Paul now concludes his second pastoral latter to Timothy, his spiritual son and appointed leader of the Ephesian church, planted during their second missionary journey through the region.
The setting for the apostle’s outreach has Paul imprisoned in Rome, abandoned by fellow missionaries that feared their own life, as the apostle faced another trial before Nero, which would lead to his death around A.D. 67.
“17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 Timothy 4:17)
After he was deserted by everyone within his ministry, Paul gives praise to the Lord, who stood with him through persecution and trials. It was His word that Paul was driven to preach, not to the Jews, his own blood, it was the Gentiles that turned out to be the apostle’s mission field..
Paul also gives praises to God for His favor, and for keeping the apostle our of the proverbial mouth of lions, a means of execution in those days, as well as free him from the grasp of the enemy.
“18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:18)
By faith, Paul rests his hopes on the Lord and His eternal promise, that all those who believe in the Son of God and repent of their sins will be given new life, from which flow joy and peace, for all eternity. The apostle’s confidence in Yahweh’s promise was at the root of his courage, on the eve of his death as a martyr for Christ.
“19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.” (2 Timothy 4:19-20)
Paul sends greetings to both Priscilla and Aquila, fellow laborers in Christ from Corinth, as well as the house of Onesiphorus, a fallen missionary whose works were many. The apostle also greets Erastus, Corinth’s director of public works and fellow laborer who accompanied Timothy through Macedonia years earlier.
The apostle also mentions the Ephesian Trophimus, one of eight missionaries, who accompanied Paul near the end of his 3rd missionary journey through Macedonia. Together they traveled to Asia, then by sea until Jerusalem.
“21 Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:21-22)
Paul insisted Timothy visit with him in Rome as soon as possible, before navigation was suspended for the duration of the winter. With him in Rome were Pudens, the Roman senator and his wife Claudia, Linus, the eventual Bishop of Rome, and Eubulus, all fellow laborers in Christ.
As he signs off what would turn out to be his last letter to Timothy, Paul sees the finish line getting closer. Faced with his own mortality, the apostle to the Gentiles continues to proclaim Jesus as Lord, and Savior of sinners, onto his death shortly after he wrote this epistle… Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
