Paul had traveled into Macedonia, but he urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus. The word “command” (parangellō) is a strong word calling for stern orders. It was used to describe Jesus’ orders to the Twelve in Matt 10:5; Mark 6:8 and the orders of the Sanhedrin prohibiting apostolic preaching in Acts 4:18. The term “urged” (parakaleō) may indicate that Timothy was reluctant to stay in Ephesus, but the word may have served equally well to give Timothy authorization before the Ephesian congregation.
