“Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers” (2Tim 4:20-21).
Game of Thrones
All cards on the table. I’ve never watched or read “Game of Thrones.” But since the medieval franchise is unavoidable, I couldn’t help but think of one of the show’s famous lines when reading the end of Paul’s last letter to Timothy.
Winter is coming.
A quick Google search tells me this line is from the very first episode of GoT. It’s the motto of the House of Stark. It has everything to do with warning of coming danger. It has little to do with the weather forecast.
Paul the Prisoner
As we flip over from HBO to the New Testament, we find Paul in prison (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). Sitting in the dark dungeon of Rome’s Mamertine Prison, he fully realizes his execution date is right around the corner (2Tim 4:6-7).
Lots of people a whole lot smarter than me think the apostle is writing to Timothy during the fall of 67 AD. For the man Jesus used to compose a huge chunk of what we call the New Testament, these are some of his very last words of his very last letter.
Paul picks up his pen this final time for a pair of purposes. First of all, he’s passing the torch of ministry to the young pastor in Ephesus (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Second, he pleads his spiritual son to hurry and see him one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Why?
Winter is coming.
An Update on the Old Crew
As the apostle signs off in these final sentences, he lets Tim know what some of the old crew is up to. “Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who as ill, at Miletus” (v20). They were all members of Paul’s travel team back in the day. Timothy will certainly appreciate the latest on his friends.
Tim and Erastus are boys. They knew each other well. They’ve been on the road as a dynamic duo for Jesus. During his three-year stay in Ephesus on his second tour, Paul taps these two members of his team for a trip to Europe. “And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while” (Acts 19:22).
Sharing the Load
What a great reminder that God doesn’t expect us to be a one-man band when serving our Savior. Paul trusted the Lord to work through guys like Tim and Erastus. The whole deal didn’t hang on his apostolic shoulders.
How about you? Do you share the responsibilities of the mission with others? Or do you have the mistaken belief that nobody but you has what it takes to share the Gospel and love folks like you? If so, get over yourself. Ministry is a team sport.
Rich Corinthian History
In this last letter to Timothy, the apostle gives Erastus last known location as Corinth. Ah yes, Corinth. It’s the infamous port city just south of Athens on the southern tip of what we know today as Greece. I’m not sure about leather, but there is a rich Corinthian history in Scripture.
Paul hit Corinth on that same second expedition (Acts 18:1). It’s where he met the power couple of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2). Jesus uses these three to reach many Corinthians with His message of grace (Acts 18:8) and plant an important church there.
Off the Rails
But after the apostle eases on down the road, the church in Corinth goes off the rails. Paul ends up writing them several letters to try and get them back on track. Two of them, what we’ve labeled 1st and 2nd Corinthians, give us a glimpse inside one very jacked up congregation.
So what does Corinth have to do with Erastus? So glad you asked. Near the end of his letter to believers in Rome, the apostle tells us that the Big E holds a job in city government. “Erastus, the city treasurer” sends his best to the Roman followers of Jesus (Rom 16:33).
This would explain why he “remained at Corinth” (20). Because Erastus lived and worked there. The word the ESV translates as “remained” (Gr. μενω/meno) means to abide, stay, live, dwell, or permanently endure. Clearly Corinth is his home.
Perfectly Positioned by God
Paul’s description of Erastus situation is a subtle reminder that we don’t have to leave our jobs in order to follow Jesus. Becoming a disciple doesn’t mean an automatic call to become a pastor. That’s the apostle’s point when he tells believers in Corinth to stay just where they are (1Cor 7:20).
Before we start filling out our seminary application, we’d probably better slow our roll. There’s a pretty good chance God has positioned you perfectly in the marketplace to shine His light and spread His salt. Being missional means being a missionary right where you are.
Just as Erastus remained in Corinth, our default should be to remain right where we are. If you’re in a job that requires you to compromise your faith in Christ, that’s a different story. More often than not, we need to hold our spot and let the Holy Spirit open our eyes to the opportunities where we already are.
A Disciple on the Disabled List
Next Paul mentions one member of his team who’s on the disabled list. “I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus” (v20). There are few things worse than getting sick when traveling. If that’s happened to you, let’s just say the T Man feels your pain.
Trophimus is a good buddy of Tychicus. He’s the guy who Paul sends to Ephesus, probably delivering this very letter Tim is reading (2Tim 4:12). Dr. Luke describes these two as “the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus” (Acts 20:4). This means he is from somewhere in Asia Minor, better known today as Turkey.
Trophimus from Ephesus
Later in Acts, the good doctor gets a little more specific about this guy’s hometown when he calls him “Trophimus the Ephesian” (Acts 21:29). Did you know he’s the reason Paul’s Jewish opposition flies off the handle in Jerusalem. They freak out when they think the apostle broke the rules by bringing this Gentile into a Jews only part of the temple.
This results in a huge riot at the temple that lands Paul in Roman custody for a grand total of five years (Acts 21:30-34). During his incarceration, he uses this time to write letters to churches in Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi, as well as his buddy Philemon.
Too Sick to Travel
While we don’t know the exact diagnosis of Trophimus’ sickness, the apostle makes it clear that he’s too sick to travel. Paul uses a Greek verb translated as “ill” (Gr. ασθενεω/astheneo) means to be weak, be sick, incapacitated, unable, or feeble. It literally means “no strength” or “not strong.”
That being the case, the apostle has to leave him in Miletus. This is a small seaport on the west coast of Asia Minor, just about 63 miles south of Ephesus. On his way back to Jerusalem on his third tour, Paul made a quick stop in Miletus for an emotional meeting with the elders of the Ephesian church (Acts 20:17-38).
Visiting the Sick
Trophimus may well have been traveling with Paul just prior to his arrest. Many signs point to that going down in Troas, which is just up the coast. That’s where the apostle left his coat, his Bible, and other important papers at Carpus’ house (2Tim 4:13).
If Trophimus is sick in Miletus, he would be close enough for Timothy to reach out to him from Ephesus. Pastor Tim could love on his old friend just as Jesus tells the Twelve. Remember, when we take the time to visit the sick, we’re also worshiping our Savior (Mt 25:36).
Paul’s Power to Heal
Whatever was going on, Trophimus wasn’t strong enough to leave town. So Paul left him behind. But wait just a New York minute. Didn’t God give the apostle the power to heal? For Pete’s sake, he raised Eutychus from the dead after he fell asleep and fell out a window during Paul’s midnight message in Troas (Acts 20:7-12).
Folks even used pieces of clothing that Paul touched to cure what ailed them (Acts 19:12). After the big shipwreck on Malta, he healed the father of a local powerbroker as well as many other residents (Acts 28:8-9).
Disease in Our Broken World
But there were clearly limits on his supernatural healing abilities. Epaphroditus nearly died when he visited Paul in prison (Phil 2:25-30). Don’t forget how he tells Timothy to take a few sips of merlot for his intestinal issues (1Tim 5:23). And Paul couldn’t heal himself when he had health problems (Gal 4:13-15; 2Cor 12:7-10).
What’s the takeaway? People get sick. We need to remember that we live in a fallen and broken world (and we’re the ones who broke it!). Sickness, disease, and disability are a very sad reality.
Good Men in Poor Health
While the Holy Spirit gives the power to heal (1Cor 12:9), it’s God’s call on when and where He allows it to be used. The great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon boldly stated, “It is the will of God that some good men should be in poor health.”
Should we ask the Great Physician to heal those who are sick? You betcha! Regularly. Confidently. But He won’t heal everyone on this side of eternity. Many of us won’t experience the ultimate cure until we ditch this earth suit for one of those spectacular resurrection bodies!
A Plea So Nice Paul Makes It Twice
After important updates on a couple of team members, Paul makes one final plea. “Do your best to come before winter” (v21). This is the SECOND time the apostle begs Tim to come see him before it’s too late. Just a few verses before, he writes, “Do your best to come to me soon” (2Tim 4:9). Let’s just say the man from Tarsus is anything but unclear.
Winter is coming.
The apostle pleads with Tim to “do your best” (v21) and get to Rome immediately. He uses the verb σπουδαζω/spoudazo, which describes making haste, being eager, exerting yourself, doing something in a hurry, and giving it everything you’ve got. It emphasizes the zeal to get something done right now.
Beat Feet!
Paul’s not being passive aggressive and saying, “Hey dude, if you have the time.” He’s not making a suggestion or dropping a hint. Not even close. His cards are on the table. Not once. But twice.
The root of σπουδαζω/spoudazo ισ actually the Greek term for “foot” (Gr. πους/pous). In other words, Paul is telling the young preacher to move your feet! Hurry! Don’t walk…RUN!! From the apostle’s perspective, Tim can’t get to Rome fast enough. Why?
Winter is coming.
Winter Travel Advisory
Instead of issuing some veiled warning like Lord Stark in “Game of Thrones,” the apostle is simply looking at the calendar as well as his impending execution. He desperately wants to see Timothy before he dies and before nasty winter weather makes travel on the Mediterranean almost impossible.
Winter is coming.
Paul knows sailing that time of year can be hazardous to your health. He no doubt has vivid memories of that nasty shipwreck on Malta a few years back during a winter voyage (Acts 28:9-44). While he REALLY wants to see Tim, the apostle doesn’t want his protege taking ridiculous chances in the process.
Winter is coming.
Don’t Drag Your Feet
With the mercury dropping, Paul has already asked Timothy to swing Troas on grab the coat he left with Carpus (2Tim 13). As if sitting in the cold, damp dungeon of the Mamertine Prison wasn’t bad enough, winter temps in Rome are only in the mid forties.
Winter is coming.
But the most urgent fact is the apostle knows his date with the executioner is right around the corner. If Tim drags his feet, he won’t make it in time. History is a bit fuzzy on the exact date of Paul’s death. It’s sometime between the time he sent this letter in the autumn of 67 AD and spring of 68 AD. He no doubt died before Nero committed suicide in June 68.
Winter is coming.
When the Door Is Cracked and Closing
There are some opportunities that come with a very tight limitations. The door is cracked open ever so slightly…and it may well be closing. That’s what Timothy is looking at. It’s what we often face. Many times, I need to move and I need to move now. The clock is ticking.
Winter is coming.
Here’s the painful truth, no decision IS a decision. Sure, sometimes we need to wait. Sometimes we have to wait. But we need to realize there are also critical moments when we’ve gotta go and we’ve gotta go NOW! We can’t be victims of paralysis by analysis. There are times when the clock is ticking. Don’t. Miss. Your. Chance.
Winter is coming.
Tim’s Friends Say “Hey”
After telling Tim to beat feet before it’s too late, he quickly passes along a “hello” from a few more friends. “Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers” (v21). Where really not sure who they are or why they get a random mention near the end of the letter. They’re clearly in Rome and close to both Paul and Tim.
Eubulus’ name is Greek and means the wise decision or smart choice. To speculate any further would be stupid (see what I did there?). It’s the only time we find his name in Scripture. Same for Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.
These last three folks all have Latin (i.e. Roman) names. There’s a little evidence that Pudens might be some sort of power player in politics, possibly a senator or the son of one. Some folks believe he was also a buddy of Peter who also baptized him. There’s a belief he was also executed by Nero about the same time as Paul.
Two Men and a Lady
There’s no indication that this particular Linus carried a blanket, sucked his thumb, and knew Charlie Brown. The early church leaders Irenaeus and Eusebius both mention him as an important follower of Jesus. He apparently was a big dog (possibly the first bishop/overseer) among Roman believers.
Claudia is the only lady in Paul’s last list. Some scholars seem to think she and our boy Pudens eventually become husband and wife. If so, there reason Paul does not link There are a few shreds of evidence suggesting she was born a Briton and into some level of privilege.
Whatever the case, these folks put their lives on the line for Paul and the cause of Christ at a time when it was deadly to do so. A follower of Jesus was an enemy of the state. While American culture is clearly no longer Christian, calling what we face as persecution is just a bit of a stretch.
The Long Range Forecast
Our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world can certainly identify with Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and the others. For them, winter is already here.
You can be sure that Paul never watched “Game of Thrones.” But there’s little doubt he would agree with the fictitious Lord Stark. Winter is coming. Timothy needed to hurry. Death was around the corner. However, the apostle also knew the long range forecast.
Winter may be coming. But you can take this to the bank. Jesus IS coming back.
©2017 Jay Jennings
Game of Thrones
All cards on the table. I’ve never watched or read “Game of Thrones.” But since the medieval franchise is unavoidable, I couldn’t help but think of one of the show’s famous lines when reading the end of Paul’s last letter to Timothy.
Winter is coming.
A quick Google search tells me this line is from the very first episode of GoT. It’s the motto of the House of Stark. It has everything to do with warning of coming danger. It has little to do with the weather forecast.
Paul the Prisoner
As we flip over from HBO to the New Testament, we find Paul in prison (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). Sitting in the dark dungeon of Rome’s Mamertine Prison, he fully realizes his execution date is right around the corner (2Tim 4:6-7).
Lots of people a whole lot smarter than me think the apostle is writing to Timothy during the fall of 67 AD. For the man Jesus used to compose a huge chunk of what we call the New Testament, these are some of his very last words of his very last letter.
Paul picks up his pen this final time for a pair of purposes. First of all, he’s passing the torch of ministry to the young pastor in Ephesus (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Second, he pleads his spiritual son to hurry and see him one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Why?
Winter is coming.
An Update on the Old Crew
As the apostle signs off in these final sentences, he lets Tim know what some of the old crew is up to. “Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who as ill, at Miletus” (v20). They were all members of Paul’s travel team back in the day. Timothy will certainly appreciate the latest on his friends.
Tim and Erastus are boys. They knew each other well. They’ve been on the road as a dynamic duo for Jesus. During his three-year stay in Ephesus on his second tour, Paul taps these two members of his team for a trip to Europe. “And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while” (Acts 19:22).
Sharing the Load
What a great reminder that God doesn’t expect us to be a one-man band when serving our Savior. Paul trusted the Lord to work through guys like Tim and Erastus. The whole deal didn’t hang on his apostolic shoulders.
How about you? Do you share the responsibilities of the mission with others? Or do you have the mistaken belief that nobody but you has what it takes to share the Gospel and love folks like you? If so, get over yourself. Ministry is a team sport.
Rich Corinthian History
In this last letter to Timothy, the apostle gives Erastus last known location as Corinth. Ah yes, Corinth. It’s the infamous port city just south of Athens on the southern tip of what we know today as Greece. I’m not sure about leather, but there is a rich Corinthian history in Scripture.
Paul hit Corinth on that same second expedition (Acts 18:1). It’s where he met the power couple of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2). Jesus uses these three to reach many Corinthians with His message of grace (Acts 18:8) and plant an important church there.
Off the Rails
But after the apostle eases on down the road, the church in Corinth goes off the rails. Paul ends up writing them several letters to try and get them back on track. Two of them, what we’ve labeled 1st and 2nd Corinthians, give us a glimpse inside one very jacked up congregation.
So what does Corinth have to do with Erastus? So glad you asked. Near the end of his letter to believers in Rome, the apostle tells us that the Big E holds a job in city government. “Erastus, the city treasurer” sends his best to the Roman followers of Jesus (Rom 16:33).
This would explain why he “remained at Corinth” (20). Because Erastus lived and worked there. The word the ESV translates as “remained” (Gr. μενω/meno) means to abide, stay, live, dwell, or permanently endure. Clearly Corinth is his home.
Perfectly Positioned by God
Paul’s description of Erastus situation is a subtle reminder that we don’t have to leave our jobs in order to follow Jesus. Becoming a disciple doesn’t mean an automatic call to become a pastor. That’s the apostle’s point when he tells believers in Corinth to stay just where they are (1Cor 7:20).
Before we start filling out our seminary application, we’d probably better slow our roll. There’s a pretty good chance God has positioned you perfectly in the marketplace to shine His light and spread His salt. Being missional means being a missionary right where you are.
Just as Erastus remained in Corinth, our default should be to remain right where we are. If you’re in a job that requires you to compromise your faith in Christ, that’s a different story. More often than not, we need to hold our spot and let the Holy Spirit open our eyes to the opportunities where we already are.
A Disciple on the Disabled List
Next Paul mentions one member of his team who’s on the disabled list. “I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus” (v20). There are few things worse than getting sick when traveling. If that’s happened to you, let’s just say the T Man feels your pain.
Trophimus is a good buddy of Tychicus. He’s the guy who Paul sends to Ephesus, probably delivering this very letter Tim is reading (2Tim 4:12). Dr. Luke describes these two as “the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus” (Acts 20:4). This means he is from somewhere in Asia Minor, better known today as Turkey.
Trophimus from Ephesus
Later in Acts, the good doctor gets a little more specific about this guy’s hometown when he calls him “Trophimus the Ephesian” (Acts 21:29). Did you know he’s the reason Paul’s Jewish opposition flies off the handle in Jerusalem. They freak out when they think the apostle broke the rules by bringing this Gentile into a Jews only part of the temple.
This results in a huge riot at the temple that lands Paul in Roman custody for a grand total of five years (Acts 21:30-34). During his incarceration, he uses this time to write letters to churches in Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi, as well as his buddy Philemon.
Too Sick to Travel
While we don’t know the exact diagnosis of Trophimus’ sickness, the apostle makes it clear that he’s too sick to travel. Paul uses a Greek verb translated as “ill” (Gr. ασθενεω/astheneo) means to be weak, be sick, incapacitated, unable, or feeble. It literally means “no strength” or “not strong.”
That being the case, the apostle has to leave him in Miletus. This is a small seaport on the west coast of Asia Minor, just about 63 miles south of Ephesus. On his way back to Jerusalem on his third tour, Paul made a quick stop in Miletus for an emotional meeting with the elders of the Ephesian church (Acts 20:17-38).
Visiting the Sick
Trophimus may well have been traveling with Paul just prior to his arrest. Many signs point to that going down in Troas, which is just up the coast. That’s where the apostle left his coat, his Bible, and other important papers at Carpus’ house (2Tim 4:13).
If Trophimus is sick in Miletus, he would be close enough for Timothy to reach out to him from Ephesus. Pastor Tim could love on his old friend just as Jesus tells the Twelve. Remember, when we take the time to visit the sick, we’re also worshiping our Savior (Mt 25:36).
Paul’s Power to Heal
Whatever was going on, Trophimus wasn’t strong enough to leave town. So Paul left him behind. But wait just a New York minute. Didn’t God give the apostle the power to heal? For Pete’s sake, he raised Eutychus from the dead after he fell asleep and fell out a window during Paul’s midnight message in Troas (Acts 20:7-12).
Folks even used pieces of clothing that Paul touched to cure what ailed them (Acts 19:12). After the big shipwreck on Malta, he healed the father of a local powerbroker as well as many other residents (Acts 28:8-9).
Disease in Our Broken World
But there were clearly limits on his supernatural healing abilities. Epaphroditus nearly died when he visited Paul in prison (Phil 2:25-30). Don’t forget how he tells Timothy to take a few sips of merlot for his intestinal issues (1Tim 5:23). And Paul couldn’t heal himself when he had health problems (Gal 4:13-15; 2Cor 12:7-10).
What’s the takeaway? People get sick. We need to remember that we live in a fallen and broken world (and we’re the ones who broke it!). Sickness, disease, and disability are a very sad reality.
Good Men in Poor Health
While the Holy Spirit gives the power to heal (1Cor 12:9), it’s God’s call on when and where He allows it to be used. The great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon boldly stated, “It is the will of God that some good men should be in poor health.”
Should we ask the Great Physician to heal those who are sick? You betcha! Regularly. Confidently. But He won’t heal everyone on this side of eternity. Many of us won’t experience the ultimate cure until we ditch this earth suit for one of those spectacular resurrection bodies!
A Plea So Nice Paul Makes It Twice
After important updates on a couple of team members, Paul makes one final plea. “Do your best to come before winter” (v21). This is the SECOND time the apostle begs Tim to come see him before it’s too late. Just a few verses before, he writes, “Do your best to come to me soon” (2Tim 4:9). Let’s just say the man from Tarsus is anything but unclear.
Winter is coming.
The apostle pleads with Tim to “do your best” (v21) and get to Rome immediately. He uses the verb σπουδαζω/spoudazo, which describes making haste, being eager, exerting yourself, doing something in a hurry, and giving it everything you’ve got. It emphasizes the zeal to get something done right now.
Beat Feet!
Paul’s not being passive aggressive and saying, “Hey dude, if you have the time.” He’s not making a suggestion or dropping a hint. Not even close. His cards are on the table. Not once. But twice.
The root of σπουδαζω/spoudazo ισ actually the Greek term for “foot” (Gr. πους/pous). In other words, Paul is telling the young preacher to move your feet! Hurry! Don’t walk…RUN!! From the apostle’s perspective, Tim can’t get to Rome fast enough. Why?
Winter is coming.
Winter Travel Advisory
Instead of issuing some veiled warning like Lord Stark in “Game of Thrones,” the apostle is simply looking at the calendar as well as his impending execution. He desperately wants to see Timothy before he dies and before nasty winter weather makes travel on the Mediterranean almost impossible.
Winter is coming.
Paul knows sailing that time of year can be hazardous to your health. He no doubt has vivid memories of that nasty shipwreck on Malta a few years back during a winter voyage (Acts 28:9-44). While he REALLY wants to see Tim, the apostle doesn’t want his protege taking ridiculous chances in the process.
Winter is coming.
Don’t Drag Your Feet
With the mercury dropping, Paul has already asked Timothy to swing Troas on grab the coat he left with Carpus (2Tim 13). As if sitting in the cold, damp dungeon of the Mamertine Prison wasn’t bad enough, winter temps in Rome are only in the mid forties.
Winter is coming.
But the most urgent fact is the apostle knows his date with the executioner is right around the corner. If Tim drags his feet, he won’t make it in time. History is a bit fuzzy on the exact date of Paul’s death. It’s sometime between the time he sent this letter in the autumn of 67 AD and spring of 68 AD. He no doubt died before Nero committed suicide in June 68.
Winter is coming.
When the Door Is Cracked and Closing
There are some opportunities that come with a very tight limitations. The door is cracked open ever so slightly…and it may well be closing. That’s what Timothy is looking at. It’s what we often face. Many times, I need to move and I need to move now. The clock is ticking.
Winter is coming.
Here’s the painful truth, no decision IS a decision. Sure, sometimes we need to wait. Sometimes we have to wait. But we need to realize there are also critical moments when we’ve gotta go and we’ve gotta go NOW! We can’t be victims of paralysis by analysis. There are times when the clock is ticking. Don’t. Miss. Your. Chance.
Winter is coming.
Tim’s Friends Say “Hey”
After telling Tim to beat feet before it’s too late, he quickly passes along a “hello” from a few more friends. “Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers” (v21). Where really not sure who they are or why they get a random mention near the end of the letter. They’re clearly in Rome and close to both Paul and Tim.
Eubulus’ name is Greek and means the wise decision or smart choice. To speculate any further would be stupid (see what I did there?). It’s the only time we find his name in Scripture. Same for Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.
These last three folks all have Latin (i.e. Roman) names. There’s a little evidence that Pudens might be some sort of power player in politics, possibly a senator or the son of one. Some folks believe he was also a buddy of Peter who also baptized him. There’s a belief he was also executed by Nero about the same time as Paul.
Two Men and a Lady
There’s no indication that this particular Linus carried a blanket, sucked his thumb, and knew Charlie Brown. The early church leaders Irenaeus and Eusebius both mention him as an important follower of Jesus. He apparently was a big dog (possibly the first bishop/overseer) among Roman believers.
Claudia is the only lady in Paul’s last list. Some scholars seem to think she and our boy Pudens eventually become husband and wife. If so, there reason Paul does not link There are a few shreds of evidence suggesting she was born a Briton and into some level of privilege.
Whatever the case, these folks put their lives on the line for Paul and the cause of Christ at a time when it was deadly to do so. A follower of Jesus was an enemy of the state. While American culture is clearly no longer Christian, calling what we face as persecution is just a bit of a stretch.
The Long Range Forecast
Our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world can certainly identify with Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and the others. For them, winter is already here.
You can be sure that Paul never watched “Game of Thrones.” But there’s little doubt he would agree with the fictitious Lord Stark. Winter is coming. Timothy needed to hurry. Death was around the corner. However, the apostle also knew the long range forecast.
Winter may be coming. But you can take this to the bank. Jesus IS coming back.
©2017 Jay Jennings
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