Chapter 49—Paul’s Last Letter
This chapter is based on the
Second Epistle to Timothy
.
From the judgment hall of Caesar, Paul returned to his cell, realiz-
ing 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. To have proclaimed a
crucified and risen Saviour before the vast crowd who had listened to
him, was in itself a victory. That day a work had begun which would
grow and strengthen, and which Nero and all other enemies of Christ
would seek in vain to hinder or destroy.
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
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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, toilworn 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 began his letter with the salutation: “To Timothy, my dearly
beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ
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