2 Timothy 4:17

KJV

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding {G1161} the Lord {G2962} stood {G3936} with me {G3427}, and {G2532} strengthened {G1743} me {G3165}; that {G2443} by {G1223} me {G1700} the preaching {G2782} might be fully known {G4135}, and {G2532} that all {G3956} the Gentiles {G1484} might hear {G191}: and {G2532} I was delivered {G4506} out of {G1537} the mouth {G4750} of the lion {G3023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the Lord stood by me and gave me power to proclaim the full message for all the Goyim to hear, and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

American Standard Version

But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul, facing imminent execution and abandoned by human companions, testifies to the unwavering presence and empowering strength of the Lord. He recounts how God stood with him, not only sustaining him through profound peril—symbolized by deliverance "out of the mouth of the lion"—but also ensuring that his suffering served a divine purpose: the full proclamation of the gospel to all the Gentiles. This verse powerfully encapsulates Paul's steadfast faith, God's sovereign hand in adversity, and the ultimate triumph of the gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's poignant lament in [2 Timothy 4:16](/2_timothy/4-16 "Paul's First Defense and Abandonment") where he describes being forsaken by everyone at his first defense, with "no man stood with me." Verse [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "The Lord's Faithfulness to Paul") presents a stark, yet glorious, contrast to this human abandonment. The adversative "Notwithstanding" (G1161, *dé*) powerfully shifts the focus from human failure to divine faithfulness, establishing the Lord's active presence and intervention as the central theme. This passage forms part of Paul's final instructions and reflections to Timothy, emphasizing perseverance, faithfulness, and the enduring power of the gospel even in the face of death, as seen throughout [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/1 "The Second Letter to Timothy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing from Roman imprisonment, likely during his second and final incarceration under Emperor Nero, around 66-68 AD. This was a period of intense persecution for Christians, particularly after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, for which Nero scapegoated them. Paul's "first defense" (mentioned in [2 Timothy 4:16](/2_timothy/4-16 "Paul's First Defense")) likely refers to an initial hearing or preliminary trial, where the danger of conviction was high, and public support was non-existent. The imagery of being "delivered out of the mouth of the lion" could allude to literal exposure to wild beasts in the Roman arena (a common form of execution for Christians), or more broadly, to deliverance from the tyrannical power of Nero, often metaphorically referred to as a "lion" due to his ferocity and absolute authority. The cultural expectation was that a condemned prisoner would face a gruesome end, making Paul's testimony of divine deliverance all the more remarkable.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "The Lord's Faithfulness to Paul") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/1 "The Second Letter to Timothy"). Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Presence**, asserting that God remains steadfast even when human support fails, a comforting truth for Timothy facing his own challenges. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereign Purpose in Suffering**, demonstrating that Paul's trials were not arbitrary but served the greater aim of gospel proclamation, specifically to the [Gentiles](/romans/11-13 "Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles"). This aligns with Paul's consistent understanding of his suffering as a means to advance the kingdom, as he articulates in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Deliverance and Protection**, whether literal or figurative, affirming God's power to rescue His servants from overwhelming peril, echoing the psalmist's cries for deliverance from enemies, as in [Psalm 22:21](/psalm/22-21 "Deliverance from the Lion's Mouth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strengthened (Greek, _endynamóō_):** From *en* (in) and *dynamóō* (to make strong), this verb means "to empower" or "to make strong." It signifies more than just a feeling of inner resolve; it points to a divine impartation of active, potent power, enabling Paul to endure and fulfill his mission despite his circumstances. This is the source of dynamic ability, not human resilience alone.
* **preaching (Greek, _kḗrygma_):** This term refers to a "proclamation," specifically the authoritative declaration of the gospel message. It encompasses the content of the message itself—the good news of Christ—and the act of publicly announcing it. Paul's aim was not merely to survive, but for the *kḗrygma* to be fully known, indicating its public and widespread dissemination.
* **delivered (Greek, _rhýomai_):** This verb means "to rush or draw (for oneself)," implying a rescue or deliverance. It conveys the idea of being snatched away from danger or harm, emphasizing a powerful, decisive intervention by God to save from imminent peril. It suggests a rescue from a threatening force or situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;"**: This opening clause establishes a powerful contrast to Paul's previous statement of human abandonment. The "Lord" (G2962, *kýrios*), signifying supreme authority, actively "stood with" Paul (G3936, *parístēmi* - to stand beside, aid), indicating His unwavering presence and support. This presence was not passive; it was accompanied by an empowering act, as the Lord "strengthened" Paul (G1743, *endynamóō*), infusing him with divine power to endure and fulfill his calling.
* **"that by me the preaching might be fully known,"**: This phrase introduces the divine purpose behind the Lord's intervention. Paul's deliverance and strengthening were not merely for his personal comfort or survival, but for the advancement of the gospel. The "preaching" (G2782, *kḗrygma*) was to be "fully known" (G4135, *plērophoréō* - to carry out fully, completely assure), implying its complete and public proclamation, ensuring its widespread dissemination and impact through Paul's continued ministry.
* **"and that all the Gentiles might hear:"**: This second purpose clause specifies the intended audience for the fully known preaching. The gospel was to reach "all the Gentiles" (G1484, *éthnos* - foreign, non-Jewish people), highlighting Paul's unique apostolic calling to the non-Jewish world. God's intervention in Paul's life directly facilitated the global reach of the gospel, ensuring that this crucial segment of humanity would have the opportunity to hear and respond.
* **"and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."**: This concluding clause describes the nature of Paul's peril and God's rescue. The "mouth of the lion" (G4750, *stóma* and G3023, *léōn*) is a vivid metaphor for extreme, life-threatening danger. While interpretations vary—from a literal beast in the arena, to a powerful human adversary like Nero, or even a spiritual foe like Satan—it universally conveys a situation from which Paul was miraculously "delivered" (G4506, *rhýomai*), emphasizing God's powerful and decisive rescue from overwhelming evil or death.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor** in the phrase "delivered out of the mouth of the lion." This vivid imagery evokes a sense of extreme peril and imminent death, drawing on Old Testament parallels (e.g., [Daniel 6:22](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel in the Lion's Den") or [Psalm 22:21](/psalm/22-21 "Deliverance from the Lion's Mouth")). It powerfully communicates the gravity of Paul's situation and the miraculous nature of God's intervention. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, particularly with the preceding verse. Paul juxtaposes human abandonment ("no man stood with me") with divine faithfulness ("the Lord stood with me"), highlighting the profound difference between earthly and heavenly support. Finally, **Purpose Clauses** ("that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear") clearly articulate the teleological nature of God's actions, demonstrating that His intervention was not random but strategically aimed at the advancement of His kingdom and the global spread of the gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's unfailing faithfulness, especially in moments of extreme human vulnerability and abandonment. Paul's experience underscores that divine presence is not contingent on human loyalty or favorable circumstances, but is a sovereign act of grace and commitment. God's strengthening and deliverance are always purposeful, serving His redemptive plan to make the gospel known to all nations. This demonstrates that even the deepest personal suffering can be integrated into God's grand design for global evangelization, transforming trials into platforms for divine revelation and missionary outreach. It reassures believers that their ultimate security and purpose rest in God's hands, not in the fluctuating support of others.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 27:10](/psalm/27-10 "When My Father and Mother Forsake Me")
* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord Stands with Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's testimony in [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "The Lord's Faithfulness to Paul") offers profound encouragement for believers navigating their own seasons of isolation, adversity, or spiritual warfare. It reminds us that even when human support systems fail, or we feel utterly alone in our struggles, the Lord Himself remains our constant companion and source of strength. Our trials, far from being meaningless, can become powerful conduits for God's purposes, enabling the gospel to reach new ears or our testimony to shine brighter. This verse challenges us to reframe our difficulties, not as hindrances, but as potential platforms for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. It calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He is capable of delivering us from any "lion's mouth" that threatens our faith or mission, and that His ultimate goal is always the spread of His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most abandoned or alone, and how can Paul's experience encourage you to seek the Lord's presence and strength in those moments?**
* **How might God be using your current difficulties or challenges to further His purposes or to make His "preaching fully known" through your life and testimony?**
* **What "mouth of the lion" are you facing, and how can you trust in God's power to deliver you, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, for His glory?**

### FAQ
**What does "delivered out of the mouth of the lion" literally mean?**

Answer: While some commentators have speculated about a literal encounter with a wild beast in a Roman arena, or a specific escape from a tyrannical ruler like Emperor Nero (who was often depicted as a lion or a beast), the phrase is most commonly understood as a powerful **metaphor** for deliverance from extreme, life-threatening danger or a formidable adversary. Paul uses similar animalistic imagery elsewhere to describe opposition (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:32](/1_corinthians/15-32 "Fighting with Beasts at Ephesus")). Given the context of his trial and imminent execution, it likely refers to a profound deliverance from a situation that would have otherwise led to his death or silenced his ministry, allowing him to continue proclaiming the gospel. It could also carry a spiritual dimension, symbolizing deliverance from the power of Satan, who is described as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "The Devil as a Roaring Lion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's experience in [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "The Lord's Faithfulness to Paul") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord "stood with" Paul and "strengthened" him, Christ promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")). Paul's ability to endure and proclaim the gospel was not of his own strength, but through the empowering presence of the risen Christ, who enables believers to "do all things through Christ who strengthens" them ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Strength Through Christ")). Furthermore, Paul's deliverance "out of the mouth of the lion" foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness and death. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, entered the "lion's mouth" of sin and death on the cross, only to be resurrected, thereby delivering all who believe from the ultimate spiritual adversary, Satan ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). Paul's suffering and deliverance served the purpose "that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear," directly mirroring Christ's mission to establish a new covenant and send His Spirit to empower His followers to spread the gospel to "all nations" ([Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed to All Nations")). Thus, Paul's personal testimony becomes a powerful microcosm of the greater redemptive work of Christ, whose suffering and victory secure the global proclamation of the gospel and the deliverance of His people.

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

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Psalms 22:21

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

1 Samuel 17:37

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Philippians 1:12

¶ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Philippians 1:14

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: