2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

One of the great privileges of belonging to Jesus is that we also belong to his family. Regardless of the make-up of our physical families, we are all part of God’s worldwide, eternal family. We have brothers and sisters all over the world who, like us, are seeking to serve Jesus and share his gospel. We look forward to living together on the new earth; in the meantime, we can pray for and support each other in ministry.

Paul had many ministry friends. At the end of this letter he sends personal greetings to his close friends in Ephesus, and he passes on greetings from the Roman believers to Timothy. Although they are separated by many miles, these believers love and support one another faithfully.

Priscilla and Aquila are two of Paul’s closest friends. He stayed with them in Corinth and they travelled with him to Ephesus, where they hosted a church in their home (Acts 18:18–26; 1 Cor. 16:19). Later they lived in Rome, where they also hosted a church (Rom. 16:3–5). Now they are back in Ephesus working alongside Timothy. These two friends worked hard in ministry – it isn’t surprising that Paul remembers them especially. Their example should challenge us. Are we working hard for the gospel, sacrificially serving God in whatever ways he asks of us? 

Paul’s last recorded words are, ‘The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all’ (v. 22). This is his prayer for Timothy and the Ephesians. It is also his prayer for us. Hopefully this letter has encouraged you to persevere in sharing the gospel message and to be willing to suffer as a follower of Jesus. None of us can do this in our own strength; we need the Lord to be with us – sustaining and strengthening us by his grace. We have been saved by God’s grace. Every blessing we have in Christ is because of his grace. And it is God’s grace that will enable us to persevere in following and serving him until we meet him face to face.

Reflection

Pray that you will be aware of God’s presence, strengthening and sustaining you as you persevere in serving him. Thank God for his grace in saving you. Reflect on all the blessings you can enjoy now because of his grace.