(1) People who joined Paul
Twice, Paul urged Timothy to come soon v.9, 22. He only had Luke with him and he wanted Timothy to bring Mark v.11. Why did Paul want these people around him other than his personal reason v.13?
v.11b Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry.
Paul was very much thinking about ministry even at the last stage of his life. From the prisoner epistles we saw how Paul continued to share the Gospel even when he was in prison. And now, he was in a worse situation waiting for his death v.18.
Paul was very much thinking about ministry even at the last stage of his life. From the prisoner epistles we saw how Paul continued to share the Gospel even when he was in prison. And now, he was in a worse situation waiting for his death v.18.
Reflection: We may be tired of our ministry or feel there is not much effect. Are you on the edge of giving up? Look at Paul.
(2) People left Paul or did harm to him
Paul was never bitter even to the people who left him or did harm to him. He knew that God was with him and that was enough v.17-18. He understood why people did that. And those who did harm to him will be taken by the Lord.
4:10 For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica.
(BKC) Previously mentioned among Paul’s fellow workers (though, perhaps significantly, not commended) in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24, Demas deserted the apostle to embrace the safety, freedom, or comfort of Thessalonica
4:16 At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it.
(BKC) The widespread desertion of the apostle may be explained by the fact that, unlike the period of his first imprisonment, it had now become dangerous to be a Christian in Rome...the thought of identifying themselves with the fearless and outspoken apostle must have been more than the Roman Christians and even Paul’s companions could face. In fact Paul was understanding toward their unfaithfulness, and he expressed the hope that it not be held against them
(BKC) The widespread desertion of the apostle may be explained by the fact that, unlike the period of his first imprisonment, it had now become dangerous to be a Christian in Rome...the thought of identifying themselves with the fearless and outspoken apostle must have been more than the Roman Christians and even Paul’s companions could face. In fact Paul was understanding toward their unfaithfulness, and he expressed the hope that it not be held against them
4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds
(BKC) The Alexander referred to here was well known to Timothy and had done a great deal of harm to Paul by opposing his message. The apostle had no desire for personal revenge, as may be seen by his reference to Psalm 62:12: The Lord will repay him for what he has done (cf. Rom. 12:19).
Paul was never bitter even to the people who left him or did harm to him. He knew that God was with him and that was enough v.17-18. He understood why people did that. And those who did harm to him will be taken by the Lord.
Reflection: Do you have this kind of peace in your heart when people left you alone or did harm to you?
Audrey
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