John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me .] From Ephesus, where Timothy was, to Rome, where the apostle was; and this request did not arise purely from a desire of seeing Timothy, as in ( 2 Timothy 1:4) but rather because he had some things to say to him, relating to the care of the churches and the good of the interest of Christ, which he chose not to write with ink and paper; and he desires the rather that he would use diligence, and hasten his coming to him; partly because winter was coming on, when travelling would not be so safe and comfortable, ( 2 Timothy 4:21) and partly because the time of his death was at hand, ( 2 Timothy 4:7) and also because he was almost alone.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9-13 - The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration yet he would have his books. As long as we live, we must still learn The apostles did not neglect human means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; an let us seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.
Greek Textus Receptus
σπουδασον 4704 5657 V-AAM-2S ελθειν 2064 5629 V-2AAN προς 4314 PREP με 3165 P-1AS ταχεως 5030 ADV
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. Do thy diligence (spoudason). Earnestly endeavor. See on chapter ii. 15, and comp. chapter i. 3. Do diligence and give diligence (2 Pet. i. 10) are old English phrases. So Chaucer:"And night and day dide ever his diligence Hir for to please." Manciple's T. 141.
"And ech of hem doth al his diligence To doon unto the feste reverence." Clerke's T. 195
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:9 {Shortly} (tacews). In verse #21 he more definitely says "before winter." Apparently the trial might drag on through its various stages.
