• 2 Timothy 4:16
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 16 ᾿Εν In τῇ the πρώτῃ first μου of me ἀπολογίᾳ defense οὐδείς no one μοι to me παρεγένετο, came to be beside, ἀλλὰ but πάντες all με me ἐγκατέλιπον·— they left down in;— μὴ not αὐτοῖς to them λογισθείη·— may it be reckoned;—

  • 2 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:16

      In my first defense: In Roman legal procedure, an accused person might be asked to defend himself during various stages of a trial. Paul is likely referring to an initial defense that he made during his current, second imprisonment in Rome, about 65 C.E. Some have suggested that Paul is referring to a defense that he made during his earlier imprisonment in Rome, about 61 C.E. (Ac 28:16, 30) That conclusion, however, seems unlikely; it raises a question as to why Paul would write to Timothy about events that were already familiar to him.​—Col 1:1, 2; 4:3.

      may they not be held accountable: Paul is apparently referring to the spiritual brothers who failed to support him during his “first defense,” which he describes as a harrowing experience. (2Ti 4:17) However, Paul had learned from Christ how to show forgiveness. Jesus was abandoned by his closest friends when he was arrested. (Mr 14:50) Like Jesus, Paul refused to harbor resentment or ill will against his brothers.​—See study note on 1Co 13:5.