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The Friendship Between Paul and Timothy, July 24
Family Companionship
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from
God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.... Greatly desiring to
see thee, ... that I may be filled with joy.
2 Timothy 1:2-4
From the judgment hall of Caesar, Paul returned to his cell, realizing
that he had gained for himself only a brief respite. He knew that his
enemies would not rest until they had compassed his death. But he knew
also that for a time truth had triumphed....
Sitting day after day in his gloomy cell, knowing that at a word or a
nod from Nero his life might be sacrificed, Paul thought of Timothy, and
determined to send for him. To Timothy had been committed the care of
the church at Ephesus, and he had therefore been left behind when Paul
made his last journey to Rome. Paul and Timothy were bound together
by an affection unusually deep and strong. Since his conversion Timothy
had shared Paul’s labors and sufferings, and the friendship between the
two had grown stronger, deeper, and more sacred, until all that a son
could be to a loved and honored father, Timothy was to the aged, toil-
worn apostle. It is little wonder that in his loneliness and solitude Paul
longed to see him.
Under the most favorable circumstances several months must pass
before Timothy could reach Rome from Asia Minor. Paul knew that his
life was uncertain, and he feared that Timothy might arrive too late to
see him. He had important counsel and instruction for the young man, to
whom so great responsibility had been entrusted; and while urging him
to come without delay, he dictated the dying testimony that he might
not be spared to utter. His soul filled with loving solicitude for his son
in the gospel and for the church under his care, Paul sought to impress
Timothy with the importance of fidelity to his sacred trust.... Paul closed
his letter by commending his beloved Timothy to the guardianship of
the Chief Shepherd, who, though the undershepherds might be stricken
down, would still care for His flock.
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