The Abandoned Apostle

II Timothy 4:9–15
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Paul sends word to Timothy to hurry and come to Rome to be by his side (v. 9). It seems that in the face of approaching death the apostle craves to have his beloved “child in the faith” Timothy with him.  He is lonely and in need of Timothy because most of his companions have left him (v. 10). He relates how Demas who had been his trusted fellow-worker during his first imprisonment (Col. 4:14)  has “forsaken” him because he “loved this present world” (v. 10). Perhaps it was the love of money that enticed him back into the world. Maybe because of self-interest he was unwilling to be associated with the apostle because of the dangers involved.

After Paul has spoken of the man who was the deserter, he goes on to speak of the man who was faithful unto death. “Luke alone is with me,” he says (v. 11). We know very little about Luke, and yet even from that little he emerges as one of the most loyal characters in the New Testament. He also asks Timothy to get Mark and bring him, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry. For some reason he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus (v. 12). He wants his coat and books brought to him (v. 13). He goes on to say that Alexander, the metalworker, has hurt me in many ways, but the Lord will take care of him for what he has done (v. 14). He opposes what we preach so you had better watch out for him (v. 15).

What a man Paul was! His friends forsake him, and he prays that God will forgive them. His enemies try him and he looks for opportunities to tell them how to be saved. He could not do the job by himself. It is a great man who enlists others to help him and share in the greatness.

Application

A good question to ask is who are some  people I really need? How have they ministered to me?  Have I let them know how much I appreciate them? Am I having a ministry in anyone’s life? If so who?