The chapter begins with Paul's solemn charge to Timothy in vs. 1-5. He urges Timothy, with God as his witness, to invest himself fully in the ministry of Christ, including the tasks of proclamation, teaching, evangelism, and persevering through suffering. Included is a prophecy that people will one day stop listening to the hard truths and instead seek after comfortable teachings that will put them at ease. But Timothy's charge is to persist in his work, no matter what.
Paul's self-assessment in vs. 6-8 indicates that he knows his time of departure is drawing near. He is able to look back victoriously and know that he has run - and is finishing - his race well. What a goal for all Christians!
Paul concludes this letter with a series of intimate acknowledgements and references. Among them, we learn:
- Paul wants Timothy to come before winter and bring his cloak, his books, and - above all - the parchments (vs. 13 and vs. 21).
- Negative assessment of people who turned against Paul: Demas and Alexander (vs. 10 and vs. 14).
- Only Luke is with Paul (vs. 11). (Could he be writing his gospel and Acts?)
- Mark has been redeemed in Paul's eyes. While he once rejected Mark so thoroughly as to part ways with Barnabas over the matter (Acts 15:39), Paul now considers Mark to be "useful" in his ministry (vs. 11)
- A stirring message of confidence in the Lord's deliverance (vs. 18).
Let us be thankful for the life and ministry of the apostle Paul, who "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith!"
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