Page 6 - March 2026 - Truth & Tidings

Last Words Paul’s prayer list was long, but there was

When spending time with loved ones always time to pray for Timothy. Praying
“night and day” (v3) for Timothy conveys
during their final days, the conversations the idea that Paul depended upon God to
take on a different character than in previ- help Timothy in his work, as well as to
ous times. Last words carry more weight help him bring Paul relief in Rome. Similar
than our everyday conversation. The to the dependent, destitute widows that
subject matter is not light. Paul observed praying night and day
This series of articles will explore Paul’s (1Ti 5:5), Paul looks for the same helping
last words to Timothy, focusing on the power from God and encourages Timothy
themes this older man deemed important to aid in prayer. When it becomes clear
for the younger man to know in order that the Holy Spirit is raising someone up
to continue faithfully during last days. to the work, we can join in their develop-
In this personal note, Paul understands ment via prayer.
Timothy’s strengths and weaknesses Paul’s care for Timothy is also evident
and wants to give him help to carry on in Timothy’s tears (v4). We may try to
the work of God according to his ability. withhold our tears from the sight of oth-
Lessons from 2 Timothy still help men ers, yet Timothy had shed tears at Paul’s
and women of God to remain faithful in momentous departure from Miletus (Act
ever-darkening days. 20:4,37-38). Timothy highly esteemed
Remembrance Paul, likely because of Paul’s tenderness
The first thing Paul draws attention to for him, and the question of their next
meeting loomed large. Later, Paul antici-
is remembrance. There are four differ- pated a joyful reunion with Timothy if he
ent occurrences of “recollection” and its could get to Rome in time, before winter
cognates in 2 Timothy 1:3-8: Paul pray- made the Mediterranean impassable (2Ti
ing for Timothy, remembering Timothy’s 4:9,21). There is a time for weeping and a
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tears, recalling Timothy’s genuine faith, time for sharing our deepest hopes.
and reminding Timothy to stir up the gift Paul also remembered the “unfeigned
within him. Judging that the time had faith” that was in Timothy (v5). Dwelling
come for the fledgling to fly, it’s as if he is on the reality of Timothy’s faith encour-
telling Timothy, “I led you this far. Now aged Paul. Paul spent a considerable
you take up the cause.” Is there someone amount of time with Timothy, chronicled
you could mentor to carry on your work in the Acts, where he detected authentic-
in the local assembly when you no longer
can? If you’re a younger believer, are you 1 Andreas J. Köstenberger, 1-2 Timothy and Titus
looking to exercise your gift? (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2021), 288.

70 TRUTH kTidings March 2026