Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, November 26th, 2024
the Week of Christ the King / Proper 29 / Ordinary 34
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Read the Bible

King James Version

2 Timothy 4:16

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Afflictions and Adversities;   Cowardice;   Friendship;   Intercession;   Meekness;   Minister, Christian;   Paul;   Persecution;   Prisoners;   Thompson Chain Reference - Friendship-Friendlessness;   Loneliness;   Meekness;   Meekness-Retaliation;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Afflictions Made Beneficial;   Forgiveness of Injuries;   Prayer, Intercessory;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Paul;   Timothy, letters to;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Phygellus;   Timothy, the Second Epistle to;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Ascension;   2 Timothy;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Answer;   Paul the Apostle;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Answer;   Justice;   Lion;   Paul;   Timothy and Titus Epistles to;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Onesiph'orus;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Timotheus;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Eubulus;   Pastoral Epistles, the;   Paul, the Apostle;   Persecution;  

Devotionals:

- Daily Light on the Daily Path - Devotion for May 14;   Every Day Light - Devotion for May 14;   My Utmost for His Highest - Devotion for April 22;  

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
The first time I defended myself, no one helped me. Everyone left me. I pray that God will forgive them.
Revised Standard Version
At my first defense no one took my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
At my fyrst answerynge no man assissted me but all forsoke me. I praye God that it maye not be layde to their charges:
Hebrew Names Version
At my first defense, no one took my part, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
New American Standard Bible
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
New Century Version
The first time I defended myself, no one helped me; everyone left me. May they be forgiven.
Update Bible Version
At my first defense no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.
Webster's Bible Translation
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.
English Standard Version
At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!
World English Bible
At my first defense, no one took my part, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
At my first defence no man was with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge?
Weymouth's New Testament
At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
In my firste defence no man helpide me, but alle forsoken me; be it not arettid to hem.
English Revised Version
At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.
Berean Standard Bible
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
Contemporary English Version
When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won't be held against them.
Amplified Bible
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
American Standard Version
At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.
Bible in Basic English
At my first meeting with my judges, no one took my part, but all went away from me. May it not be put to their account.
Complete Jewish Bible
The first time I had to present my defense, no one stood by me; everyone deserted me — may it not be counted against them.
Darby Translation
At my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them.
International Standard Version
At my first trial no one came to my defense. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be held against them!Acts 7:60; 2 Timothy 1:15;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
In the first defence no man was with me, but all of them left me. May this not be reckoned to them !
Murdock Translation
At my first defence, no one was with me, but they all forsook me. Let not this be reckoned to them.
King James Version (1611)
At my first answere no man stood with mee, but all men forsooke mee: I pray God that it may not bee laid to their charge.
New Living Translation
The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.
New Life Bible
At my first trial no one helped me. Everyone left me. I hope this will not be held against them.
New Revised Standard
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
Geneva Bible (1587)
At my first answering no man assisted me, but all forsooke me: I pray God, that it may not be laide to their charge.
George Lamsa Translation
When I first wrote you, there was no one with me, for all had forsaken me: Do not hold this against them.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
In my first defence, no man, came in to help me, but, all, forsook me, - unto them, may it not be reckoned! -
Douay-Rheims Bible
At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge!
Bishop's Bible (1568)
At my first aunsweryng, no man assisted me, but all forsoke me, [I pray God] yt it may not be layde to their charges:
Good News Translation
No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. May God not count it against them!
Christian Standard Bible®
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
Lexham English Bible
At my first defense, no one came to my aid, but they all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
Literal Translation
In my first defense no one was beside me, but all deserted me. May it not be reckoned to them.
Young's Literal Translation
in my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me, (may it not be reckoned to them!)
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
In my first answerynge no man assisted me, but all forsoke me. I praye God that it be not layed to their charges.
Mace New Testament (1729)
At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.
THE MESSAGE
At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter—the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God's looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
New English Translation
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it.
New King James Version
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
Simplified Cowboy Version
When I was on public display against him, nobody stood up and helped me. The silence of the supporters hurt worse than anything, but I pray nothing is held against them. Fear drives people to silence, but I will not be silent.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
Legacy Standard Bible
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

Contextual Overview

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 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. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

answer: Acts 22:1, Acts 25:16, 1 Corinthians 9:3, 2 Corinthians 7:11, Philippians 1:7, Philippians 1:17, 1 Peter 3:15,*Gr.

no: 2 Timothy 4:10, 2 Timothy 1:15, Psalms 31:11-13, Mark 14:50, John 16:32

I pray: Acts 7:60

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:12 - ladder 2 Chronicles 24:22 - The Lord Job 6:21 - ye see Job 19:13 - put my brethren Psalms 27:10 - the Lord Psalms 69:20 - but there Psalms 94:17 - Unless Psalms 142:4 - but there was Proverbs 25:19 - General Proverbs 29:25 - fear Ecclesiastes 4:1 - they had Jeremiah 15:20 - for Daniel 6:20 - able Matthew 10:18 - be Matthew 14:30 - when Matthew 24:10 - shall many Matthew 26:56 - Then Mark 4:17 - when Mark 14:27 - All Luke 21:15 - which Acts 9:15 - and kings Acts 25:21 - had Acts 26:17 - Delivering Acts 27:24 - thou Romans 5:4 - and experience Romans 8:35 - shall tribulation Philippians 2:21 - all 2 Timothy 1:12 - the which

Cross-References

Genesis 3:8
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 4:14
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
Exodus 20:18
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
2 Kings 13:23
And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.
2 Kings 24:20
For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
Job 1:12
And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord .
Job 2:7
So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord , and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
Job 20:17
He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.
Psalms 5:11
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Psalms 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

At my first answer no man stood with me,.... Meaning, that when he made his first defence against the charges laid unto him in one of the courts of judicature in Rome, no man appeared in his cause, to speak to his character, to be a witness for him, or plead his cause:

but all men forsook me; all his friends, all that came with him from Judea, or from Asia; see 2 Timothy 1:15 being timorous of coming into danger, and of the loss of their lives; as the disciples of Christ were, when he was apprehended, who all at that time forsook him and fled:

[I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge; that this sin may not be imputed to them, or they be punished for it, but that it might be pardoned; so differently does he express himself on the account of these, than on the account of the coppersmith; he sinning through malice, wilfully and obstinately, these through surprise, temptation, and weakness.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

At my first answer - Greek, “apology (ἀπολογία apologia), plea, or defense.” This evidently refers to some trial which he had had before the Roman emperor. He speaks of a first trial of this kind; but whether it was on some former occasion, and he had been released and permitted again to go abroad, or whether it was a trial which he had already had during his second imprisonment, it is not easy to determine. The former is the most natural supposition; for, if he had had a trial during his present imprisonment, it is difficult to see why he was still held as a prisoner. See this point examined in the introduction, section 1.

No man stood with me - Paul had many friends in Rome (2 Timothy 4:21; compare Romans 16:0); but it seems that they did not wish to appear as such when he was put on trial for his life. They were doubtless afraid that they would be identified with him, and would endanger their own lives. It should be said that some of the friends of the apostle, mentioned in Romans 16:0, and who were there when that Epistle was written, may have died before the apostle arrived there, or, in the trials and persecutions to which they were exposed, may have left the city. Still, it is remarkable that those who were there should have all left him on so trying an occasion. But to forsake a friend in the day of calamity is not uncommon, and Paul experienced what thousands before him and since have done. Thus, Job was forsaken by friends and kindred in the day of his trials; see his pathetic description in Job 19:13-17;

He hath put my brethren far from me,

And mine acquaintance verily are estranged from me.

My kinsfolk have failed,

And my familiar friends have forgotten me.

They that dwell in my house, and my maids,

Count me for a stranger.

I am an alien in their sight.

I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I entreated him with my mouth.

My breath is strange to my wife.

Though I entreated for the children’s sake of mine own body.

Thus, the Psalmist was forsaken by his friends in the time of calamity; Psalms 35:12-16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 41:9; Psalms 55:12. And thus the Saviour was forsaken in his trials; Matthew 26:56; compare, for illustration, Zechariah 13:6. The world is full of instances in which those who have been overtaken by overwhelming calamities, have been forsaken by professed friends, and have been left to suffer alone. This has arisen, partly from the circumstance that many sincere friends are timid, and their courage fails them when their attachment for another would expose them to peril; but more commonly from the circumstance that there is much professed friendship in the world which is false, and that calamity becomes a test of it which it cannot abide. There is professed friendship which is caused by wealth Proverbs 14:20; Proverbs 19:4; there is that which is cherished for those in elevated and fashionable circles; there is that which is formed for beauty of person, or graceful manners, rather than for the solid virtues of the heart; there is that which is created in the sunshine of life - the affection of those “swallow friends; who retire in the winter, and return in the spring.” Compare the concluding remarks on the book of Job. Such friendship is always tested by calamity; and when affliction comes, they who in the days of prosperity were surrounded by many flatterers and admirers, are surprised to find how few there were among them who truly loved them.

“In the wind and tempest of his frown,

Distinction, with a broad and powerful fan,

Puffing at all, winnows the light away;

And what hath mass or matter by itself,

Lies, rich in virtue and unmingled.”

Troilus and Cressida.

So common has this been - so little confidence can be placed in professed friends in time of adversity, that we are sometimes disposed to believe that there is more truth than fancy in the representation of the poet when he says:

“And what is friendship but a name,

A charm that lulls to sleep;

A shade that follows wealth or fame.

But leaves the wretch to weep?”

Yet there is true friendship in the world. It existed between Damon and Pythias, and its power and beauty were still more strikingly illustrated in the warm affection of David and Jonathan. In the trials of David - though raised from the condition of a shepherd boy - and though having no powerful friends at court, the son of Saul never forsook him, and never gave him occasion to suspect the sincerity or the depth of his affection. With what exquisite beauty he sang of that attachment when Jonathan was dead!

“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan.

Very pleasant hast thou been unto me:

Thy love to me was wonderful,

Passing the love of women.”

2 Samuel 1:26

True friendship, founded on sincere love, so rare, so difficult to be found, so little known among the gay and the great, is one of the richest of Heaven’s blessings to man, and when enjoyed, should be regarded as more than a compensation for all of show, and splendor, and flattery that wealth can obtain.

“Though choice of follies fasten on the great,

None clings more obstinate, than fancy fond.

That sacred friendship is their easy prey;

Caught by the wafture of a golden lure,

Or fascination of a high-born smile.

Their smiles, the great, and the coquette, throw out.

For other’s hearts, tenacious of their own,

And we no less of ours, when such the bait,

Ye fortune’s cofferers? ye powers of wealth!

Can gold gain friendship! Impudence of hope!

As well mere man an angel might beget.

Love, and love only, is the loan for love.

Lorenzo! pride repress; nor hope to find.

A friend, but what has found a friend in thee.

All like the purchase; few the price will pay,

And this makes friends such miracles below.

A friend is worth all hazards we can run.

Poor is the friendless master of a world;

A world in purchase of a friend is gain.”

Night Thoughts, Night 2

I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge - That it may not be “reckoned,” or imputed to them - λογισθείῃ logistheiē. On the meaning of this word, see the notes on Romans 4:3, and Philemon 1:18. The prayer of the apostle here breathes the very spirit of Christ; see the notes on Luke 23:34; compare Acts 7:60.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 16. At my first answer — Εν τῃ τρωτῃ μου απολογιᾳ· At my first apology; this word properly signifies a defence or vindication. To his is the meaning of what we call the apologies of the primitive fathers; they were vindications or defences of Christianity. It is generally allowed that, when St. Paul had been taken this second time by the Romans, he was examined immediately, and required to account for his conduct; and that, so odious was Christianity through the tyranny of Nero, he could procure no person to plead for him. Nero, who had himself set fire to Rome, charged it on the Christians, and they were in consequence persecuted in the most cruel manner; he caused them to be wrapped up in pitched clothes, and then, chaining them to a stake, he ordered them to be set on fire to give light in the streets after night! Tormenti genus! To this Juvenal appears to allude. Sat. i. v. 155.

Pone Tigellinum, taeda lucebis in illa,

Qua stantes ardent, qui fixo gulture fumant.

"If into rogues omnipotent you rake,

Death is your doom, impaled upon a stake;

Smear'd o'er with wax, and set on blaze to light

The streets, and make a dreadful fire by night."

DRYDEN.


I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. — How much more simple, elegant, and expressive are the apostle's own words: μη αυτοις λογισθειη. let it not be placed to their account! Let them not have to reckon for it with the supreme Judge at the great day!


 
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