Paul is nearing the end of his life. His execution is near, and he can sense it. During this second imprisonment, he feels all alone. That is why he has called for Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible. Though he still has Luke and Tychicus near, his loneliness grows as his end draws near.
Take a look at this week’s passage in 2 Timothy 4:16-17:
In the face of a coming execution, Paul feels despondent and is tempted to give in to despair. His plea to Timothy to come to him is a cry of loneliness and a cry for help. In what he feels are his final days, he wants those around him who are his closest friends. That includes Timothy.
Paul states that there was no one there to support him at his first defense. This paragraph contains a lot of legal language. The word “defense” is a courtroom term, meaning to give an answer to an accusation. This probably isn’t referring to Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, but to a hearing of some sort during this second prison term.
The word “support” is also a legal term. In this sense, it refers to the person who stands alongside the accused in order to assist legally, or simply be there for them relationally. This would have likely been a preliminary hearing, and not the actual trial itself, though that is still a possibility. Paul’s defense would have been laid out before the Roman prefect, who was appointed by Nero.
This occurred before Paul sent this letter to Timothy, so we know Tychicus was there. And Paul has just stated that Luke was with him as well. But where were they during this defense? Did they have other matters to attend to? Or is Paul just longing for his “son in the faith?”
However, even though Paul feels alone, he knows that he is not. He knows that the Lord has given him the strength he needs to endure, and to continue to proclaim the gospel for as long as he is allowed to live.
Paul’s mission has long been to the Gentiles. There were several of the other leaders of the early church who were focused on the Jewish people, such as Peter and James. Paul saw the need to share Christ with those outside of the Jewish faith. Here he states that even his trial and possible execution can be a means for the message of Christ to continue to spread.
The final phrase of this passage has been the subject of some debate over the centuries. Are the lions referenced here to be taken literally or figuratively? If this is to be taken literally, then to whom does it refer? There are a few possibilities.
If figuratively, then the lion’s mouth could be referring to death and Satan. Paul had been saved from death at this first hearing, and he attributes it to God. In this case, this passage displays some close parallels to Psalm 22. Paul may have been dwelling on that in his thoughts.
If literally, then Paul may be referring specifically to Nero. The fact that his hearing did not result in execution may be seen as God stepping in and restraining Nero and his officials.
Finally, it could be even more of a literal idea. Paul may have been sentenced to face the lions in the Coliseum, or Circus Maximus. God’s act of saving him may have been a reversal of that decision. Eventually, Paul’s execution would happen, but it was by sword.
Though we do not know what Paul is referring to here, any of the three fit the context well enough.
Regardless of which option Paul may have had in mind, it is clear that he credits the Lord with the action. He knows who has saved him, if only for a time. He may be ready to stand in the presence of Christ, but if he is left on the earth, he knows his purpose and will continue to fulfill it.
And so should we.
Question: When do feel the most alone? Do you have a solid, godly friendship that you can depend on during such times You can leave a comment by clicking here.