2 Timothy 4:21

KJV

Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

Do thy diligence {G4704} to come {G2064} before {G4253} winter {G5494}. Eubulus {G2103} greeteth {G782} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} Pudens {G4227}, and {G2532} Linus {G3044}, and {G2532} Claudia {G2803}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the brethren {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

Make every effort to come to me before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

American Standard Version

Give diligence to come before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This poignant verse, found at the very close of Paul's final epistle, conveys an urgent personal request from the imprisoned Apostle to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy, to hasten his journey to Rome before the onset of winter. Following this plea, Paul includes warm greetings from specific individuals—Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia—and "all the brethren," offering a tender glimpse into the vital network of Christian fellowship and mutual support that sustained believers amidst the trials of early ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the concluding remarks of [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/4 "2 Timothy 4 - Paul's Final Charge"), Paul's last known letter, penned from a Roman prison likely just prior to his martyrdom. The entire chapter pulsates with a profound sense of urgency and finality. Paul has just delivered a solemn charge to Timothy to [preach the word, be ready in season and out of season](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Paul's Charge to Preach"), and to [fulfill his ministry](/2_timothy/4-5 "2 Timothy 4:5 - Fulfill Your Ministry") even as Paul himself faces his imminent departure (Paul declares, [“I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come”](/2_timothy/4-6 "2 Timothy 4:6 - Paul's Departure")). The request for Timothy to come, along with the mention of various individuals, underscores Paul's deep personal longing for companionship and support in his final days, contrasting with the desertion he experienced from some others mentioned earlier in the chapter (e.g., [Demas, who loved this present world](/2_timothy/4-10 "2 Timothy 4:10 - Demas's Departure")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's imprisonment in Rome, likely under Nero, was severe, with limited freedoms. Travel in the ancient world, especially during winter, was perilous and often impossible. Sea voyages were particularly dangerous due to storms and unpredictable weather, making Paul's plea to "come before winter" a practical necessity rather than a mere preference. Land travel was also significantly hampered by snow, ice, and impassable roads. The mention of specific individuals like Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia, along with "all the brethren," reflects the vibrant, though often underground, Christian community in Rome. These names, likely prominent members, indicate the existence of a network of believers who supported Paul during his incarceration, providing a sense of family and solidarity in a hostile environment, much like the community described in [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Greetings to the Roman Church").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the **urgency of ministry and personal connection**, emphasizing Paul's fervent desire for Timothy's presence, not just for practical reasons but for spiritual and emotional support in his final hours. This deep bond between mentor and disciple is a recurring motif, mirroring Paul's fatherly affection for Timothy throughout the letter. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Christian fellowship and mutual support**, showcasing the vital role of community even in the face of persecution. The greetings from "all the brethren" underscore the reality of the universal church, where believers are interconnected and called to bear one another's burdens, as exhorted in [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens"). Lastly, the practical instruction regarding winter travel subtly points to the **realities and practicalities of incarnational ministry**, reminding us that spiritual work is often intertwined with mundane logistical considerations and the limitations of the physical world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **diligence (Greek, _spoudázō'_):** From G4704, this verb means "to use speed, to make effort, be prompt or earnest." Paul is not merely suggesting Timothy come, but earnestly urging him to "make haste," "exert himself," or "be diligent" in his efforts to arrive. It conveys a strong sense of urgency and Paul's fervent desire for a swift reunion.
* **winter (Greek, _cheimṓn'_):** From G5494, this word refers to a storm (as pouring rain) and, by implication, the rainy season or winter. Its inclusion highlights the practical and dangerous realities of ancient travel. Paul's request is time-sensitive, recognizing that the onset of winter would make Timothy's journey, especially by sea, exceedingly difficult or impossible due to severe weather conditions.
* **greeteth (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** From G782, this verb means "to enfold in the arms, to salute, or to welcome." It signifies a warm, affectionate greeting, more than a mere formality. The use of this word emphasizes the genuine affection and solidarity among the believers in Rome, extending their love and support to Timothy through Paul's letter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do thy diligence to come before winter."**: This is Paul's direct, urgent, and personal appeal to Timothy. The imperative "Do thy diligence" (spoudason) conveys a strong sense of urgency, indicating Paul's deep longing for Timothy's presence. The phrase "before winter" highlights the practical constraints of travel in the ancient world, where harsh weather could render journeys impossible, underscoring the time-sensitive nature of Paul's request.
* **"Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren."**: This segment shifts from Paul's personal plea to a collective expression of Christian fellowship. The specific naming of individuals—Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia—underscores the personal connections and the vibrant community that surrounded Paul even in his imprisonment. The addition of "and all the brethren" broadens the scope, indicating that the entire local Christian community in Rome extends its warm greetings and solidarity to Timothy, reinforcing the bonds of spiritual kinship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** through the listing of specific names (Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia), which serves to personalize the greetings and demonstrate the breadth of the Christian community in Rome. The urgent tone of Paul's opening plea, "Do thy diligence to come before winter," creates a sense of **Pathos**, appealing to Timothy's affection and sense of duty by highlighting Paul's vulnerable situation and pressing need for companionship. The entire verse functions as a **Personal Postscript**, a common feature in ancient letters, adding a warm, human touch to a letter that is otherwise deeply theological and instructional. The contrast between Paul's impending death and the ongoing fellowship of believers also subtly employs **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the enduring nature of the church community despite individual suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is rich with theological implications, underscoring the profound importance of Christian fellowship and the practical outworking of love within the body of Christ. Paul's urgent request for Timothy's presence highlights the human need for companionship and support, even for a spiritual giant facing martyrdom. It reminds us that ministry is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one, sustained by mutual encouragement and practical assistance. The greetings from the Roman believers affirm the reality of the church as a family, bound by spiritual ties that transcend geographical distance and challenging circumstances. This communal aspect reflects the New Testament emphasis on the church as the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ"), where each member is vital and interconnected.

* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Love One Another with Brotherly Affection")
* [Philippians 2:19-20](/philippians/2-19-20 "Philippians 2:19-20 - Paul's Desire to Send Timothy")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's final words to Timothy in this verse offer a powerful reminder that even in the most profound spiritual battles, human connection and practical support are indispensable. We are called to cultivate genuine, loving relationships within the Christian community, recognizing that we are interdependent members of the body of Christ. This means actively seeking to understand and meet the needs of our brothers and sisters, especially those facing hardship, isolation, or the end of their earthly journey. Just as Paul urged diligence in Timothy's travel, we too should be diligent in our responsiveness to the needs of others, not allowing practical obstacles or personal convenience to hinder our acts of love and service. Furthermore, the greetings from the Roman believers challenge us to foster a culture of mutual encouragement and solidarity, ensuring that no one feels alone in their faith journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I "do my diligence" to support a fellow believer who is facing a difficult season or urgent need?**
* **How effectively am I cultivating and cherishing the relationships within my Christian community, and am I actively extending greetings and encouragement to "all the brethren"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to overcome logistical or personal barriers that might prevent me from serving or connecting with others in need?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so urgent about Timothy coming "before winter"?**

Answer: Paul's urgency was a practical necessity due to the severe limitations and dangers of ancient travel. During winter, sea voyages were often suspended or extremely hazardous because of violent storms, making shipwrecks common. Land routes could also become impassable due to snow, ice, and flooding. Paul, imprisoned and aware of his impending execution (as indicated in [2 Timothy 4:6-8](/2_timothy/4-6-8 "2 Timothy 4:6-8 - Paul's Farewell and Hope")), desperately desired to see Timothy one last time. Delaying until after winter might mean they would never reunite. This practical concern highlights that even spiritual giants like Paul operated within the realities of their physical world.

**Who are Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: These individuals were likely prominent members of the Christian community in Rome who were close to Paul during his final imprisonment. While the Bible provides limited information about them beyond their names here, their inclusion indicates their presence and solidarity with Paul. Tradition suggests that Linus may have been the first bishop of Rome after Peter and Paul, though this is not explicitly stated in Scripture. Their names signify the vibrant, diverse, and interconnected network of believers who supported one another during a time of intense persecution, embodying the spirit of Christian fellowship (as seen in [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Greetings to the Roman Church"), where Paul also lists many individuals).

**What is the significance of these personal greetings in Paul's final letter?**

Answer: The personal greetings serve several significant purposes. Firstly, they underscore the deep personal bonds Paul shared with his fellow believers, even in his final moments. Despite his suffering, Paul remained connected to the Christian family. Secondly, they demonstrate the reality of Christian fellowship and mutual support within the early church. These individuals were likely ministering to Paul in prison, and their greetings to Timothy reinforce the idea of a shared spiritual family. Thirdly, they provide a tangible link between Paul, Timothy, and the broader Roman church, emphasizing the unity of the body of Christ. It reminds us that ministry is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one, sustained by mutual love and encouragement, a theme Paul often emphasized (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:26-27](/1_corinthians/12-26-27 "1 Corinthians 12:26-27 - The Body of Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Timothy 4:21 is a personal and practical instruction, it beautifully reflects the Christ-centered nature of Christian community and service. Paul's earnest plea for Timothy's presence before winter, driven by love and urgency, mirrors the Lord Jesus' own deep care for His disciples and His desire for intimate fellowship, as expressed in His High Priestly Prayer for their unity (see [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). The diligence Paul requests from Timothy is a reflection of the diligence and faithfulness Christ exemplified in His earthly ministry, always pressing forward to accomplish the Father's will, even unto death (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and "all the brethren" point to the beautiful reality of the church as the body of Christ, where individual members are bound together by their common Lord. This fellowship is a direct result of Christ's reconciling work, breaking down barriers and creating one new humanity (as taught in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, the hope of reunion, whether in this life or the next, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the glorious return of Christ, when all believers will be gathered to Him forever (see [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return")). Thus, even in a simple farewell, we glimpse the profound relational and communal truths established and sustained by Christ Himself.

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

2 Timothy 4:9

¶ Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

Philippians 4:22

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

2 John 1:13

The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:4

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

2 Timothy 4:13

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring [with thee], and the books, [but] especially the parchments.

1 Corinthians 16:20

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

Romans 16:21

¶ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.