It Starts Small

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life in Christ Jesus:

² To Timothy, my dearly loved son.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:1-2

2 Timothy stands as Paul’s final epistle, a heartfelt farewell that reverberates with profound gravity and urgency. We often cherish the essence of people’s “famous last words,” and here, we grasp the deeply moving finality of Paul’s recorded thoughts. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, he passionately conveys his belief that his time is drawing to an end, recognizing that his remarkable journey as an apostle is reaching its dramatic climax. Having been imprisoned in Rome from around 61 to 63 AD, Paul’s spirit remained unyielded; many scholars propose that he was briefly released, embarking on one last fervent missionary expedition before facing imprisonment yet again. Acts 28 reveals that Paul’s initial imprisonment was akin to house arrest, allowing him a measure of freedom even while confined, a testament to his unbreakable spirit.

Now, in the tumultuous year of 66-67 AD, Paul finds himself once again ensnared by imprisonment, a prisoner of circumstance yet fiercely unyielding in spirit. In 2 Timothy 2:6, we are confronted with the harsh reality of his chains, a stark reminder that this second imprisonment is infinitely grimmer than the first. The profound sense of loneliness envelops him in 4:9 as he passionately yearns for the cherished companionship of his beloved brothers and friends. With a heavy heart, he sorrowfully observes that only Luke stands steadfast by his side, and he calls out with an urgent plea for Timothy to rush to him. As he approaches the twilight of his life, Paul may be stripped of the freedom to embark on grand missionary journeys, yet his unshakeable devotion to the Lord continues to blaze brightly, illuminating the way even in the deepest of darkness.

His heart beats fervently for the noble pursuit of making disciples, the very heartbeat of his ministry across decades. As he nears the culmination of his journey, the radiant significance of discipleship illuminates his path even more brightly. Paul’s cherished disciples stand ready to carry forward the torch of reproduction, ensuring that the fire of his mission blazes on, transcending his earthly presence. Through his dynamic and transformative discipleship, devoted men like Timothy are being equipped to champion this sacred calling. In this book, we will passionately explore the profound final instructions Paul bequeaths to his most beloved disciple, unveiling the inspiring journey that awaits.

Paul was chosen to be an apostle by God – In 1 Timothy 1:1, he says, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will.” It wasn’t Paul’s choice. It wasn’t Paul’s plan. God chose Paul to do this task and Paul was compelled to obey.

What has God called you to do? Do you do it to the best of your ability?

To Timothy my dearly loved son

Paul had an undeniable love for Timothy that radiated with every word he penned. Most scholars concur that Paul remained unmarried and childless throughout his life; yet, in Timothy, he found a son he always yearned for. This was not just any son; this was the embodiment of the ideal—a son who passionately loved God, who shared Paul’s fervent vision, and who could join him in the sacred work of ministry. Paul placed his unwavering trust in Timothy, sending him to distant cities with challenging missions, confident that through God’s grace, Timothy was more than capable of rising to every occasion.

While Paul fervently affirms and empowers Timothy, his unwavering support continues to shine through. He offers invaluable advice, lifts Timothy in prayer, and stands by him as a dedicated counselor and mentor. For anyone seeking a compelling example of the profound bond between a father and son, even in the son’s adulthood, Paul and Timothy exemplify the ideal relationship to aspire to. And even if you don’t have children of your own, you can still embrace the vision of nurturing disciples—whether men or women—just like Timothy.

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Discussion Questions

• How and why did Paul become an apostle according to verse 1?
• Why is this significant?
• How did he view his relationship with Timothy?
• What can we learn about Timothy from the fact Paul called him his “beloved son?” Why did Paul call him this?

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