In his second pastoral letter’s conclusion, Paul is imprisoned in Rome longing for Timothy’s friendship. The apostle felt abandoned, yet called on the name of the Lord to forgive those who oppress him, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, Lord of all.
Paul felt his death near, and rushed the young church leader to visit with him as soon as possible. It’s unfortunate several Christians abandoned the apostle as he faced execution in Rome, and few desired to be associated with the preacher to the Gentiles.
“9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.” (2 Timothy 4:9-10)
Paul urges Timothy to visit with him quickly, after Demas, who was with the apostle during his first imprisonment in Rome had deserted him fearing for his own life, at a time when Christians were persecuted by execution.
The apostle also mentions two more fellow laborers who left Paul in Rome, Crescens, believed to be the eventual bishop of the Galatian church and Titus, a fellow missionary.
“11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 4:11-12)
The apostle Luke was in Rome with Paul during his second imprisonment, around A.D. 67 shortly before the apostle execution.
It was Paul’s request that Timothy should bring the apostle Mark to Rome with him since his company and deeds were pleasing to Paul.
As for Tychicus, a fellow laborer of Paul’s, he was sent back to Ephesus, perhaps carrying this letter to his home town where he would continue to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ and eventually, become a church leader himself nearby the Roman city.
“13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.” (2 Timothy 4:13)
Carpus was a fellow laborer of Paul and Timothy’s. Upon his visit, the young leader was to bring with him books and letters important to Paul, and required to further the apostle’s ministry.
“14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. 16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.” (2 Timothy 4:14-16)
Because he opposed Paul’s teaching, and the true gospel of Jesus Christ, the apostle’s hope for the coppersmith from Ephesus was for the Lord to repay him his dues, according to his works. Alternatively, Paul calls for God’s mercy on those who deserted him during his first imprisonment in Rome.
Cast out, abandoned and in chains, Paul still find a way to lovingly ask our heavenly Father for mercy, truly Christ like character in spite of his afflictions. All believers should strive to do the same, for God’s glory! 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
