2 Timothy 4:16-18
Read 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Helpful Background Information:
In Paul’s day, the lion was not only a symbol of strength but also of death and destruction. By the first century AD, Daniel’s story of being thrown into and delivered out of a den of lions had become proverbial.
2 Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote before his death. An imprisoned Paul tells his protégé, Timothy, that he’s in the middle of his court trial—and things aren’t looking too good. Paul is pretty sure that he isn’t going to make it out of this one alive (v.6). Out of this dark place, Paul encourages Timothy while he is still on assignment in Ephesus. Paul explains how almost everyone has abandoned him by this point (v.16). His only source of hope and comfort is the personal presence of Jesus (v.17a).
Paul was convinced that as the Lord had “rescued him from the lion’s mouth” before (v.17b), so too would he be “rescued from every evil deed and brought safely into His heavenly kingdom” now (v.18a). For this reason, he concludes by ascribing all glory to the faithful, covenant-keeping God who had never abandoned him (v.18b).
Reflection Questions:
Even though Paul knew his execution was coming soon, he was also convinced that in some sense, the Lord really would rescue him. What might this tell us about Paul’s understanding of being rescued? What kind of rescue do you think he was expecting?
By the end of Paul’s ministry, nearly all of his closest companions had deserted him (v.16a). Rather than harboring bitter resentment, he asks the Lord not to hold it against them (v.16b). Have you ever been abandoned or deserted by your people when you needed them the most? What would it look like to extend forgiveness to them?
Paul’s faithful obedience to Jesus was essentially what led to his imprisonment and death. Instead of complaining, he concludes his life praising God and looking out for other people (vv.19-22). Following Jesus involves risk, sacrifice, tension, and discomfort. Have you ever complained about experiencing discomfort as a result of following Jesus? How might Paul’s example reframe your expectations of what faithfulness looks like?