The Comfort of a Soldier

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Many times the very end of personal letters like 2 Timothy get ignored or glossed over because of their personal nature. I know that my bad habit is to come to a section like this, with lots of names and personal instructions, and skim quickly to look for “important stuff.” However, if we study the end of 2 Timothy and give this passage its due as a part of God’s Word we will find that Paul is right; all Scripture is indeed “inspired and profitable.” (3:16) These last verses of 2 Timothy teach us the comfort of a soldier in Christ, or put another way they teach us what every soldier needs to enjoy their ministry and their work for Christ.

In the church we run the risk of missing this great lesson when we ignore the impact these last verses can have on our lives. We might be tempted to think that if we are good enough soldiers we will ensure ourselves a satisfying journey. From experience, though, I can tell you that even the best and most disciplined soldier gets tired of soldiering. It takes more than just individual dedication to our task to have a joyful spirit as we serve the Lord. At the very end of Paul’s last letter, he leaves us with three needs every soldier must have met to enjoy serving the Lord and waiting for His return.

1. Help in Ministry (4:9-15): John Donne said it well: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”[1] We see that thought here in the life of the Apostle Paul. Paul is sitting in a dungeon: cold, alone and more than a little disheartened. He reminds us that in order to be successful in ministry and have joy in being soldiers in Christ’s army we need help in ministry. We can’t make it on our own; we need the help and love and support of others to see us through life’s struggles and trials.

9Make every effort to come to me soon; 10for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. (2 Timothy 4:9-15)

There are several interesting bits of information right at the outset here as we begin our look at the needs of a soldier in Christ, and specifically for the comfort that help in ministry brings. Paul begins by telling Timothy to “make every effort” using the same word in the same way that he did in 2 Tim 2:15. In other words, just as Timothy was supposed to do everything in his power to provide a “straight path” for the Word of Truth in people’s lives[2], so Paul wanted him to do everything he could to make it to Rome as soon as possible.

Why did Paul want Timothy in Rome so quickly? Simply, because he needed help! Demas, Paul tells us, had “deserted” him; he “loved this present world” and so he left Paul’s side to travel to Thessalonica. Demas is mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24, and in both of those instances he is mentioned alongside of Luke as Paul’s “fellow worker.” He was a part of Paul’s inner circle, which no doubt made his defection all the more painful. I don’t think that Demas abandoned Christ[3], but he did leave Paul in his time of need. That defection must have wounded Paul deeply and grieved him greatly.

We also get the picture in these verses of others who are no longer helping Paul in Rome: Crescens and Titus have apparently been sent to other locations to do the work of spreading the kingdom of God, and only Luke is left. Tychicus is probably mentioned because he brought the letter from Paul to Timothy in Ephesus[4], which means that Paul decided to go without one of his close companions in order to gain the help and companionship of Timothy. What had begun as an Army for Christ descending upon Rome had dwindled to a battalion; then after awhile it was only a company; now Paul didn’t even have enough helpers to man a fire team![5]

I also notice that Paul wants Timothy to bring Mark along. In Acts 15:36-40 Paul and Mark had more than a disagreement; Paul felt that Mark deserted him and would not allow him to come on his missionary journey! Apparently they had made up by now, and Mark had proven himself to be faithful to the point that Paul specifically asks Timothy to bring him along to help with the ministry in Rome. What a change of heart! Even the biggest rift can be healed for the cause of Christ if we all maintain humble and forgiving attitudes.

In verses 13-15 Paul asks Timothy to bring him some supplies, namely a cloak and his books, especially his parchments. The cloak would keep the cold at bay in the Roman winter, but I can’t say exactly what books these were. I can make any number of guesses[6], but without any further information I think the best course of action is to simply understand that Paul needed Timothy to bring him some supplies and not try to speculate too precisely what they were. While he was at it Timothy was to continue to be watchful of the opposition to Paul and his work that men like Alexander the coppersmith could muster.

Paul needs supporters, and he needs supplies. He needs some faithful helpers to stand with him and fill in the gaps of working for the kingdom of God. Here at his very end of life Paul’s first and only concern is that the gospel of Jesus Christ carries on and is presented to people who desperately need it. He was perhaps the greatest genius in history, certainly one of the most tireless and devoted followers of Christ that has ever walked the face of the earth, and from his prison cell he cries out to Timothy for help. Paul knew he wasn’t an island.

Are we modeling the same type of ministry here at the WG?

Are you practicing the same commitment for Christ in your own life? When the call comes out to help, that a ministry or a person in our congregation needs fellow workers or supplies or assistance or encouragement, what is your response?
Do you begin to think about the possibility of helping and coming alongside to encourage your brother or sister in Christ, or have you succumbed to the “not my job” mentality that is so prevalent in America? A growing disciple of Jesus does everything they reasonably can when others ask for help. That doesn’t mean that you have to become a doormat and take on 15 different ministries; instead, look for that area where we are lacking and see if you can help.
When people struggle to find fellow workers, they get discouraged just like Paul did. There are some people here who are wearing so many hats that they have to duck to get in the door. Be like Paul: cry out for help! Don’t get burned out and despondent; find someone who you think can help you succeed and ask them if they might prayerfully consider being a part of your ministry. We might be tempted to feel like we are intruding on people, or maybe that we are not strong enough to hack it. Don’t burn yourself out; ask for help.
Are you instead shy to volunteer? Maybe you’re not sure of how to help or where. Maybe you’re busy and committed in other areas. Be like Timothy: respond to the call! When someone comes and asks for help they are turning to you and looking for support and encouragement and a helping hand. Like Timothy with his great friend and mentor, do everything you can to lift that person up and help them succeed in sharing the love of Jesus with the people around them.

2. Strength from God (4:16-18): Paul cried out to Timothy for help and support, but especially in light of the situation with Demas Paul knew good and well that he couldn’t count on people to give him everything he needed to have a successful and joyous life. If we lean all our weight on people for happiness and contentment, for support and strength, we will eventually be disappointed. Thankfully, though, Paul’s trust was in Christ, knowing that the Lord will never let him down. We need strength from God, just like Paul did.

16At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:16-18)

Boy, talk about a bad day! The “first defense” that Paul was talking about is most likely what the Roman courts would have called the prima actio,[7] which was a preliminary hearing that allowed an accused criminal to present his defense as well as discuss his ideas. Usually the person would have a legal advisor as well as someone trained in rhetoric to argue their case.[8] Paul says that he had none of those advantages, because everyone ducked and ran. Paul was no doubt feeling awfully alone and exposed; he wasn’t a skillful orator by his own admission, and no one stood up to provide counsel or defense for Paul.

But was there really no one to stand with him? Paul emphatically says that he was not alone! The Lord stood by Paul and gave him strength. This reference to “the Lord” is most likely a reference back to the same Person as verse 8, namely Jesus. Paul’s ministry began when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, and here at the end of his life Jesus stood with Paul and gave him strength and the right words to make his defense and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to the people gathered to hear his defense. Paul was no orator, but Jesus gave him the strength and the courage to speak the truth, and because of it Paul says that he was given a reprieve in judgment.

Look at Paul’s confidence in verse 18. When he was all alone and afraid, Jesus came and stood with him. When Paul felt abandoned and deserted, he found the Lord Jesus Christ carrying him. When he thought he would trip all over himself, Jesus whispered the words in his ear to proclaim to the gathered crowd. What does that do for Paul? It gives him confidence! He watched God at work, and because Jesus stood by him Paul knew that he would stand by him every step of the way to walk him to the gates of heaven. Paul knew well that eventually Rome was going to execute him, but he knew just as well that Jesus would take him on that day and deliver him into His everlasting kingdom. And for that confidence Paul sings God’s praise!

Every worker in Christ needs to see the presence of God in their ministry. They need to know that Christ is standing with them, and that they are doing His will. I don’t think that Jesus materialized in bodily form at Paul’s side, or that Paul heard any audible voices in his head. My guess is that Paul simply spoke in his own defense, and then later realized that his words were not his own and that Christ had been with him. We need to know that God is working every bit as much as Paul did.

I have never seen a better example of this than in the movie “Facing the Giants.”[9] In that movie, a football coach named Grant Taylor goes through some incredible struggles in his quest to follow Christ and coach the football team at Shiloh Christian Academy. One day a man named Mr. Bridges comes into Coach Taylor’s office to encourage and exhort him in Christ. Mr. Bridges has prayed over the lockers of the students of Shiloh Christian Academy for years, asking the Lord for revival. Coach Taylor, on the other hand, was under incredible pressure at home and at school to succeed, to the point that he was about to quit his job and leave the school. He wept over his inability to help the team win, and cried out to God for help. When Mr. Bridges came to Coach Taylor’s office one night, he read Coach Taylor Revelation 3:8 (“I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”) and told him that the Lord was not through with him at Shiloh. After confessing his struggles to Mr. Bridges, Coach Taylor rededicates himself to his task at Shiloh, and the whole school is transformed. A little encouragement from Christ goes a long way![10]

When was the last time you gave courage and strength to those who are serving the Lord? Our nursery ministers sacrifice their time and their worship for yours; when did you thank them last and encourage their ministry? Our missionaries have given up any hope of financial independence to dedicate their lives for Christ; when was the last time you encouraged them? Our yard servants save us literally thousands of dollars every year, because without them we would have to hire a landscaping company. When was the last time you helped another WG member see where God was at work in their life?
Are you looking for the times when God is at work in your life and thanking Him for it? Paul saw God at work through him, and gave God glory for the support he got from Jesus. Are you seeking out those times when you never could have succeeded and did, and then giving Christ the credit and the honor?
Are you not only looking for those places where God is working in your life, but the areas where God could work in your life if you would let Him? Look today for any part of your life where you’re trying to hold it together on your own and instead place it in His hands. Find that area where you are failing, even with great effort. Only when we give it to Him can He work and encourage us through life’s difficulties and struggles.

3. Comfort from Friends (4:19-22): We might be tempted at this point to think that if we had some people serving alongside us and saw God at work for us that we would be perfectly content, joyful, and successful. However, Paul gives us one last comfort that every soldier needs in the last four verses of 2 Timothy: we need good friends!

19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. 21Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren. 22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. (2 Timothy 4:19-22)

“Priscilla” is the diminutive form[11] of the name “Prisca”, so here we have the couple Priscilla and Aquila from Acts 18. Paul also greets the household of Onesiphorus, whom he wished blessings upon at the beginning of this letter at 1:16. Paul explains to Timothy why two others, Erastus and Trophimus, are not with him, and then sends greetings from some of the members of the church in Rome. He then ends with a standard benediction, asking the Lord to be with Timothy and with the people he has asked Timothy to greet.[12]

I find it fascinating that Paul ends his last letter by greeting friends and having friends greet Timothy. This whole letter has been about relationships, about being godly as a member of a church and leading with compassion and courtesy. Again and again we have seen Paul’s heart for people, not just for doctrine or orthodox creeds. Truth must never be compromised, but here we see Paul’s last push to emphasize the need for friends in Christ. I notice that Paul doesn’t send any instructions to these people, and doesn’t pass any information along from the church at Rome to Timothy. He simply tells Timothy that they said hello, and asks Timothy to say “Hi” to several close friends.

We do this as well. I call my parents every week or two, even though I am not from an especially tight-knit family. Even if I don’t have any earth-shattering news I just call to check in and make sure everything is going well for mom and dad. I do the same with my sister! The purpose isn’t to impart some information; rather it is just to connect. In order to live joyfully we must live in community, and Paul drives this home at the end of 2 Timothy. We need to have others around us just to be friends. John Donne was right on in his assessment, “If any clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”[13]

Are you cultivating friendships? We have so many opportunities for you to plug in and make friends, well beyond just Sunday morning worship. Sunday worship is step 1, but we need more than a couple of hours a week to build friendships. Men’s group meets Tuesdays at 6AM; Wednesday night we have something for every age at “Family Night at the WG”! There are midweek fellowships and Bible studies, monthly family game nights, and special events galore. Are you using them to build the friendships that can carry you through the tough times?
Do you know someone who, Like Paul in prison, just needs a friend? They may not need great counseling or fantastic advice, but they could sure use someone to laugh with them and take an interest in them? To be a friend, be friendly and be open to them.

At the end of this fantastic letter, Paul sums up for us what we all need to be successful as soldiers for Christ. To have a joyful ministry and a successful walk, we need help, we need to know God’s strength, and we need friends around us. Without them we might win battles, but we will never have the joy of the Lord to guide us and guard us until we go to Him or He comes for us. With them, we can march wherever He leads with a spring in our step.

All Scripture quotations, unless indicated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, and are used by permission.

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[1] John Donne, “Meditation XVII”

[2] Please see my sermon on 2 Timothy 2:14-26 entitled “A Commission to Compassion” for this understanding of 2 Timothy 2:15.

[3] Paul specifically tells us in verse 10 that Demas deserted him (Paul), not Christ. Paul has no qualms about discussing people who have apostatized; with that in mind it seems doubtful that Paul would leave it at a personal abandonment if Demas had indeed abandoned Jesus.

[4] See also Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:2. It appears that Tychicus was one of Paul’s trusted messengers.

[5] I am showing my bias for military analogies here, having trained with Marines for a number of years while I was in the Navy. In the USMC the smallest tactical unit above an individual is a fire team, a group of 2 or 3 soldiers tasked with maintaining a lane of fire in a squad, which is a smaller unit within an infantry platoon.

[6] They could be Paul’s copy of the Old Testament (parchment was very expensive and normally only used for important documents), his Roman legal papers, his copy of one or more of the Gospels, his materials for writing more letters, or any number of other alternatives.

[7] See William Mounce, William D. Vol. 46, Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles. (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), 595.

[8] The professional arguer was called the patronus (from which we get the English word patron); the legal counsel was called the advocatus (Jesus is called our advocatus in the Latin Vulgate at 1 John 2:2).

[9] Please visit www.facingthegiants.com for all of the information about this powerful and uplifting movie. It is a must see!

[10] My description of this scene is a pale shadow of the moving exchange between Coach Taylor and Mr. Bridges. God moves in a mighty way to encourage us, as this scene and this movie portray. This movie is great family entertainment, and is great for a church movie night as well!

[11] The diminutive form is the “endearing” or “family” name, much like a nickname. It is a familiar name among friends, but here Paul calls her by her more formal name Prisca.

[12] The last word in the NASB translation of 2 Timothy, “you,” is plural in the Greek text (English does not differentiate between the singular and the plural “you”). Paul wants grace for Timothy and for those in his church.

[13] John Donne, “Meditation XVII”