The Apostle Paul's Last Words
Oct 2023
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“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.” —II Timothy 4:6
In many cases, an individual’s last words are very important. Many scholars believe that Paul’s second epistle to Timothy represent his last words in respect to a divine word given by the Holy Spirit to the church. During his thirty years of ministry, Paul had written thirteen powerful epistles.
In my studies, I have become convinced that the apostle Paul was actually imprisoned twice in Rome. His first imprisonment is written about by Luke in Acts 28:30: “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him.” Most New Testament scholars believe that Paul was released after these two years at about AD 64 and journeyed to Spain and other places for his last missionary trip. At about AD 66, during his last chapter of ministry, he was arrested and then placed in the Mamertine Prison in Rome. When touring the city of Rome in May of 2008, Donna and I were able to go into that prison, to kneel and pray. It was a dark, dungy prison cell where Paul lived for some time.
Take note, it was in prison that Paul writes this last epistle. In II Timothy 4:1-4, he charges or commands Timothy and all ministers to “preach the word.” The Greek word for preach is kerusso, which means “to herald as a public crier.” Yes, to cry aloud. The Greek word here for word is logos. The beloved John, in John 1, declares that Christ is “Logos.” We must preach the “Word,” and that word is Christ and Him crucified, resurrected, and coming again. In addition, Paul insists that Timothy must be ready to preach at all times, in season, out of season; to reprove and rebuke; and to teach with much patience and correct doctrine. Real preachers are not called to be comedians, politicians, journalists, or entertainers. In II Timothy 4:5, Paul cautions Timothy and all sincere ministers of the Word, to watch out in all things. This means to stay alert, live right, stay sober, be aware of what is going on in your world and in the church. Then he adds in this section, be prepared to endure afflictions. Paul writes that we should expect affliction and persecutions.
Also in verse five, Paul emphasizes the importance of evangelism. He commands Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist.” This requires a pastor to be constantly looking for lost souls, for broken people. Remember Mary Magdalen, Zacchaeus, Bartimaeus, and the ten lepers.
In II Timothy 4:6-8, Paul pauses in this final chapter by giving to Timothy an up-to-date report on his spiritual status. He highlights three powerful realities:
1. Paul reminds Timothy, “the time of my departure is at hand.”
2. Paul testifies, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Wow! He fought; he finished; he kept the faith.
3. Paul states that he expects to receive a crown of righteousness for his faithfulness to God and ministry. He adds that others may receive this crown also.
Finally, in II Timothy 4:9-21, the lonely missionary gets very personal. He urges Timothy, who is currently pastoring in Ephesus, to join him in Rome with “diligence.” Paul tells Timothy with much sadness that Demas has “forsaken me having loved this present world,” Paul mentions that Crescens has gone to Galatia to minister, Titus has gone to Dalmatia, and he had sent Tychicus to Ephesus. He adds “Only Luke is with me.” Then, Paul insists that Timothy must find Mark and bring him to Rome. He says that Mark will be profitable in ministry. In Acts 15:38, Paul had rejected Mark. In II Timothy 4:13, Paul requests that Timothy bring his “cloke,” a coat, some books and parchments. In verse 16, he writes, “No man stood with me, but all forsook me.” The great old missionary was feeling very alone. He sends greetings to Prisca, Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. He sends greetings from Erastus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia and “all the brethren” who are evidently in Rome. In II Timothy 4:21, he writes again, “Do thy diligence to come before winter.” Earlier, in verse six, he wrote that his departure would be soon. He knew he was facing death. He wanted his son Timothy close by. He also wanted Mark to be with him in Rome.
Paul’s last words are found in II Timothy 4:22, “The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.” At the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, before he entered Jerusalem, he was speaking to the elders at Miletus. He testified, “But, none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace Of God” (Acts 20:24).
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