[:en]In his final letter to Timothy, Paul gave this charge: Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction (v. 2). He warned him that time will come when teachers will not preach sound doctrine and instead twist the truth and say what people wanted to hear. He told Timothy to keep his head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist and discharge all the duties of his ministry (vs. 4-5)
As Paul neared the end of his life, he was confident of his faithful call and faced death calmly. He said: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. NOw there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will reward to me on that day – and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (vs. 7-8)
PERSONAL REMARKS
Paul mentioned about the following people: Demas loved the world, deserted him and went to Thessalonica. Crescens had gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Alexander, the metal worker did great harm to him. Only Luke was with him. He told Timothy to get Mark because he had proved to be a worthy helper and trusted Christian leader. He asked Timothy to bring the cloak that he left with Carpus at Troas and his scrolls, especially the parchments. As his end was near, Paul had the assurance that “the Lord will rescue him from everything evil and will bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom.
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 19-22)
Paul ended the final chapter in his book of his life by greeting those who were closest to him. Among them were Prescilla & Aquila, the household of Onesiphorous, Erastus, Trophemus, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. Although Paul had spent most of his life in travelling, he had developed close and lasting friendship with those people.
We should also take time to engage our life with others through close personal relationships. Paul trained Timothy to take his place as a leader so that the world could continue to hear the message of Jesus Christ. Timothy was Paul’s living legacy, a product of Paul’s faithful teaching, discipleship and example.
How about you? Have you passed the torch to the next generation? What legacy will you leave behind? Who are you training to carry on your work?[:]