The mention of being “rescued from the lion’s mouth” in the previous verse leads to this general statement of assurance that the Lord’s rescuing activity is true not only in the past but is also true for the future: he will rescue Paul from every evil (literally “every evil deed”). For evil see 1 Tim 6.4 and 2 Tim 3.13. This may be interpreted subjectively to mean that Paul will be delivered from doing anything evil. On the other hand it may be taken objectively to mean that no evil force has the power to destroy Paul. Taken in this manner the meaning is similar to that of the petition in the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil (or, from the power of the Evil One).”

A subsequent future event, and perhaps a consequence of being rescued from the power of evil, is Paul’s being “saved” for Christ’s heavenly kingdom. For save see 1 Tim 1.15. In the present context save has eschatological overtones and includes the elements of being kept safe from eternal judgment and death, and preserved for eternal life. It may also be expressed as “take me safely” (Good News Translation) or “bring me safely” (Contemporary English Version).

The word for heavenly can literally be translated “above the sky,” hence “heavenly,” “celestial.” Heavenly kingdom is another way of speaking about heaven but focusing on the fact that it is Christ the Lord who has full power and authority there. For kingdom see further on 2 Tim 4.1. Another translation model for his heavenly kingdom is “into heaven, where he rules (as king).”

Such a hope and expectation of a future experience of complete deliverance leads to exalted praise, hence the doxology To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. This is the last part of the doxology found in 1 Tim 1.17; the translator should therefore refer to the discussion there. For glory see further comments on “glorious” in 1 Tim 1.11.

Alternative translation models for this verse are:
• The Lord (or, Christ) will not let any evil thing hurt me, and he will bring me safely into heaven, where he rules (or, where he is king). May people praise him forever. So be it.

Or:
• … May people unceasingly say to him, “You are wonderful.” Amen!

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .