Definition: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Timothy 4:11. It’s a really interesting and somewhat cryptic verse! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about Paul’s future care and responsibility for Luke. He’s essentially entrusting Luke to help him with his ministry – that is, his work of teaching, sharing the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ), and spreading faith. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Only Luke is with me.” This means Paul is leaving behind a significant portion of his life, focusing on one person. “Take Mark, and bring him with thee:” This is where it gets a little more symbolic. Paul is asking Mark (likely a trusted disciple or associate) to carry on his work. He's trusting Mark to continue the ministry after he’s gone. “For he is profitable to me for the ministry.” This is the most important part. Paul believes that Luke’s help will be valuable and beneficial to him personally. "Profitable" means useful or helpful – Luke’s support will contribute to his work. Putting it all together: Paul is saying, “I've entrusted my life and my ministry to you, Mark. I need your help to continue serving God through sharing the Gospel.” He sees Luke as a vital part of his plan for spreading faith. Important Note: This verse isn’t about a literal person. It’s a figurative statement about the enduring legacy of Paul’s ministry and his reliance on others to carry it forward. In essence, it's a declaration of trust and a plea for continued support in his mission. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide context about why this passage is significant (like its role in Paul’s life)?