16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 2 Timothy 4
We looked yesterday at Christian Craighead, the brave SAS soldier who single handedly helped rescue so many people from terrorist attack in the Dusit complex in Nairobi. He was prepared and equipped when the unexpected call for help came and like Paul he stood alone. (He was able to do all he wanted without other voices intervening.) There will probably be occasions for most of us when we’ll face trials without others beside us, but Paul gives us encouragement;
17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. 2 Timothy 4
The Lord knew Paul needed help, he was standing alone before the justices of Rome, with his life in the balance. The Lord Himself stood at Paul’s side so that the Gospel message might be shared with them as well. This had been the Lord’s word to Paul after he’d been rescued by the soldiers from the Sanhedrin;
11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have TESTIFIED ABOUT ME IN JERUSALEM, SO YOU MUST ALSO TESTIFY IN ROME.” Acts 23
The Lord had called Paul to be His witness/testify about Him; it had become the reason for Paul’s life. The Lord rescued Paul from all sorts of calamities, including storms and shipwreck so that His purpose for him would be fulfilled.
Despite the fact that Paul had stood alone at his trial, he ends his letter with personal mention of some ten brothers and sisters, along with other unknown brothers. Paul was forced to stand alone at times, but it was never his intention to isolate himself. He always recognised the Lord’s people, one Body and did all in his power to serve them and strengthen them. Competition within the Body has never been the Lord’s will for His people.
19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter (Perhaps to bring Paul his cloak). Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers.
A final blessing closes out this second letter to Timothy from his spiritual father.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.