Signing Off

We have been treating this as an anonymous letter

Certainly written with the thought process of Paul

…but not with all the marks of his letters

Some scholars camp here on this being Paul’s writing

Some things do sound that way

Others do not

Some suggest that this sound more like the conclusion of a long sermon…and it may be

In fact, maybe a good exercise to hear it read aloud without any commentary!

Request for Prayer

There is humility in asking prayer from those you’ve been teaching/admonishing/correcting their misunderstandings and beliefs

Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament Prayer Requested (13:18–19)

The basis for this request is his own, and his companions’, faithfulness and honorable actions. Their conscience is clear, and they desire to continue in lives of honorable conduct in all things

There is no indication of why the writer needs to be restored

Where is he?

Why is he there?

We don’t know

Benediction

Likely the most-used (or 2nd most-used benedictions of Scripture)

We get some reminders of God’s being, power here

God of Peace

Power to restore from the dead

Great Shepherd image of Jesus—reminds of us both Ps. 23 and the Good Shepherd components of John

The eternality of the covenant

A request for equipping for working His will, through the power of Christ

Wrap

Really sounds like a sermon conclusion

Calls this letter a “word of exhortation”

This was brief? REALLY?

Brevity indicates effort and thoughtfulness

I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time.

Blaise Pascal in Lettres Provinciales

Timothy in prison?

Leads us to believe that Timothy had been imprisoned shortly before the writing (62-63 AD)