Paul wrote this letter to Timothy who was in Ephesus. Paul was not far from death at the hands of Emperor Nero in 67 AD. What do you write to someone you love like a son before you are martyred for the faith and work you share?
Paul had seen so much. When he was Saul, he was zealous and passionate about religion, but he was on the wrong side of things. A little blinding incident on the road on his way to Damascus and meeting Jesus face to face changed his understanding of who Jesus was. It took a bold intervention, but the end result was a man so changed, his name needed to be changed, too.
Paul's knowledge of the scriptures, the law, his personality, and his advantages as a Roman citizen made him unique. I've wondered, "Would I have liked him, or thought him crazy?"
Paul was passionate about writing letters. He truly knew that his life was in jeopardy almost daily. He spent time in jail. He seemed very aware of it, but it did not stop him. His passion to share the gospel never waivered. He was a quarterback and then a coach. He would no longer be on the sidelines to give direction and encouragement. The "kids" would have to press on without his earthly presence.
Have you ever found a letter or something written by a loved one who is now gone? Do you see it as a treasure? Mama Ina Mae's handwriting was never beautiful. Dad's was lovely and Uncle Mel's was beautiful. Still, Mama's handwriting is a precious gift every time I find it. I especially enjoy it in her recipe box. I constantly write in the margins of my Bible to keep track of what I am learning at the time. I hope my loved ones enjoy the notes someday.
Paul did not want Timothy or the church at Ephesus to get discouraged. Whatever they faced, they were not alone. He had zero fear of death because of his 100% confidence in his confession of faith, the gift of salvation, and a life lived as a "living sacrifice" to the one who paid his sin debt in full. He wanted Timothy and other believers to carry on with the power of the Holy Spirit. He wanted to leave them with important final words.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. -2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Today, I am grateful for Paul's final letters.
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