Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. II Timothy 2:11-13 (II Timothy 1-4)
Paul has been arrested and brought back to Rome to be executed. Nero, Rome’s Emperor, burned the city to the ground so he could rebuild a bigger, better imperial metropolis. To cover his crime he blamed the unpopular Christians. Christians were not prestigious or influential people of means. They were vulnerable, marginalized and by Nero, victimized.
This is Paul’s final correspondence. From prison he sent a letter to Ephesus, carried by Tychicus, asking Timothy to come, while his courier remained as interim pastor. It is not known if Timothy arrived in Rome before Paul’s execution. Many of Paul’s supporters deserted him when Nero’s persecution reached its zenith of cruelty. In his darkest hour he reached into the future and called tomorrow’s Church to be dedicated, disciplined and preach the Word. Evil will inevitably be exposed, so rise above quarrelsome talk and remain true to scripture.
Chapter four is labeled Paul’s valedictory. He ran the race valiantly with no regrets. He had seen Christ in His glory, what he believed, he lived, and he knows beyond doubt he will soon exist beyond pain and sorrow’s grasp. His future is secure and sure.
In the hope of Christ’s example and the faith in things yet unseen, Paul and many others were martyred for crimes they were not guilty of. The gate of hell is a destination most will likely encounter on life’s journey. Will you face it down in Glorious Victory, or refuse discomfort or inconvenience on this earth. Paul’s faith can be your faith. Don’t gain the world and lose your soul.
Love,
Gretchen