With Your Spirit and Grace 2 Timothy 4:22

As we come to the conclusion of Paul the apostle's final letter to Timothy his “dearly beloved son”, we have learned of those who were in the ministry with him and seen where Timothy was greeted by those who still surrounded him. In chapter four and verse twenty-two of his letter, Paul ended his words with a prayer for the “Lord Jesus Christ” to be with Timothy's “spirit” and for “Grace” to be with him as well. We read:

The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

The verse begins, “The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Paul began with, “The Lord” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding or master and is a title of honor expressive of respect and reverence which is given to God, the Messiah” “Jesus” which in Greek is “Iēsous” and means “Jehovah is salvation” who is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” or “anointed Messiah” “be with” which means “after or behind” “your spirit” which refers to “the vital principal by which the body is animated, feels, thinks and decides”. Paul desired for the presence of “The Lord Jesus Christ” to be with him in every aspect of his being.

The verse goes on to say, “Grace be with you. Amen.” Paul continued with, “Grace” or “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good will, loving-kindness and unmerited favor” “be with you” or “after or behind you” “Amen” which means “firm, faithful, verily, surely and so it is or let it be so”. Paul desired the “Grace” of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with Timothy as well.

As we think through this final verse of this second and final letter written to Timothy, it is important to note that some believe this verse was added by the translators. However the themes of these greetings are in keeping with many of the writings of Paul, and they are no doubt ones which should be given to anyone who desires to be blessed by God. It is good to put ourselves in Timothy's place and act as though these final words are given to us as well. May we have “The Lord Jesus Christ be with” our “spirit”, and may “Grace be with” us as we make our way through this life, in Jesus' name, Amen and “let it be so”.

Next time we will begin a study in the Old Testament book of Zephaniah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Come Before Winter and More Greetings 2 Timothy 4:21

Paul the apostle neared his final written words as he lived on the earth. He wrote concerning Timothy's personal life and the life of the church he pastored in Ephesus. As he ended his letter, Paul mentioned several people who were instrumental at one time in his ministry, and he greeted others whom Timothy knew. In chapter four and verse twenty-one, Paul desired Timothy to be determined to come to him “before winter”, and gave him greetings from a few people who were with him at that time. We read:

Do your diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greets you,

and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

The verse begins, “Do your diligence to come before winter.” Paul began with, “Do your diligence” or “make haste, exert yourself and endeavor” “to come before” or “get to where Paul was “ahead or in front of” “winter” which was when the “stormy or rainy weather” came. Paul knew his conditions would be more difficult in the stormy winter months, and Timothy's visit before hand would be helpful to him.

The verse goes on to say, “Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.” Paul continued, “Eubulus” which means “prudent” who was “a Christian in Rome” “greets you” or “salutes, bids welcome, wishes well to and receives you joyfully” “and Pudens” which means “modest” and was “a Christian friend of Timothy at Rome and may have been one of the seventy disciples” “and Linus” which means “a net” and was “a Christian at Rome, known to Paul and to Timothy who was the first bishop of Rome after the apostles (A.D. 64)” “and Claudia” whose name means “lame” and was “a Christian woman” “and all the brethren” which refers to “the remaining fellow brethren in Christ” who were with Paul. It appears the list of people with him is running through Paul's mind, and he is making reference to each one of them whom Timothy knew as well as including in a group others whom he didn't name personally.

When we think about these final words of Paul the apostle, we can sense the care he had for each of the people he listed. They were valuable to him, and he knew they were precious to Timothy as well. As we make our way through Christianity, we meet people who have great worth to us, and it is good when people are valued to the point of mention when referring to those whom others know. Too often the value of individuals we meet along the way is diminished, and this causes divide, separation and detachment. Fortunately the Lord is always with us, and His standpoint of our worth never alters or changes and is always quantifiable with Him. Perhaps we should take mental inventory of those who are and have been valuable in our lives and give thanks to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ His Son that we have known them. We may also have those with whom we are now detached and separated and this would be a good time to give thanks for them as well. May the Lord remind us of those with whom we have to do, and may our hearts always be reaching for forgiveness and inclusion with those who have become distant from us.

Next time Paul finishes his final letter with one final greeting, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Erastus and Trophimus 2 Timothy 4:20

As Paul began his benediction in his final letter to Timothy, he asked Timothy to “Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus”, and in chapter four and verse twenty he mentioned two other men, “Erastus” and “Trophimus” where we read:

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

The verse begins, “Erastus abode at Corinth:” Paul began with the name, “Erastus” which means “beloved” and was “a companion of the apostle Paul and the chamberlain or rather the public treasurer, of Corinth” “abode” or “remained, tarried or continued” “at Corinth” which means “satiated” and was “an ancient and famous city of Greece, on the Isthmus of Corinth and about 40 miles (65 km) west of Athens”. “Erastus” is also mentioned in Acts chapter nineteen and Romans chapter sixteen.

The verse continues, “but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which means “moreover, and, also” “Trophimus” whose name means “nutritious” and was “an Ephesian Christian and a friend of the apostle Paul” “have I left” or “left behind or to remain” “at Miletum” which means “pure white fine wool” and was “a maritime city, now nearly 10 miles (16 km), from the coast of Caria or Ionia, near the mouth of the Maeander and 35 miles (55 km) from Ephesus. It was the mother of about eighty colonies, the the birth place of Thales, Anaximander, and other famous men” “sick” or “weak, feeble, without strength and powerless”. “Trophimus” is also mentioned in Acts chapters twenty and twenty-one.

While we consider Paul's final mention of people who were alongside him in the ministry, we note the union Paul had with these men. There were many “companions” who aided Paul in his work, and “Erastus” and “Trophimus” were examples of these fellow-workers. It is interesting to think that Paul who often laid his hands upon people for their healing was not able to bring about healing for “Trophimus” who was “sick”. This knowledge helps us to know the sovereignty of God, and it is He who chooses when and where certain people remain ill and others are healed. No doubt these men were special to Paul and known by Timothy as they are mentioned together in Paul's missionary journeys, and as Paul begins to complete his final words before he will be martyred for his faith, he mentions their location and condition. Perhaps we should take inventory of those within our lives who have come alongside us in our “ministry” in this world, and may the Lord Jesus help us to appreciate not only them, but also the One who added them to our lives.

Next time Paul tells Timothy to come to him before winter and names others who are with him who greet Timothy, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Saluting More Friends 2 Timothy 4:19

As Paul the apostle began to wind down his final words to Timothy his “dearly beloved son” and “son in the faith”, he named people who were part of the ministry of the gospel with him. In chapter four and verse nineteen, we see where Paul desired for Timothy to greet people who were with Timothy in Ephesus where we read:

Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

The verse begins, “Salute Prisca and Aquila,...” Paul began with the word, “Salute” which means “greet, bid welcome and wish well to” “Prisca” whose name means “ancient” and was “a Christian woman who was the wife of Aquila” “and Aquila” whose name means “an eagle” and was “a Jew of Pontus who was a tent maker convert to Christ and companion and ally of Paul in propagating Christianity”. We can read more about them in The Acts of the Apostles chapter eighteen where Paul met them in Corinth, and they were used by the Lord to bring “Apollos” to a more clear understanding about Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “...and the household of Onesiphorus.” Paul continued, “and the household” or “house and dwelling place” “of Onesiphorus” whose name means “bringing profit or profit bearer” and was a Christian brother to whom Paul referred in his first letter to Timothy who “often refreshed” Paul, and “was not ashamed of” Paul's “chain”. In other words, Paul wanted Timothy to greet “Onesiphorus” and his household as he remembered what “Onesiphorus” did for him in the past.

When we think about Paul's words, we can sense the closeness he had with these he greeted. The Lord often adds people to our lives who become very close in ministry. Though Paul mentioned those who had abandoned him, he now began to think of those who were instrumental and servant-like as he shared the gospel. No doubt “Prisca and Aquilla” were fondly remembered by Paul, and because they were near Timothy, he wanted them to be greeted. In addition, “Onesiphorus”, as well as those within his house, had ministered to Paul as he shared the gospel, and he desired for them to be greeted as well. Perhaps the Lord has added people of great value to our lives who have been helpful in our own sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and maybe the inspiration of Paul to simply greet them will serve as a reminder to appreciate others as well. May the Lord bring to our minds people who are special to us, and may we be inspired to bid them well for being so.

Next time Paul shares concerning more people with whom he ministered, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Lord Shall Deliver and Preserve 2 Timothy 4:18

Though everyone abandoned Paul at his first “answer” to the charges brought against him, “The Lord stood with” him and “strengthened” him. Because of this Paul declared, “that by” him “the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear” “and” he “was delivered out of the mouth of the lion”. In chapter four and verse eighteen of this final letter to Timothy, Paul continued his thought by adding how the Lord would “deliver” and “preserve” him where we read:

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The verse begins, “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,...” Paul began with the word, “And” which demonstrated his continuance of thought and went on to write, “the Lord” who is “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title of honor expressive of respect and reverence which is given to God, the Messiah” “shall deliver me” or “rescue Paul” “from every” which means “each, any, all, the whole and everyone” “evil work” or “bad labor, hardship, business, employment, occupation or condition”. Paul was assured whatever his conditions were going to be, the Lord would “rescue” him from them all.

The verse continues, “...and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom:” Paul went on to add, “and will preserve me” which means “save, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger or destruction” “unto his heavenly” or “existing in heaven and of heavenly origin or nature” “kingdom” which refers to “royal power, kingship, dominion or rule”. Paul knew “the Lord” would “keep” him “safe and sound” until the time when He would call him to be in the “heavenly kingdom”.

Finally the verse says, “to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Paul continued with a praise, “to whom” which refers to “the Lord Jesus” “be glory” which means “splendor, brightness, majesty, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity and grace” “forever and ever” which in Greek is “aiōn aiōn” and means “an unbroken age, perpetuity of time and eternity”. Paul ended this verse with the word, “Amen” which means “firm, so it is and so be it” and was a declarative statement of the authority and solidity of his praise.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we can understand the close relationship Paul had with the Lord Jesus. We find his confidence in “the Lord's” presence enviable as he declared with purpose his resolve that no matter what he faced, “the Lord” would not only “deliver” him, but would also “preserve” him until the time He took Paul to His heavenly kingdom. Are we as confident as Paul and assured“the Lord” is standing with us in our deepest and darkest hour? Are we certain of his deliverance and preservation in these times? Perhaps we should join Paul in his praise of the Lord, give Him “glory for ever and ever” and ask that He put within us the same spirit and confidence of Paul who knew “the Lord” so well, that nowhere in the world would he ever know what it was like to be completely alone.

Next time Paul begins some final greetings, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Lord Stood with Me 2 Timothy 4:17

Paul the apostle had to “answer” his first trial as he was in prison for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. At that time, “no man stood with” him, and “all men forsook” him. Even though this was true, Paul prayed to “God that it may not be laid to their charge”, and in chapter four and verse seventeen of this final letter to Timothy, he told how “the Lord stood with” him, though everyone else did not where we read:

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

The verse begins, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;” Paul began with the word, “Notwithstanding” which means “but, moreover, and” “the Lord” who is “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding, master, and a title of honor expressive of respect and reverence, and is the title given to God, the Messiah” “stood with me” or “beside, near, present or at hand with Paul”. Paul added, “and strengthened me” or “endued and increased with strength Paul”. Though all others had abandoned Paul in his time of crisis and need, the Lord not only was present with him, but also gave him the strength to be able to endure it.

The verse continues, “that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear:” Paul went on to give the reason the Lord stood with and strengthened him, “that by me” which referred to Paul himself, “the preaching” or “that which is proclaimed by a herald or public crier or a proclamation of the heralds of God or Christ” “might be fully known” which means “made or brought full, to carry through to the end and accomplished”. Paul went on to say, “and that all” which means “each, every, any, the whole and everyone” “the Gentiles” or “multitudes of men or women, tribes, nations and people groups” “might hear” which means “be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf, attend to, consider and perceive by the ear what is announced in one's presence and learn”. In other word, “the Lord stood with” and strengthened Paul so the proclamation of the gospel would be “fully known” and that “all the Gentiles might hear” the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Finally the verse says, “and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” Paul went on to add, “and I was delivered” which means “rescue, saved, retrieved and recovered” “out of the mouth” or “heart, soul and edge of the sword” “of the lion” which literally means “lion or a brave and mighty hero” and is a reference “to Nero (as some think) or some other judge”. At this time in Paul's life, he was spared and did not suffer death. Later on, he would be martyred for that cause of the gospel.

When we think upon Paul's words, we may have experienced the comfort and wisdom that only “the Lord” can provide in our times of crisis. Perhaps we have felt abandoned by others when we faced difficult circumstances, and in those times have found the presence of “the Lord” not only comforting, but also proving to have another end. The gospel of Jesus Christ was “preached” and made “fully known” because Paul endured such loneliness, and no doubt many “Gentiles” heard the message of Salvation through Paul's plight. We must remember, the Lord Jesus has a plan for our lives that often goes beyond our current circumstances, and as with Paul, should there be a time of discard and loneliness, not only will He be with us and give us strength and wisdom, but He will also “deliver” us from any “lion” like foe who comes against us.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how the Lord shall “preserve” and “deliver” him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

All Men Forsook Paul 2 Timothy 4:16

Paul the apostle began to wind down his final thoughts to Timothy his “dearly beloved son” as he completed his letter of instruction. He mentioned a few men who were once with him in ministry such as: “Demas, Crescens, Titus, Luke and Tychicus”, and he asked for “Mark” to be sent to him. He desired his “cloke” and “the books, but especially the parchments” as well. He was troubled by “Alexander the Coppersmith” who did him “much evil”, and desired for “the Lord” to “reward him for his works”. Finally Paul warned Timothy concerning “Alexander”, and in chapter four and verse sixteen Paul wrote concerning how “all men forsook” him where we read:

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me:

I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

The verse begins, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me:” Paul began with, “At my first” or “initial, first in rank, time or place” “answer” which is the Greek word “apologia” and means “verbal defense or reasoned statement or argument” “no man” or “no one and nobody” “stood” which means “to come together as to one's aid” “with me” which is a reference to Paul himself. Paul continued, “but” which means “nevertheless, notwithstanding, an objection, an exception, restriction, moreover, rather and nay” “all men forsook” or “abandoned, deserted, left in straits, left helpless, utterly left behind and surviving” “me” which also is a reference to Paul himself. In other words, Paul made a first appearance of defense before the courts with the charges brought against him, and no one was with him when he stood there.

The verse continues, “I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” Paul continued, “I pray God that it may not be laid” which in Greek is the phrase “logizomai mē logizomai” which means “not be reckoned, counted, computed, calculated, accounted for” “to their charge” or “to themselves or as the same manner”. Even though everyone abandoned Paul in his moment of trial, he did not desire for God to make them have to give an accounting of their desertion.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we can imagine ourselves in his place. What if we were being put on trial for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and everyone we knew abandoned us? How would that feel, and would we be angry or upset with those who left us alone? Even though everyone else left him to defend for himself, Paul knew the Lord was with him. Sometimes the Lord will allow every person to forsake us, and when they do, He will always be at our side. The question is, will we have the same attitude of Paul towards others and desire they not be charged for their desertion? May the Lord help us to remember He is always with us, and when others go away, may we develop a spirit of forgiveness and mercy toward them in like manner as Paul.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how “the Lord stood” with him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.