who departed. Another profound theme is **Reconciliation and Second Chances**. The request for Mark is deeply significant given his earlier departure from Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey, which caused a "sharp disagreement" ([Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - The Sharp Disagreement over John Mark")). Paul's later commendation of Mark, also seen in [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin"), demonstrates his capacity for forgiveness, his recognition of Mark's growth, and the Christian principle of offering opportunities for restoration. Finally, the verse highlights the **Practical Value in Ministry**. Paul's specific reason for wanting Mark—"for he is profitable to me for the ministry"—underscores the ongoing, practical need for capable and willing helpers in the work of the Gospel, even for an apostle facing death. It illustrates that ministry is a collaborative effort requiring diverse gifts and faithful cooperation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Only (Greek, _mónos'_):** This word, meaning "sole" or "single," emphasizes the profound isolation Paul felt. It highlights Luke's unique and faithful presence, contrasting him with others who had departed or been sent away. It underscores the personal and emotional weight of Paul's situation, making Luke's companionship all the more precious.
* **Profitable (Greek, _eúchrēstos'_):** Derived from "well" (eu) and "useful" (chrēstos), this term signifies "easily used," "useful," or "serviceable." Paul's assessment of Mark as "profitable" indicates a significant transformation and maturity in Mark's character and abilities since his earlier departure. It implies that Mark had become a valuable and effective asset for the apostolic work, capable of contributing meaningfully to Paul's needs and the broader ministry.
* **Ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** This word refers to "attendance," "service," or "administration," particularly in a Christian context. It encompasses a broad range of activities, from practical assistance and personal care to active participation in evangelism, teaching, and supporting the spread of the Gospel. Paul's statement that Mark is profitable "for the ministry" specifies the purpose of Mark's usefulness, indicating that his skills and renewed commitment would directly aid Paul in his final apostolic endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only Luke is with me."**: This clause starkly reveals Paul's immediate circumstances. In his final imprisonment, many of his companions have left or been dispatched, leaving him with only Luke. This highlights Luke's unwavering loyalty and serves as a poignant testament to the value of faithful companionship in times of extreme hardship and isolation.
* **"Take Mark, and bring him with thee:"**: This is a direct command and an urgent request from Paul to Timothy. The imperative "take" (analambanō) and "bring" (agō) convey Paul's earnest desire for Mark's presence. The request for Mark is particularly significant given their past strained relationship, underscoring Paul's forgiveness and recognition of Mark's growth and renewed potential.
* **"for he is profitable to me for the ministry."**: This clause provides the reason for Paul's request. Mark is no longer the one who "departed from them from Pamphylia" ([Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - John Mark's Departure")), but has matured into a valuable and useful co-worker. His profitability is specifically tied to "the ministry," indicating that Mark's presence would provide practical assistance and support for Paul's ongoing apostolic work, even from prison, and contribute to the broader mission of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting Luke's steadfast presence ("Only Luke is with me") with the implied absence and requested return of Mark. This highlights the different trajectories of Paul's companions and emphasizes Luke's unique faithfulness. There is also a strong sense of **Implicit Narrative**, as the simple request for Mark carries the weight of their complicated history, suggesting a powerful story of redemption and reconciliation without explicitly detailing it. Finally, the verse is a **Personal Plea**, direct and urgent, revealing Paul's human need for companionship and practical assistance in his final days, making the abstract concept of "ministry" tangible and relational.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's redemptive work not only in individual lives but also in the relationships within the Christian community. It underscores the profound importance of reconciliation and second chances, demonstrating that past failures do not disqualify individuals from future usefulness in God's kingdom. Paul's willingness to re-embrace Mark, who had previously caused a significant rift, exemplifies the transformative power of grace and forgiveness that should characterize believers. Furthermore, the verse highlights the collaborative nature of Christian ministry, emphasizing that even the most prominent apostles relied on the support and diverse gifts of others. It teaches us that every believer, through growth and dedication, can become "profitable" for the Lord's work, contributing uniquely to the advancement of His purposes.

* [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin")
* [Acts 15:36-40](/acts/15-36-40 "Acts 15:36-40 - Paul and Barnabas's Dispute")
* [Philemon 1:24](/philemon/1-24 "Philemon 1:24 - Mark, My Fellow Laborer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's request for Mark, set against the backdrop of his impending martyrdom and the desertion of others, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to value and cultivate faithful relationships, recognizing those "Lukes" who stand by us in difficult times. More significantly, it calls us to embody the spirit of reconciliation and offer genuine second chances to those who have stumbled or disappointed us. Just as Paul saw Mark's potential for renewed usefulness, we are encouraged to look beyond past failures and recognize the transformative power of grace in others' lives. This verse also prompts us to consider our own role in ministry: Are we striving to be "profitable" for the Lord's work, diligently developing our gifts and making ourselves available for service? It reminds us that every believer has a valuable contribution to make to the body of Christ, and that our growth and maturity can turn past weaknesses into future strengths for the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "Lukes" in my life—the faithful companions who stand by me, especially in difficult times? How can I cherish and affirm them?**
* **Is there a "Mark" in my life—someone I need to extend grace and a second chance to, recognizing their potential for growth and renewed usefulness?**
* **In what ways am I currently "profitable for the ministry," and how can I further develop my gifts and availability to serve God's purposes?**
* **How does Mark's story of redemption from a past failure to being "profitable" encourage me in my own journey of faith and service?**

### FAQ
**Why was Mark "profitable" to Paul after their earlier disagreement?**

Answer: Mark's profitability stemmed from his spiritual maturity and proven reliability over time. While he had indeed "departed" from Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey ([Acts 15:38](/acts/15-38 "Acts 15:38 - John Mark's Departure")), causing a "sharp disagreement," he evidently grew in faith and commitment. By the time of Paul's imprisonment, Mark had become a trusted and valuable co-worker, as evidenced by Paul's earlier commendation of him in [Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin"). This demonstrates Paul's capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation, and his recognition that God can redeem past failures for future usefulness in His service. Mark's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of grace and the possibility of second chances in Christian ministry.

**What specific kind of "ministry" did Paul need Mark for?**

Answer: The Greek word `diakonía` (ministry) is broad, encompassing various forms of service. In Paul's context as an imprisoned apostle, Mark's "profitability" likely included practical assistance, such as running errands, delivering messages, providing personal care, or assisting with writing and administrative tasks. Given Paul's focus on the Gospel, Mark might also have been useful in evangelism, teaching, or offering support to the local Christian community in Rome. The term signifies any form of helpful service that would advance Paul's apostolic mission and alleviate his burdens during his final imprisonment. It highlights the collaborative nature of ministry, where even an apostle like Paul relied on the diverse gifts and practical support of his co-workers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Paul's request for Mark, a once-faltering disciple now deemed "profitable for the ministry," beautifully foreshadows and reflects the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul extended grace and a second chance to Mark, so too does Christ relentlessly pursue and restore those who have stumbled or fallen short. Peter's denial of Christ, followed by his tender restoration by the resurrected Lord on the seashore ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")), serves as a profound example of this divine reconciliation. Furthermore, Mark's transformation into a "profitable" servant points to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, who gifts and equips all believers for service within the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")). Christ Himself came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His ultimate act of service on the cross makes it possible for us, once unprofitable due to sin, to be reconciled to God and made "vessels for noble use, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" ([2 Timothy 2:21](/2_timothy/2-21 "2 Timothy 2:21 - A Vessel for Noble Use")). Thus, Mark's story is a microcosm of the Gospel: God's grace transforms us from our past failures into useful instruments for His eternal purposes, all through the finished work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 12:12

And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Acts 12:25

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

2 Timothy 1:15

¶ This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Colossians 4:14

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Acts 15:39

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Colossians 4:10

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)