2Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

‘At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.’ This refers to Paul’s first apology or defence of the gospel either at some place where Alexander opposed the gospel (4:15) or to his first defence before Nero when he could not find any man to plead his cause.

‘Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.’ When no man stood with Paul, the Lord did. He delivered Paul from this particular trouble and blessed his ministry among the Gentiles.

‘Mouth of the lion’ – This could mean that Paul claimed his right as a Roman citizen not to meet death by lions in the amphitheatre, or it could be figurative of deliverance from some great danger. Such an expression was proverbial, denoting deliverance from imminent danger.

‘And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.’ This is the 7th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:18) and is fulfilled.