Paul’s Last Letter

It may not be the last letter that Paul ever wrote, but 2 Timothy is his last epistle to be preserved in the Bible. When he writes it, he knows that he is near death. "The last drops of my life are being poured out for God. The time for my departure has arrived" (4.6). "At my first defence no one supported me. All deserted me" (4.16). "Yet the Lord himself stood by me and gave me the strength to proclaim the message clearly and fully so that the Gentiles could hear." On that occasion Paul was rescued `from the Lion's mouth'. But what next? He believed the Lord would deliver him from every evil plot, and keep him safe until he reached His heavenly kingdom (4.18). Paul knew who he had believed, who would keep trust through all his life until `that day' (1.12). He knew that he had fought the good fight and had finished the course. He had kept the faith. And in future the Lord would in all justice award him the crown of righteousness which all who love His appearing may expect.

As for Timothy? He was the son of a mixed marriage between a Greek father and a mother from a Jewish family whom Paul came to know well. A native of Lystra, where he met Paul on his first missionary journey, his family accepted the Christian faith. He was well thought of by local believers, and when Paul visited again, he took Timothy to join his team of workers in travels all round the eastern Mediterranean over a period of some 17 years. Timothy was sent on special missions, and was associated in the writing of many of Paul's letters. When Paul had been set free from his first imprisonment at Rome and travelled once more, he left Timothy at Ephesus. But soon Paul was once more arrested, and was writing to this young man whom he thought of as a son.

Paul was remembering Timothy in his prayers night and day. He remembered their parting, and longed to see him again. His mind went back to their early days together, to Timothy's mother and grandmother, and how his laying his hands on Timothy had brought a gift from God into his life. Twice in the letter Paul calls him `my son', `my beloved son'. And as parents do, he filled the letter with instructions and advice, reminding Timothy of what he ought to do.

1^st	Timothy must stir up the inner fire God gave when Paul ordained him (1.6)
2^nd	He must not be ashamed of speaking out for the Lord, or for Paul in prison (1 .8)
3^rd	He should be prepared to accept his share of hardship for the gospel (1.8)
4^th	He should stick by the sound teaching Paul had given him (1.13)
5^th	He should guard the treasure entrusted to him by the Holy Spirit (1.14)
6^th	He should be strong in Christ's grace (2.1)
7^th	The message must be entrusted to reliable men (2.2)
8^th	(as 3) He should suffer hardship like a loyal soldier (2.3)
9^th	He should consider how devoted he must be to his task - like a soldier, or an athlete, or a farmer (2.4-7)
10^th	He should remember Jesus, who is risen from the dead and was descended from King David (2.8)
11^th	He must remind people that
	1. If we die with Christ we shall live with him
	2. If we endure with Christ we shall reign with him
	3. If we deny him, He will deny us
	4. If we are faithless, He remains faithful. He should tell them not to have disputes about words (2.11-13)
12^th	He must be diligent to gain God's approval as a good workman dealing rightly with the word of truth (2.15)
13^th	Avoid worldly and empty chatter (2.16)
14^th	Have nothing to do with the turbulent desires of youth (2.22)
15^th	Pursue goodness, integrity, love and peace (2.22)
16^th	Have nothing to do with silly controversies (2.23)
17^th	Realise that difficult times are coming in the last days (3.1)
18^th	Avoid hypocrites (3.5)
19^th	(as 4) Go on steadily in the things he has learned (3.14)
20^th	A solemn charge: preach the word; be ready; reprove, rebuke and exhort with all patience (4.1-2)
21^st	Keep your mind sane and balanced, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, carry out the full commission God gave you (4.5)

All this, in the space of four brief chapters! What else is left for Paul to say? It is very interesting to notice what truths Paul mentions in the course of this letter. They are thoughts which are on his heart. It is urgent for Timothy to grasp them and pass them on to those who are becoming Christians.

1.9 God has saved us and called us with a holy calling. This is not because of what we have done, but by His own plan to do this for us through Jesus. It is a plan made before time began, but was brought to light when Jesus came on earth. Jesus has abolished death, and immortality came to light as Paul preached the gospel.

2.10-13 Paul's purpose in his sufferings is to bring the message to the people whom God has chosen, as a means for them to receive salvation in Christ Jesus and eternal glory. He quotes the saying that those who are faithful to Christ will live and reign with Him.

2.19 God knows who belongs to Him (and will save them). The corollary of this is that those who claim to be God's must not do anything evil.

2.22,24-5 All who sincerely call on the Lord should aim for righteousness, faith, love and peace. As God's slave Timothy should be: not quarrelsome... kind to all..., able to teach.... patient when wronged.... correcting opponents gently.

3.1-9 Difficult times will come in the last days. Paul lists all the evil that will be in men's hearts. He especially condemns pseudo-Christians of various kinds (4.3 They will not accept wholesome teaching.)

3.10 By contrast, Timothy was aware of Paul's teaching.... way of life....purpose.... faith..., endurance.... love.... courage. He had been witness of Paul's persecutions and sufferings. All who desire to live good Christian lives can expect persecution.

3.15-17 Timothy should trust those who have taught him, and the holy scriptures. The words that God has inspired should open the mind, resulting in faith in Christ and salvation. The scriptures are the full equipment of the man of God, and are useful to teach, reprove, correct and train a person.

4.1 Christ Jesus is to judge the living and the dead, by His appearing and kingdom.

These are great themes, and among them there is a continual personal theme in this letter. Paul tells of his love for Timothy, his anxiety for his work He makes personal requests. "Do come to me soon." (4.9) "I'm on my own, except for Luke" (4.11). "Bring Mark - he's useful. There's my cloak to bring, and the books and manuscripts. Especially the manuscripts." "Give my love to Prisca and Aquila, and to Onesiphorus and his family." "Do come before winter." "I have fought the good fight.... I have kept the faith.. henceforth...