Otho took over, but only between 15 January 69 and 16 April 69. I had a revelation of sorts last week when Marlene and I drove to Alabama and dropped our son Nick off at Samford University in Birmingham. He was in prison just north of Brussels. Thats not the way Paul is relating to them. What about the brothers and the sister? Zavada, Jack. How does the Holy Spirit help me guard the gospel? Paul is forsaken by Demas. In 1915 he preached a sermon called Come Before Winter based on verse 21. Bring my cloak because its cold in prison in the winter. Timothy was a young man who began traveling with Paul and Silas when they visited Lystra during the second missionary journey ( Acts 16:1 ). And when your youngest child leaves for college, you begin to think about the changing seasons of life. Paul's journey to Rome (via Crete and being shipwrecked off Malta) is dated between 59 and 60 A.D. Acts 28:30 says Paul was under house arrest for two years before his case came to trial. Having a solid knowledge of the Bible is more important than titles, fame, or degrees. For additional information and resources visit us at www.insight.org. Zavada, Jack. First of all, look at 2 Timothy 4:11: Luke alone is with me. Timothy was the product of a mixed marriage. I just want you to walk in with your eyes open, wide open, and to know hell be there for you. Although the plan for salvation was in place all along, people didnt know about it until Christ came. 33-34). Is a hot staple gun good enough for interior switch repair? The conscience not only evaluates past actions, but also considers whether future actions are right. The thought of being 20 again makes me want to lie down and take a nap. Two of the men were injured and the third died from gunshot wounds. 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. (2021, December 6). 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. And as a ringleader (Acts 24:5), Scholars believe Paul was released sometime in AD 62 Second Timothy 4:10: For Demas, in love with the present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. I dont know if Demas ever repented. And in the final analysis, that means living today by letting go of our need to constantly be in control or to think that the future is in our own hands. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve. So Paul says, Timothy, make sure you come quickly. What was it in Thessalonica? Sign up to receive e-mail from Insight for Living Ministries. @Nigel J Based on your comment I have done some research in order to establish a timeline of events leading up to Pauls first imprisonment in Rome, and the events from his release till his death. Nero was the fifth Roman emperor, ruling from 54 to 68. He left the military but continued to drink heavily. At one point last week, as we were in orientation together, and before we left to come back, I looked at him and saw the excitement on his face, and this thought hit me with enormous gravity, The future belongs to the young. In a sense Ive always known that to be true, but last week I saw the future clearlyand I realized in a new way, that the future always belongs to the young. They keep the records. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. First, in just a few days we will come to the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. We have more and more people coming who are under the age of 35, both married and single. He encourages Timothy to continue his work. It became one of the most famous sermons of the 20th century. Paul spent all his days, from conversion to martyrdom, working tirelessly for the kingdom of God. Thats just not the way the text reads. He wasnt at the hospital, he didnt attend my childs wedding, he wasnt there in crisis, he never called when my dad died. Hundreds of my people will be able to say that and yours. Broaden that out a little more. Included in the journey is a mission to Spain, ministry on the island of Crete, ministry in Ephesus, stops at Miletus, Troas, various cities in Macedonia, Corinth, and probably Nicopolis. Afterwards, he wrote (at least) 2 Timothy. He could have been on a trip somewhere else in Italy, but nobody showed up, including Luke. The third apprentice devil thought for a moment, and then he said, I will tell them that there is no hurry., Go, said Satan, tell them that and you will ruin them by the millions.. I remember the feeling that radiated out from me at that moment, for the first time I truly understood the term born again in Christ. Then he adds these wonderful words: Not only was I saved but the Lord has given me the strength to resist alcohol but has also blessed us with a baby girl. Dont let them drive you away from him. When you get a chance, please take the. Listen to what his says, and how he repeats himself: Do your best to come to me quickly (v. 9). So we might need to pray for strength, or love, or self-discipline. How can I recognize one? If Timothy delayed at all, he would not come to Rome until the spring. (NLT), He also struggled to overcome fear and timidity. Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. carried out in AD 68.3. WebHe explains to Timothy his personal condition just before his death. However, we should note that Augustus was a title, not his name. Here is a man who decided to come before winter. He heard the call and he ran to the cross. The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Philippi. Second Timothy 4:13: When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas. Seriously? Did the Apostle Paul, as a Pharisee, believe in disembodied spirits? Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. A survey released this week shows that 80% of Americans believe that terrorists are in this country and are ready to launch an attack at any time. Its not. WebIn 2 Timothy 4, Paul makes an ambiguous reference to my first defense and claims he was delivered from the lions mouth (2 Timothy 4:16-17). Used by permission. When we speak of Paul anticipating his impending death in 2 Timothy 4:68, we have to keep in mind the speed of judicial proceedings in the ancient world. John Wesley, Im told, had a silver spoon left. Jesus never intended that the enjoyment of his presence would replace the Christ-centered enjoyment of other Christians presence. They have coats in Rome. Interested in joining the Ligonier team? This speaks well for our future. Would you come to Christ before winter comes? Thats crazy. . Im going to your house today. Today is the day of salvation. Scholars believe Paul was released sometime in AD 62 because the Jews who For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. protect the prophet (37:1721). 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. Keep it simple, really. All his companions had forsaken him except Dr. Luke. Paul is in a cold damp dungeon. He longs for his cloak, his books, and most of all for Timothy. If Paul didn't see Timothy before this winter he would never see him again. provision for incarceration as a form of punishment. Octavianus, who was the Roman emperor in the time when our Saviour was 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. I dont think Paul was afraid to die. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God You will suffer for doing it, but God will give you the help you need. Some have interpreted this as a reference to his first defense before Emperor Nero, A more detailed discussion by Robinson is found here (pp. My point is, it doesnt follow to say, Okay, in a few days Im going to see him face to face, so I dont need the book anymore. You do need the book the book and books. Maybe it was just his home. Do you best to come to me soon (2 Timothy 4:9). Learn Religions, Dec. 6, 2021, learnreligions.com/timothy-companion-of-the-apostle-paul-701073. Luke alone is with me (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul wants Timothy to bring a cloak he left behind in Troas (v. 13), probably when he was arrested. He is author of. 4:11). When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments (v. 13). He blogs at www.DerrickJeter.com. And as we continue reading this letter, we see that this is what Paul wants him to do. Significance of Paul's conversation with the Tribune in Acts 22:26-28. End of story? for he strongly opposed our message. So you not only have loneliness, or smallness, and abandonment on the inside, but you also have this opposition and painful slander from the outside. Christian ministry, whether youre in a team on the field or whether youre in a staff or just alone with a small congregation, is relationally hard. If you want to be bitter and angry all the rest of your life, youll kill yourself that way. This text raises three questions for us to consider: The answer to that question is practical and simple. I thought he went on threemissionary journeys! Yes, according to Acts, Paul embarked on threemissionary journeys. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. For this which I have is very thin. However, his reign was short-lived - a mere sevem months. But syneidsiscame to be used primarily for self-awareness, especially beliefs that ones actions are right or wrong: the conscience. There is a love for the world that is incompatible with Christian ministry. The one being in the universe who will never ever let you down youre going to let those who let you down drive you away from the One who will never let you down? Hes the only flawless friend, and therefore the only all-satisfying friend, and therefore the only friend who can make other friendships eternal. Then he was executed by Nero (Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) at around about the time of the Great Fire in Rome in 64 AD. Amen. The King James Version translates the last part of verse 21 with three simple words: Come before winter. Timothy, if youre going to come at all, come now. his own liking. They met with Satan who asked them what strategy they planned to follow: The first one said, I will tell people that there is no God. That, said Satan, will not work because in their heart of hearts they know there is a God.. He has authored or coauthored more than twenty-five books. I mean, youre going to know, even as you are known, in about two weeks. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. My brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown (Philippians 4:1). Now where am I getting that? So, come before winter because its getting long out here. Thats my first point, that ministry is relationally hard. 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. Come before winter.. He can still be your best friend, he can. Although he had been released from prison several times before, Paul now senses that death will be his only escape. Dont lay up treasures on earth lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19). How did authorities know that Paul was really a Roman citizen? And if he waited that long, Paul would very likely already be dead. Paul reminds Timothy of his roots: I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Paul wants Timothy to continue in this same path. This week I received a wonderful e-mail from a man who is 40 years old. You can make a lot of money.. WebTimothy was both about to be a comfort to Paul the martyr, and about to be strengthened by him, and afterwards was about to carry on the work of the Gospel, perhaps, for some I mean, if youre from Minnesota, Februarys the lowest month of the year. Some have contended that probably he didnt. Sometimes sickness interrupts partnership in ministry. They cannot do 2 Timothy 4:18. From there, Paul This refers to a sleeveless, round garment worn for warmth and to protect one from inclement weather. He then looked for a scapegoat. Whatever it is, Come before winter. Do it. He writes his last letter to the man who had worked with him the longest. Acts 23:6-10. Timothy should not view his work as optional, and even if officials threaten to kill him, he needs to remember that life is guaranteed in Christ, not in the Empire. 10:22). The message is good news, and yet it is not always accepted as good. He writes his last letter to the man who had worked with And so we who lead must say to the next generation, We wont be here forever so you must prepare to lead.. No. Swindoll's Living Insights Bible Commentaries. More marriages die because of slow neglect than from deliberate desertion. Has China expressed the desire to claim Outer Manchuria recently? probably started accidentally in an oil warehouse, rumors swirled that It belongs to the generation rising up beneath us. Jordan's line about intimate parties in The Great Gatsby? https://www.learnreligions.com/timothy-companion-of-the-apostle-paul-701073 (accessed March 2, 2023). The Sadness and Beauty of Pauls Final Words, John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. You must stand trial before Caesar.'. Ask a friend for a coat in Rome. So I was rescued from the lions mouth. Augustus name was Octavian. Darkness. Few prisons were as dim, dank, and dirty as the lower What is it that God is calling you to do? One denied Jesus three times at his point of greatest need, and he made him the rock. Zavada, Jack. found guilty, in all likelihood, for hating humankind. Look at the second half of 2 Timothy 4:16: May it not be charged against them! Thats amazing. nights, flaring sporadically for an additional three days. all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. Things essential and basic are neglected every day. People can have a good conscience, thinking that they have done right (2 Tim. Pauls words might simply be a rhetorical strategy. They cannot rescue you from every evil deed and bring you safely to the heavenly kingdom. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. He noticed the pin I was wearing and asked what it said. Hes going to die for helping people to read the Bible in English. (v. 6). After I preached the first service on Sunday, I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air. During the reign of Emperor Nero, the apostle Paul was placed on death row in a Roman prison. The Lord be with your spirit. Vespasian was Roman emperor from 69 to 79. Claudius expulsion of the Jews from Rome, And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Paul does this a lot right? Christ always intended for your friendship with him to be the centerpiece of your friendship with others. What step of faith? In his Second Letter to Timothy, written shortly before his death, Paul tells Timothy about his fellow-workers who are still with him in Rome, or who have left Rome 3. Grace be with you. I dug up some additional information on the various emperors that came after Nero. Hes so deceitful, such a liar, such a confuser of peoples minds. If God has given you the means to make a lot of money as a businessman, or if God has given you a church where they pay you well, dont keep all of it. He was in a hospital in a city down south, and Marlene and I were driving through that city. He chose the zealous young disciple Timothy. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem college &.. Timothy 4:9 ) Nero, the Apostle Paul was placed on death row in a hospital in a Roman.! So Paul says, Timothy, if youre going to die for helping to... 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