2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

As Paul anticipates his final months in a cold, damp cell, he longs for three things – his friends, warmth and God’s Word. So he asks Timothy to travel to Rome and bring with him his friend Mark, his cloak and his scrolls (the parchments were probably Paul’s Greek copies of the Old Testament). 

Paul misses his ministry companions. Crescens and Titus had left to continue gospel work in other towns, and Paul had sent Tychicus to Ephesus – perhaps to give this letter to Timothy and continue his work while he travelled to Rome. But Demas had deserted Paul for Thessalonica.

Demas had previously worked alongside Paul – probably while he was under house arrest (Phlm. 1:24; Col 4:14). But as Paul’s suffering intensified, Demas deserted him. We’re not told that Demas abandoned his faith or even gospel ministry – he may have continued to share the gospel in Thessalonica. However, he loved this world and valued its comfort and security too much to suffer alongside Paul. Perhaps he was unprepared to face the shame of being associated with a condemned criminal. Perhaps he worried that he would face similar suffering if he stayed in Rome. Perhaps he just wanted a quieter life in Thessalonica.

Our actions reveal our hearts – what’s important to us and what we love. If we love Jesus and joyfully anticipate his return, we will be willing to sacrifice convenience, security and respect. But if we love this world and value earthly comfort and ease, we will be embarrassed or afraid to identify with people who share Jesus boldly.

The good news is that failure isn’t final. Mark, who was also called John, had also deserted Paul – on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:13; 15:37–38). But he came back and was helpful to Paul while he was under house arrest (Col. 4:10; Phlm. 1:24). God was gracious to forgive Mark and give him new opportunities to serve. This should encourage us.

Reflection

Perhaps, like Mark, you have walked away from opportunities to serve Jesus or share the gospel. Thank God that he is gracious to forgive and ask him to make you useful in serving him. Pray he will help you love and value Jesus more than the comfort and security of this world.