If I were Timothy #18: never alone

INTRODUCTION

Last month, we journeyed through the book of 1 Timothy, a letter written by Paul directly to his protégé Timothy.

Just a reminder of who Timothy was –

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.  Acts 16:1

After Paul had visited Lystra, Timothy became his companion and co-worker along with Silas. Timothy then travelled around with Paul, who became his mentor. Paul trusted him to carry out important work.

During the month, I imagined how I would have reacted to this letter from Paul if I were Timothy. You can read the whole of that response here. I’d have been blown away – and now here I am, receiving another letter from Paul addressed directly to me! This letter is traditionally considered to be the last one Paul wrote before his death.

So let’s unpack it together, imagining each day who Timothy would respond.

PASSAGE

 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.  2 Timothy 4:19-22

RESPONSE

And so I reach the end of your letter and of this response I’m writing to it. Thank you so much for reaching out to me with your encouragement and instruction. It’s been just what I’ve needed right now.

I’ll pass on your greetings, of course I will. Everyone will be glad to hear your news. I’m so sorry to hear about Trophimus. Send him my love and best wishes. And to all the others.

I so want to come to you, but there’s things to sort out here first. These final words you’ve written feel like a reminder to me and to you that we are never alone. We are surrounded by people who care for us and look out for us, whether they are physically with us or far away. And of course, God is always with us both. There’s such comfort in knowing that, isn’t there?

Never alone. That’s the promise. So whether I make it to you before the winter or not – and I get how gutted we would both be if I don’t – neither of us will ever be alone.

May God give you the grace you need to get through this day and every day.

All my love,

Timothy