For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgement. II Timothy 1:7
Paul wrote this letter to his partner in missionary/ministry work while he was imprisoned in Rome awaiting execution. Nero, Rome’s demented ruler burned the city to the ground in order to rebuild it to his liking, but he blamed the Christians, led by Paul, for offending other gods with an exclusive worship. Nero’s persecution was brutal beyond imagination and this is the background for his last writing, a letter to Timothy.
The Spirit God gives is His very own, the promised advocate and helper. Paul is very concerned that the horrible injustices will discourage the growth of Christianity and personal growth of believers. Paul had seen Christ and was forever changed. He doesn’t want to depart this world short of assuring those who come behind that the Holy Spirit is enough, the only resource needed, to see every believer through whatever this evil world sends their way. What a great testimony.
May all who come behind me find me faithful!
Gretchen