As
Paul closes his epistle to Timothy, he charges him before God to preach the
word and fulfill the ministry to which he is called. Paul then reflects on his
own ministry that is soon coming to a close.
In
his reflections, Paul declares a satisfied end and a sublime expectation. He
sees his own activities as a good fight, a finished course, and a kept faith. He
had “kept back nothing...taught…publickly, and from house to house…testifying…repentance
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ…” and had “not shunned to
declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Cf. Acts
20:20-27.) He knew his labor was not in vain in the Lord (1
Corinthians 15:58) and had a hope founded on the resurrected Lord whom
he preached (1
Corinthians 15:19-20). A crown of righteousness awaits him, and he
has no regrets (v. 8). “For to me to live is Christ, and to
die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21.)
In
his reflections, Paul interjects disheartening incidents and day-to-day
activities. Though the apostle sees his expected end just over the horizon, he
will continue to “finish the course” until its conclusion. He desires a visit
from Timothy, with Mark, in his lonesome estate. Only Luke of his co-laborers
is currently present, and even one of them, Demas, has left the faith to
fulfill his love for the world. He asked Timothy to bring simple items,
inquiring after a cloke and some reading materials. Paul cites Alexander the
coppersmith as an opposer of the truth and warns against him.
In
his reflections, Paul concludes the surety of God’s deliverance (who delivered
us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet
deliver us; 2 Corinthians
1:10). God had stood with him (against Alexander, for example), and he
will continue to stand with him. Paul trusts God’s deliverance and
preservation. The final deliverance may look like the defeat of death to the
world – but the final deliverance will be the best!
O
death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy
victory? … thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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