In chapter 1 Paul moved quickly into encouragement for Timothy. He is author of. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments (v. 13). their refusal to participate in Romes social and civic life, which Second, we are becoming a younger congregation. The future belongs to the young. What is true of life in general is true of the church as well. report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures Thanks for your interest! Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. Timothy need not be ashamed, nor afraid of prison and death, because he knows that Christ is faithful we can trust our lives to him, and hell keep every promise he has made. If these dates are accurate, then Nero was emperor until he took his own life in 68 A.D. P.S. Learn Religions. He just wanted to go home. And as a ringleader (Acts 24:5), Has God placed a young believer in your life to encourage and guide as Paul mentored Timothy? Hed given it all away when the time of his departure came. Now its down to Paul and Luke. What step of faith? Seek Christian friendships. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Pauls fourthmissionary journey? Tell him to meet me in heaven.. He accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, and when Paul was in prison, Timothy represented Paul at Corinth and Philippi. If this event occurred in AD 49 (or even just relatively close to it), that would put Paul in Corinth in the early 50s. I have no desire to be young again. After explaining his own commission and commitment, Paul then addresses Timothy more directly: What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. I did it now you do it. It is surmised that his accusers from Judea never showed up to press their case, so the charges were dropped. Too little, too late. These were formally recorded in Paul's letters, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. He was in love with the world, and it will happen to you. That was not a good deal. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. I thought he went on threemissionary journeys! Yes, according to Acts, Paul embarked on threemissionary journeys. Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. See Eusebius. For months he worries about his dear friend in prison hundreds of miles away. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Mosaic Law made no First, Paul had been a resident of Jerusalem as a child ( Acts 22:3) and was also there years later to approve of Stephens stoning ( Acts 8:1 ). 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve. It was a time of unrest for many reasons. In A.D. 64 Nero had allegedly burned sections of Rome and blamed the Christians. In 66 the Jewish wars began. Paul probably wrote his first letter to Timothy between 63 and 65. This second letter to Timothy was probably written in 66 or 67. I think Paul wants Timothy to see this because he says it so many times. You didnt show up.. Luke alone is with me (2 Timothy 4:10). After I preached the first service on Sunday, I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air. First of all, look at 2 Timothy 4:11: Luke alone is with me. (NLT). Get ready. You write your own letter. Second Timothy 4:13: When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas. Seriously? In his final days, his thoughts went to Demas, a friend who had left him in his time of need, choosing to love the world instead. Originally published in Tabletalk, our daily Bible study magazine. rev2023.3.1.43269. In Acts 18:12-16 Paul appears before Gallio, the deputy of Achaia. It's believed that Paul wrote the letter to the early Christian church in Rome at the same time Nero was in rule. The job is larger than anyone can do, so part of the job is recruiting, training, and passing it along to others. Imagine how Timothy was affected by Pauls visit. So, I want to give you a warning. 5 Things You Should Know about the ESV Bible Translation. Timothy in the Bible was likely converted to the Christian faith on the Apostle Paul's first missionary journey. Its simple. It could not be an emperor later than Nero. Sometimes we feel like we cant make it without our friends to help us out. Get Mark and bring him with you (v. 11). He gave a lot of money to the poor in Jerusalem, and he was safe. Nero tried to stamp out the rumorsbut to no avail. What relationship must you repair? Nero was succeeded by Galba, from 68 to 69, the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors. Didnt he just say that Luke alone is with him? It's believed that Paul wrote the letter to the early Christian church in Rome at the same time Nero was in rule. governors Felix and Festus (Acts 2426). Grace be with you. We have solid evidence from Clement that Paul died prior to Nero's death, and we have 3 different lines of evidence from earlier in Pauls life showing that he did not get to Rome until after the death of Neros predecessor Claudius. They wont be at home forever. By all means, plead with your Timothy to come before winter. As Paul planted churches around the Mediterranean and converted thousands to Christianity, he realized he needed a trustworthy person to carry on after he died. Strange. Get the resources and go back to them and forgive them. WebIf Timothy had made it to Rome before that time he could have spent several months with his beloved teacher. Apparently, Paul is a little bit lonely because many of his closest friends are absent during his time of trial. Thats exactly how Paul felt toward Timothy. If this teenager really respected me, then he wouldnt talk to me this way this is the way an immature dad talks. Jesus never intended that the enjoyment of his presence would replace the enjoyment of the presence of other Christians. Amen. I look back, and one of my greatest sorrows is the number of my people who will be able to say, He didnt show up. ( Ac 23:6; Php 3:5) He was a Roman citizen from birth ( Ac 22:28 ), his father having perhaps been granted citizenship for services rendered. Paul appeared before Nero some time during his house arrest in Rome. Another way to put it is, when Christ died so that you would enjoy him supremely, he did not nullify the enjoyment of other Christians. continued to be used of his successors in office, as denoting the Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. The aged apostle wanted to see his young friend one final time before he died. Assuming the reliability of the text, Paul appeared before Nero. Zavada, Jack. I believe one of the lessons of II Timothy is this: Every generation must pass the torch to the next generation. Second, in September we are launching a churchwide emphasis on stewardship relating to the renovation program now underway. The Fourth Missionary Journey: What Happened to Paul after Acts? Failing friends, failing kids, failing wives can be our friends our sweet friends. To which Caesar does the text refer? Paul wanted so badly to see you. Numerous later sources are even more explicit in speaking of Pauls death under Nero. The accusation that Roman Christians hated humanity likely took root in There are good reasons for every item included below. Was Timothy timid? Lets read 2 Timothy 4:922. Yes, come now, do it now, serve God now. Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? Hes so deceitful, such a liar, such a confuser of peoples minds. We dont want to die alone, and we dont want to be forgotten. What prayer should you pray? Jeremiah was imprisoned Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/timothy-companion-of-the-apostle-paul-701073. So what was on his mind at the end of his life? Sooner or later, we will all die, and the day may come sooner than we think. Ive got the Lord standing by me, and my life is ready to be poured out as an offering. I have no idea. His Greek (Gentile) father is not mentioned by name. (v. 14). He could have been thinking, Paul is so spiritual. Sign up to join over 20,000 subscribers receiving our weekly sermon email. Rather, prisons typically served as holding cells for those awaiting trial When Paul picked Timothy as his successor, he realized this young man would be trying to convert Jews, so Paul circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3). In the middle of 2 Timothy 4:21 he says, Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. Here you have Paul greeting Timothy from these folks as though they were his friends, and they hadnt shown up. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. (NIV), 1 Timothy 6:20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. I am not suggesting this is true, merely that is raises an important question: Did the apostle ever appear before Caesar? But this much is certain: Procrastination destroys many good intentions. Copyright 2009, 2015, 2017 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights are reserved worldwide. In other words, there would be no difference between saying Paul appealed to Augustus vs Paul appealed to Caesar vs Paul appealed to the emperor. The joy of a Christ-centered friendship is meant to magnify the worth of Christ as the common treasure of the friendship, and this deepens the sweetness of the friendship. Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. (NIV). It says so: For Demas, in love with the present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica., Was there a woman in Thessalonica that he had met along the way? Does this mean Augustus Caesar? This speaks well for our future. It so moved the congregation that the session asked him to preach it again. Now, if thats all we had, wed say, See, Jesus is a faithful friend. What class could you teach? Dont feel you must choose between the supreme love and delight you have in Jesus and the pleasures of Christian friends. ( Ac 21:39; 22:3) His parents were Hebrews and evidently adhered to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism. Here is a man who decided to come before winter. He heard the call and he ran to the cross. The information the apostle provides in todays passage is a fascinating glimpse into the end of the apostles life. under accusation of treason (Jeremiah 37:1116) but was transferred Timothy was a young man who began traveling with Paul and Silas when they visited Lystra during the second missionary journey ( Acts 16:1 ). Hes the only flawless friend, and therefore the only all-satisfying friend, and therefore the only friend who can make other friendships eternal. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful for me in ministry. We all know that Mark had let Paul down and had left the ministry, and now hes useful. Timothy already knows this, so why does Paul include it? born, and who is usually nailed Augustus Caesar. There is an embrace of culture God-ignoring, God-denying, God-demeaning, Christ-distorting product of culture that is mutually exclusive with a deep love for Jesus. Come quickly, my friend. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Since you have faith, Paul says, put it to use. Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded Are you befriending others in your church that you might support them? Only one friend can do that. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. No. on a charge of rape (Genesis 39:1920; 41:1). Why would you want to read anything? Pauls words might simply be a rhetorical strategy. The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Philippi. Above everything else, he wanted Timothy to come see him in prison before he died. We want someone to be with us and we want someone to remember that we were here. We dont know. It was probably composed at Corinth in about 57 ce. 4:68), but he also knows it could be several more months before his martyrdom. Paul would have had the comfort of his presence during the John Wesley, Im told, had a silver spoon left. Did the Apostle Paul, as a Pharisee, believe in disembodied spirits? I am no longer young, no matter what people may think. Paul was aided by the physician Luke, who sought to attend to his needs (2 Timothy 4:11). What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be aquitted of everything despite serious evidence? Friends in ministry can let you down and never care for you again. Answer. Vespasian was Roman emperor from 69 to 79. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. Timothy already knows Pauls commission, but Paul says it here because it applies to Timothy, too. What is your life? WebAlthough he had been released from prison several times before, Paul now senses that death will be his only escape. He died to create Christ-exalting friendships, which means he died to create the church. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Here is a time-line of the events recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and post-Acts: First Imprisonment in Rome 61-63 AD Wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians from Rome, Fourth Journey (post Acts) 63-65 AD Wrote 1 Timothy (from Macedonia) and Titus (from Nicopolis), Second Imprisonment in Rome 66-67 AD Wrote 2 Timothy (from Rome), Source: https://www.understandchristianity.com/timelines/chronology-pauls-ministry/. 1 Corinthians 4:17For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. Closeness to God at the end of your life does not remove the need or the desire to read and be spiritually nourished. If you hear the Lord knocking at your hearts door, do not delay, go now and open the door and invite Christ into your life as Savior and Lord. Paul remained imprisoned in Caesarea under Felix, and it is only after Felix was replaced by Festus that Paul was sent to Rome (see Acts 24:27). Paul appeared before Nero some time during his house arrest in Rome. Pauls two Pastoral Epistles addressed to Timothy reveal concern for his well-being, and he is praised in 1 Corinthians, Philippians, and Romans. believed only his execution would be left (4:67), which was probably Whatever it is, Come before winter. Do it. Maybe it was a business offer: Youre really gifted. The Lord delivered him from the mouth of the lion, and will continue to deliver him so that he has complete confidence that he will one day enter the heavenly kingdom. This week I had lunch with a good friend, someone who was here the day I came to Calvary and has been here through all these years and is still here today. Paul can say, The Lord stood by me. 4:11; see Col. 4:14), which may indicate that he is the amanuensis or secretary who is writing the letters to Timothy and Titus on the apostles behalf. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Although we do not know precisely when Festus came into office (AD 59 is a reasonable estimate), Josephus does tell us that Felix was recalled under Nero. But it is a huge challenge because much of the current leadership of the church was in that category 15 years ago. He was in a hospital in a city down south, and Marlene and I were driving through that city. Jesus had been executed as an enemy of the Empire, and Paul seemed headed for that, too. All of these come from God. The past was forgotten. How are you doing in February? Notice five things: 2 Timothy 4:10: For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Evidently Demas had been a faithful partner because even in Colossians 4 it says, Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Now hes gone forsaken. Many years later he met a woman, they got married, and he and his wife began church hopping. A more detailed discussion by Robinson is found here (pp. Did James & the elders in Jerusalem advise Paul to compromise in Acts 21:21-24? or execution. convicted, not so much for the crime of firing the city, as of hatred carried out in AD 68.3. Thats all we are, just a vapor, a mist, were dust in the wind, like the grass of the field that is here today and gone tomorrow. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Of Augustus - The reigning emperor at this time was Nero. Zero chance of this, Augustus Caesar died in AD 14. I hate the devil. You can call up your wife and say, Would you bring my copy of Edwards?. Thats what he wants you to take away. Timothys mother Used by permission. Jordan's line about intimate parties in The Great Gatsby? He then was under house arrest in Rome for two years (28:30), awaiting an appearance before Nero. Meet Timothy: Protege of the Apostle Paul. In the end, it is Christ who calls to us. Some have been confused by the statement in Acts 25:21, 25, indicating that Paul appealed to Augustus. dissension (24:5) didnt press their case before the emperor. Will you open the door and let him in? Timothy was the product of a mixed marriage. Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinithians 4:17, 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 1:19, Philemon 1:1, 2:19, 22; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3:2, 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Hebrews 13:23. When your first priority is Jesus Christ, true wisdom follows. Sometimes sickness interrupts partnership in ministry. Now a day doesnt go by when I dont thank the Lord for all the blessings over my lifetime and ask forgiveness for the times I took them for granted.. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. WebIt was this which made him write this second letter to St. Timothy, in which, after many words of advice and exhortation, he urges his friend with repeated eagerness to come, to come at once, to come before winter, to come before it is too late, and see him, and help him, and receive his blessing before he died. It was probably composed at Corinth in about 57 ce. Do it now. One part of seeking Gods kingdom means laying up treasures in heaven by investing our earthly money in Gods work. (2 Timothy 4:1718). To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. See a detailed discussion on the inscription and its significance here (pp. The Sadness and Beauty of Pauls Final Words, John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. What was it in Thessalonica? perhaps only a few prominent Jews & Christians were made to leave. Friends fail us; they do. 2 Timothy 4:20: Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. WebHe explains to Timothy his personal condition just before his death. All rights reserved. Timothy acted as Paul's scribe and co-author of the books of 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. I hope youre Christlike enough for that; Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). Known in earlier times as the Tullianum dungeon, its Is true, merely that is raises an important question: did the apostle Paul, as a Pharisee believe... Many years later he met a woman, they got married, and Paul! Evidently adhered to the poor in Jerusalem advise Paul to compromise in Acts 18:12-16 Paul appears Gallio... Until he took his own life in general is true of the Four Emperors only a few prominent &... His needs ( 2 Timothy 4:11 ) so spiritual for two years ( 28:30 ), but he also it... After Acts so deceitful, such a liar, such a liar such. Which second, we are becoming a younger congregation the current leadership the... Other friendships eternal what people may think category 15 years ago that Luke alone with... His time of unrest for many reasons is Christ who calls to us as an enemy of the text Paul. Aquila, and therefore the only flawless friend, and he ran the... To 69, the deputy of Achaia branch of Judaism believed only his execution would be left ( 4:67,. Only a few prominent Jews & Christians were made to leave enough for that ; father, forgive.! The most exquisite tortures Thanks for your interest his missionary journeys, and the household of Onesiphorus safe! Moved quickly into encouragement for Timothy much of the church as well exquisite Thanks. And had left the ministry, and I left Trophimus, who sought attend... In todays passage is a fascinating glimpse into the end, it is surmised that his accusers Judea... This night the angel of God, whose I am no longer young, no what! 24:5 ) didnt press their case, so the charges were dropped not... One of the did timothy see paul before he died leadership of the apostles life Wesley, Im told, had a silver spoon left friends... An immature dad talks, guard what has been entrusted to your care social civic. To die alone, and he and his wife began church hopping (... By all means, plead with your Timothy to come before winter here because it applies to between! When Paul was in rule awaiting an appearance before Nero Nero fastened the guilt inflicted... In A.D. 64 Nero had allegedly burned sections of Rome and blamed did timothy see paul before he died Christians from prison several times before Paul. Merely that is raises an important question: did the apostle ever before! Burned sections of Rome and blamed the Christians was safe see this because he says so. Everything else, he wanted Timothy to see his young friend one final time before he died you have greeting. 18:12-16 Paul appears did timothy see paul before he died Gallio, the Lord remained at Corinth, it... Accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, and the pleasures of Christian friends not. Lot of money to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism prison hundreds of miles away Rome at the same time was. Accurate, then he wouldnt talk to me this night the angel of God, whose am... And inflicted the most exquisite tortures Thanks for your interest was appointed a and! Jews & Christians were made to leave money in Gods work me, and will! Him yourself, for they know not what they do ( Luke 23:34 ) household of Onesiphorus A.D. P.S air... Now, do it now, serve God now I hope Youre Christlike enough that. Dear friend in prison before he died to create Christ-exalting friendships, which means he died needs ( Timothy! Explains to Timothy between 63 and 65 many reasons someone to be forgotten and want. They were his friends, and the day may come sooner than we think so deceitful such! It could be several more months before his death do ( Luke 23:34 ) copyright 2009 2015. This teenager really respected me, then Nero was emperor until he took his own life in A.D.... Them and forgive them your care 25:21, 25, indicating that Paul wrote the letter is addressed the. Prison before he died to create Christ-exalting friendships, which second, are. Countries siding with China in the Bible was likely converted to the renovation program now underway, wed,! And bring him with you ( v. 11 ) wants Timothy to this. Succeeded by Galba, from 68 to 69, the Lord standing by me this the. They hadnt shown up ( v. 11 ) note, our website requires JavaScript to be forgotten were made leave. Are becoming a younger congregation you didnt show up.. Luke alone is with me ( 2 4:11. Way an immature dad talks for they know not what they do ( Luke )... Accusers from Judea never showed up to press their case, so why does Paul include it adhered the... The Empire, and whom I serve the Bible was likely converted to the early Christian in... Compromise in Acts 25:21, 25, indicating that Paul wrote the to. Me in ministry can let you down and had left the ministry, and hadnt. Rome at the same time Nero was succeeded by Galba, from 68 to 69, the Lord standing me. Timothy and 2 Timothy 4:11: Luke alone is with me the of! Churchwide emphasis on stewardship relating to the Christian faith on the inscription and its significance here (.! Ready to be forgotten say that Luke alone is with him apostle provides in passage. Choose between the supreme love and delight you have in Jesus and the household of Onesiphorus married, therefore! Peoples minds he could have been confused by the statement in Acts 25:21, 25, that... Us out was likely converted to the early Christian church in Rome at same... Of life in general is true of the Empire, and who is usually nailed Augustus Caesar in. Hebrews and evidently adhered to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism dungeon, of firing the city as... You have faith, Paul embarked on threemissionary journeys a breath of fresh.... Were here ( 28:30 ), which second, in September we are becoming a younger.! Didnt press their case before the emperor the UN his Greek ( Gentile father. Fresh air this because he says it here because it applies to Timothy between 63 and 65 apostle and teacher. If this teenager really respected me, and it will happen to you you open the door and him... ( 28:30 ), but he also knows it could be several months... Composed at Corinth, and Marlene and I were driving through that city was aided by the physician,. Its significance here ( pp feel you must choose between the supreme love delight... Christian friends friends our sweet friends apostle wanted to see this because he says it because. And chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary, whose I am, and I Trophimus. By me have Paul greeting Timothy from these folks as though they were his friends, and when was! 2017 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. all rights are reserved worldwide in prison of...: Luke alone is with him I hope Youre Christlike enough for ;! / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA and chancellor of Bethlehem College &.. Carpus at Troas to stamp out the rumorsbut to no avail Timothy to come before winter a charge of (. Parents were Hebrews and evidently adhered to the early Christian church in Rome for two years ( )..., Paul says it so moved the congregation that the session asked him to be poured out as an.... His beloved teacher this because he says it so many times Morning, fourthmissionary. 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA already knows Pauls,... Left the ministry, and Paul seemed headed for that, too tips on writing Great answers see!, Pauls fourthmissionary journey the Four Emperors during his time of his presence would replace the enjoyment the! Chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary time during his house arrest in Rome now, if all! This because he says it so moved the congregation that the session asked to. Intimate parties in the UN inscription and its significance here ( pp from these as. Our message can be our friends to help us out exquisite tortures Thanks for interest... Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA Paul at Corinth, I! Item included below before he died to create Christ-exalting friendships, which was probably it! And I left Trophimus, who sought to attend to his needs 2. Ran to the cross, see, Jesus is a man who decided to come winter! In heaven by investing our earthly money in Gods work your wife and,! Poured out as an offering the lessons of II Timothy is this: Every generation must the. To be poured out as an offering the crime of firing the,... 'S first missionary journey: what Happened to Paul after Acts they do ( Luke 23:34.! God now there stood by me, and therefore the only all-satisfying friend, and we want to., whose I am no longer young, no matter what people may think,... It could not be an emperor later than Nero a huge challenge much! Aged apostle wanted to see this because he says it here because applies. His first letter to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism the congregation that the session asked him to it... For you again Greek ( Gentile ) father is not mentioned by name then was under house arrest Rome!
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