Prison Break!

 The Shawshank Redemption.  The Great Escape.  Escape from Alcatraz.  Papillon.  Stalag 17.  

Who doesn't love a great story of someone wrongly imprisoned busting out?  OK, probably not the warden.  But there is something in our souls that longs to hear these stories again and again.  

I truly believe our love for these tales of escape are in our hearts because God has placed them there.  We long to be free.  And we can only find freedom in Christ.

Well, if you like a good prison break, then you need to sit down and read the book of Acts.  Dr. Luke tells the story of three different escapes (Acts 5:17-21; 12:6-11; 16:23-28).  

Each time, the prisoners got help from the outside.  And that outside help was from the hand of God Himself.

We pick up this particular story as God is working countless signs and wonders through the apostles.  Healing of diseases.  Exorcising from demons.  

The early church proclaims the grace and salvation only in the risen Jesus.  The Sanhedrin had already tried to warn Peter and John to stop all this nonsense, but the two apostles blew them off (Acts 4:17-21).

At this point, the high priest and his cronies had enough (v17).  Most likely, the high priest mentioned here is Annas (Acts 4:6).  He was the patriarch of a family who held a kung fu grip on the high priesthood.  

Annas had served previously in the role but it was now "officially" held by his son-in-law Caiaphas.  Two of his sons would also hold that office.

Annas was the leader of the Sadducees.  This was a small but very powerful sect of Judaism.  These were the wealthiest of Jews that controlled the temple in Jerusalem.  

The Sadducees don't buy all of that supernatural mumbo jumbo that others proclaim.  No angels.  No heaven.  No resurrection.  Let's face it, that stuff is only a crutch for the weak.

Annas and his toadies were "filled with jealousy."  Luke's choice of verb is interesting.  To this point, he describes early believers as being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31).  

But these members of the ruling religious elite were filled (Gr. πλεθω/pletho) with something else completely.  Something darker.  Jealousy.  

Rather than celebrate the miracles God was doing in the lives of people through the First Church of Jerusalem, they burned.  

What fills your heart when you see others succeed?  Do you see them as stealing something that should be yours?  Or do you celebrate their victory?  

I'll be very transparent with you.  In the past, I have struggled as I watched God grow other churches.  For 15 years, I served in small, struggling church plants.  I would watch other churches thrive while we struggled to survive.  

As long as I took my eyes off of what Jesus was doing and felt sorry for poor, poor pitiful me, jealousy would fill my heart.  

I thank the Lord that He revealed that to me and graciously allowed me to repent.  But this is something I must always guard against.

So I ask you, what fills your heart?

So what did the jealousy-filled Sadducees do?  "They arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison" (v18).  

Ironic, isn't it?  These religious leaders were prisoners of the jealousy bubbling up in their hearts so they throw the apostles in the pokey.  The apostles may be behind bars, but Annas and his posse are the real prisoners.

Luke tells us that all of the apostles were tossed in the clink.  Not just Pete and John like the last time (Acts 4:3).  All twelve of them.  And that included the new guy, Matthais (Acts 1:26).  

This was actually a fulfillment of something Jesus had told them earlier (Lk 21:12).  They locked them up "in the public prison."  Think the county jail.

"But" (v19).  You've gotta love any story about someone innocent put in the slammer that includes this wonderful little conjunction.  In other words, they may be prisoners now BUT something is about to happen.  

Do you have hope that Jesus in your darkest hour, Jesus is on the verge of doing something?  Is there a supernatural "but" about to happen?  It's in times like these that God loves to move.  We see it over and over in the Bible. 

  

"But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors  and brought them out" (v19).  Luke doesn't give us many details but here's what we do know.  It was nighttime.  

God sent "an angel of the Lord."  Notice that this is not THE angel of the Lord we see appearing at various times in the OT.  There's a lot of evidence that THE angel of the Lord is actually the pre-incarnate Christ moving and acting.  

This is AN angel of the Lord.  God has used such unnamed messengers many times in the Gospels, especially at Jesus' birth.  This unnamed angel unlocks the jail doors and leads out the twelve.

Jesus promised He would so this.  In the synagogue at Nazareth, He said that His Father "sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives" (Lk 4:18; Is 61:1-2).  Christ has come to free you as well.  From your prison of sin.  

The prison doors are open.  Don't just sit there.  Walk out!  Walk free!  This is why these prison break stories resonate in our hearts.  We're all prisoners in our sinful selves.  Jesus has come to bust you out!

This particular angel gives them instructions.  God has sprung them from the slammer but He has an assignment for them.  "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life" (v20).  

He doesn't tell them to hit the road and lay low.  Get back to the temple.  Get back in the spotlight.  There's work to be done.  There's a message to proclaim.  

Christ has freed each one of us for a purpose.  And that is to tell others about Him, "all the words of life” (v20).

And that's exactly what these twelve men did (v21).  As the sun came up, they hit the temple courts and start teaching.  Don't miss the obedience of the apostles.  

It would have been real easy for them to say they needed the day off.  They were immediately obedient to God's command.  When Christ tells us to do something, let's not waste a second.  

Forget "The Shawshank Redemption."  God has a more breathtaking prison break for each of us.  And I'm SO thankful He set me free to proclaim "all the words of this life.”

©2011

Jay Jennings

Protective Custody

It's called protective custody.  Sometimes the government places a critical witness for the prosecution under its protection when someone is in danger of being intimidated, threatened or murdered.  And often the witness being protected doesn't understand the imminent danger.  

There is little to no freedom.  Without a broader perspective of the case, the witness being protected can feel as if they are not only being confined but punished.

That's exactly how Paul describes God's law in these verses.  He continues to hammer away at the counterfeit gospel the Judaizers preached in the Galatian churches.  They've told these new believers that to maintain their salvation they must follow the rules of God's law.  

The apostle says that is an absolute crock and misuse of the Torah.  God gave us His law for a completely different reason.  Before Jesus came, both historically and personally, we are under the protective custody of the law.  It's how God protects us from the world, our enemy and ourselves.

"Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed" (v23).  A look at the original text reveals that Paul speaks of "the faith."  

This is not a generic or broad faith in anything.  This is a VERY specific faith.  A trust in Jesus and what He has done for us.  Living the perfect life that we could never live.  Dying the brutal death that we should have died.

Paul tells us that before Jesus arrived on the scene, "we were held captive under the law" (v23).  He uses the Greek verb φρουρεω/phroureo.  

It describes setting a guard over something or someone in order to provide protection.  The term was used when a military garrison guarded a city from attack.  

America's recent role in both Iraq and Afghanistan may help us understand this idea.  While the US military may have provided protection from terrorists in these nations, the citizens believed they were under the fist of an occupying force.  

That's how we see God's law without the broader perspective.  Rather than being under divine protection, we think we're the boot of a dominating force.

The apostle goes on to say that we're under protective custody and "imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed" (v23).  

Again, the original text gives us further insight.  This is συγκλειω/sugkleio, the same verb he uses in verse 22.  It means that we are completely surrounded and there is no possibility of escape.  

The verb was used when talking about how a school of fish was trapped in a net.  Paul lets us know that there is no escaping God's law before we come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.  

We're completely surrounded.  There is no escape.  We're not only under the protective care of the law but under its unrelenting and ever present judgment until we turn to Christ.

We also see that we don't find Jesus.  God reveals Him to us.  We're helpless to discover our Savior without the divine assistance of the Lord.  We need God to pull the spiritual blindfold from our eyes.  We need Jesus to be revealed for us.

Paul personifies God's law by saying "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came" (v24).  He uses the term παιδαγογος/paidagogos.  

In Greek and Roman culture, families employed a tutor or male nursemaid to oversee the care and education over boys from ages 6 to 16.  

These guardians met kids after school and were very strict disciplinarians.  This was far from a warm and fuzzy relationship.  But it was for the good of the child.  Like a tough football coach, God's law breaks us down in order to build us up.

The apostle let's us know that this protective custody under the guardianship of God's law is only temporary.  It's only until Jesus comes into our lives.  It prepares us and helps us realize our need for a Savior.  

The law pounds and pounds on us until we come to the point that self-salvation is fruitless pursuit.  We can only "be justified by faith" (v24).  We are only made right in the eyes of God when we place our trust in the finished work of Jesus.  

Until then, we're under protective custody.

©2012

Jay Jennings

The Eternal Standing O

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2Tim 4:18).

And the Crowd Goes Wild!

A spectacular performance results in an enormous ovation. Like the packed house at a concert jumping to its feet when the band rocks their encore. Like the standing-room-only crowd at a stadium celebrating a score. The better the show, the longer the cheers.

You might think this would be the last thing a prisoner on Death Row would be writing about. There’s not much to celebrate when you’re in your final days of walking the Green Mile. Prison? Cheers? Ovations? Celebrations? Unless you’re the Apostle Paul.

A Letter from Death Row

It’s late in the year 67 AD. The place is Rome, specifically a nasty dungeon known as the Mamertine Prison. Paul is a condemned man (2Tim 4:6-7). He’s writing one last letter to his spiritual son, a young preacher named Timothy (2Tim 1:2).

While he’s desperate for one last chance to see him (2Tim 4:9, 21), the apostle knows his situation is about to change. Drastically change. Radically change. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen” (v18).

Busting out of the Joint

Paul knows he’s getting out of the joint soon. Very soon. But not because the emperor will grant him a pardon. Not because a judge will overturn his conviction. Not because of some plot to bust him out of the joint. No, he’s not walking through the prison doors to freedom. He’s walking through the door of death and into the gates of Heaven.

Jesus is coming to his rescue as He’s done so many times before. But this time it’s different. This time it’s permanent. This time it’s paradise. And when Christ carries him home, the apostle is going to cheer like never before. He’s going to celebrate God with the rest of creation.

The applause will be loud and long because the performance has been unmatched. Great big cheers for our great big God. It’s going to be the Eternal Standing O. And nobody deserves it like Jesus.

Double Deliverance

Maybe you’re wondering the reason behind all the raving applause. Specifically, Paul says it’s because “the Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (v18). This is double deliverance. Out of evil. Into joy. Talk about going from worst to first!

First of all, the apostle tells Tim how Jesus is the ultimate Lifeguard who “will rescue me” (v18). He uses a Greek verb here (Gr. ρυομαι/ruomai) which means to bring someone out of severe danger, deliver, draw out of desperation. 

It actually comes from a root word which describes a fast-moving current, rip tide, or raging river. Picture a lifeguard jumping down out of the tower and sprinting into the surf.

The Gospel according to Baywatch?

Okay, I realize this conjures up images of David Hasselhoff and the Baywatch gang running in slo-mo down the wearing red swimming suits. But seriously, have you ever seen a highly trained lifeguard risk their own life to save someone who’s struggling to survive in the surf? Maybe you’ve been the one they’ve brought back and rescued.

When your lungs are filling with water, a lifeguard doesn’t stand up in his chair and shout swimming instructions to you over a bullhorn. This is no time to learn the backstroke or butterfly. You don’t need an education. You need a rescuer who will get personally involved and come to you!

Jesus to the Rescue

That’s exactly what Jesus has done for Paul, for you, and for me. When we were drowning in the sea of our own sin, He didn’t yell for us to swim harder. Christ jumped up from lap of Heaven’s luxury and dove headlong into the mess we made in order to save us.

We can’t save ourselves. None of us can. Not you. Not me. Not them. We can give it everything to get out of this rip tide of rebellion but it won’t happen.  We don’t earn our rescue. We can’t obey our way to safety. The only way we’re going to make it is when our Lord does what He does best. Save. That is, after all, why we call Him our Savior!

The Great Exchange

Our salvation is all part of a crazy swap that some folks refer to as the Great Exchange. In one of his letters to Corinthian Christ followers, Paul talks about how Father God had His sinless Son grab our utter rebellion and give us His absolute obedience (2Cor 5:21). 

He does for us what we could never do for ourselves. Christ doesn’t teach us how to swim. He dives in to take our sin. But He doesn’t stop there. Jesus graciously exchanges our badness for His goodness. I told you it was a crazy swap.

But there’s a bit of problem. Too many of us don’t think we need to be saved. We don’t realize we’re being carried away by the current. When Jesus comes to our rescue, we tell Him to leave us alone. We’re fine. We fight against Him like so many drowning victims struggle against the lifeguard. Relax. He’s got you.

Dirty Deeds

Paul points out that he’s counting our Savior to pull his sorry carcass out of danger from “every evil deed” (v18). Not just some evil deeds. We’re talking all of them. Every. Single. One. If you’ve been following the apostle’s current situation, that would include anything thrown at him by guys like Alexander who’s been a real pain (2Tim 4:14).

When we serve the Lord and start spreading His message, we’re going to face opposition. Moments before He’s betrayed and murdered, Jesus warns His team how they can expect to be hated since the world hates Him (Jn 15:18-20). 

Christ also tips us off to our supernatural enemy known as Satan. The devil is out to steal, kill, and destroy anything and everything that has to do with God’s kingdom and Jesus’ followers (Jn 10:10).

Self-Inflicted Wounds

But there’s a massive pile of “evil deeds” (v18) from which the Lord saves us as well. Those self-inflicted wounds. Those dirty deeds I’ve done to myself. Paul tells believers in Rome of his own struggle with sin after Jesus saved him (Rom 7:14-20). He desperately wants to do the right thing but all too often he is his own worst enemy.

Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. Taken the t-shirt to Goodwill. Too often my biggest enemy is the goofball looking back at me in the morning mirror. As if I don’t have enough problems dealing with a culture which opposes Christ and the devil, I’m also in a cage fight with my own flesh.

The apostle reassures Tim that Jesus will eventually rescue us from all of them. Sound familiar? Paul seems to echo the words of Christ when He coaches up His crew on prayer. The Lord closes His model prayer by saying, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver (Gr. ρυομαι/ruomai) us from evil” (Mt 6:13).

From the Outhouse to the Penthouse

The man from Tarsus goes on to say that the Lord won’t just pull him out of trouble and leave him there. Picture an accident scene on the shoulder of a busy interstate. A good samaritan pulls an unconscious person out of a burning car. But instead of calling 9-1-1 and waiting for an ambulance, the dude drives away, leaving the victim in his rearview mirror.

Paul knows our Savior won’t just save his eternal bacon but promises to “bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (v18). This is double deliverance we talked about earlier. From the outhouse of evil. To the penthouse of paradise. Just like we can’t imagine what the Son of God left to come to our rescue, there’s no way we can wrap our minds around what it will be like to spend eternity with Him.

Draw Us out to Draw Us in

The phrase in the ESV “bring me safely” is actually one single word in the original language. And it’s a very familiar word: σωζω/sozo. The writers of the NT drop this little jewel a grand total of 118 times. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

This is the word we normally translate as “save,” as in Jesus “will save (Gr. σωζω/sozo) His people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). It’s Peter’s cry for help when his own attempt at water walking doesn’t go so well. “Lord, save (Gr. σωζω/sozo) me!” (Mt 14:30). There goes Jesus being a lifeguard again!

Christ pulls us out of our own sin in order to pull us close to Himself. As Matt Chandler says, He draws us out in order to draw us in. That’s because Jesus wants to give us Himself. Forget all the other bennies you’ve heard about Heaven. Gates made of massive pearls. Golden pavement. Crystal rivers. The most awesome thing about eternity is God. Being with Him is THE Blessing! Nothing else comes close.

Death as the Doorway

So instead of freaking out about his certain execution date, Paul explodes in praise to his Savior! “To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen” (v18). The closer he gets to it, the more he realizes his death is simply a doorway to eternity with the Son of God. It’s that same thought that’s behind the tough he mentions to his Philippian friends. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21).

Because of who Jesus is, all He’s done and all He’s going to do, Paul says the resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter deserves an unlimited ovation. When we give God glory He so rightly deserves, we do everything we can to make Him famous. We raise up His name higher than any other. We shine the light on His righteous rep. We use our lives as a magnifying glass so that others can get a good look at the Lord.

Glory Words

We celebrate our Savior “forever and ever” (v18). The apostle actually repeats the same word (Gr. αιων/aion). You can easily translate this as “eternity and eternity.” In other words, we’re to join the unending, everlasting cheers for Jesus. It’s been going on longer than anyone can remember. And it’s not stopping anytime soon. This is the Eternal Standing O that only Jesus deserves.

Paul busts loose with this little ditty which theologians like to call a doxology. That’s a two-dollar word that simply means “glory words.” You bump into doxologies all throughout the Bible. Sudden explosions of praise which detonate whenever one of the writers of Scripture can no longer contain themselves when considering who God is and what He has done.

They’re littered all over the Old Testament (Ex 15:18; 1Chr 29:10-13; Ps 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48; 146:10; 150:1-6; Is 6:3). The words of glory keep on keeping on when you flip over to the New Testament. In the Gospels (Mt 21:9; Mk 11:9-10; Lk 2:14; 19:38). In the letters (Heb 13:20-21; 1Pet 4:11; 2Pet 3:18; Rev 4:8-11; 5:9-14; 7:12; 19:1). The apostle is personally responsible for this and four more (Rom 11:36; 16:25-27; Eph 3:20-21; Phil 4:20; 1Tim 1:17).

Never Stop Never Stopping

Long before Andy Samberg’s mockumentary, the inspired biblical writers were all about never stop never stopping when it comes to giving God the glory. It’s the never-ending applause for the only One who really rates. It’s the everlasting cheers for the only One who is truly entitled. It’s the Eternal Standing O that only Jesus deserves.

It’s amazing what happens when I get my eyes off my pathetic little pity party and look up to my awesome Savior. Can we be honest? Whatever you and I are facing probably finishes a distant second to Paul’s situation as he writes this letter. 

If he can spontaneously combust in worship of Jesus while walking the Green Mile, what’s stopping you and me?

©2017 Jay Jennings

Stand by Me

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth” (2Tim 4:16-17).

Life Comes at You Fast

It can change in a flash. One minute there’s simply not enough time to take the calls, answer email, or interact with all the great stuff people say about on social media. Your head swells a couple of hat sizes. Maybe I really am pretty cool. Have I gone viral?

But before you can set up your Facebook fan page, the whole deal goes south. The atta-boys come to a screeching halt. The once constant encouragement quickly turns into crickets. In the blink of an eye, what appears to be a cheering crowd are simply cockroaches on the run. The commercials are right. Life comes at you FAST!

Paul’s Resume

It would be easy to look at the life of the Apostle Paul and think this is exactly what happened to him. For several years, he had it all going on. Personally handpicked by Jesus. God’s lead spokesman to the Gentile world. Globetrotter. Church planter. Miracle worker. Leader of his own growing posse. Writer of a huge chunk of the New Testament. Not a bad resume, don’t you think?

But there’s another side to Paul’s story. A dark side. A lonely side. While God gave him a front row seat to see the message of Jesus radically transform lives, not everybody wanted any part of that change. A growing number of people hated what he was doing. They even put out a hit on him. He was attacked and beaten. Run out of town if he was lucky. Stoned and left for dead if he wasn’t.

There was a time when his preaching attracted overflow crowds in cities around the Mediterranean Rim. There was a time when he rolled with a personal traveling party of eight supporters from various churches he started (Acts 20:4-5). He mentored the best and the brightest names in the early church. We’re talking about dudes like Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Titus, and Timothy.

The Darkness of the Dungeon

We pick up Paul’s story in 67 AD. He’s behind bars in Rome’s Mamertine Prison (2Tim 1:12, 16; 2:9). This joint is Death Row for those Caesar condemns to die (2Tim 4:6-7). It’s here in this darkness of the dungeon that the Light of the World specializes in shining the brightest. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Before we get to that, we need to remember the reason Paul’s writing in the first place. He’s finishing one last letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church the apostle planted in Ephesus (1Tim 1:3; 2Tim 1:2). Paul pulls no punches in passing the baton of ministry to his spiritual son (2Tim 2:1-4:5). He also begs Tim to hit the road and get to Rome for one last visit before it’s too late (2Tim 4:9, 21).

Legal Speak

At this point the epistle, Paul updates Tim on his current legal situation. “At my first defense no one came to stand by me” (v16). He refers to his “defense” by using a little lawyer speak (Gr. απολογια/apologia). It describes the response to official charges or speaking on behalf of yourself or others in the face of an accusation.

If you’re familiar with the apostle’s story, you know he’s had his fair share of appearances in court for telling people about Jesus. So which time does he mean when he refers to “my first defense” (v16)? Let’s be honest. The guy’s seen the inside of countless courtrooms between Jerusalem and Rome. Which one? Which time?

The Roman Two-Step

According to John MacArthur, the Roman court system had a two-step process. The first hearing was called the prima actio (or “first action”). This was much like an arraignment which established the charges and need for a trial. The second proceeding was the secunda actio (or “second action”) where a judge reaches a verdict and hands down a sentence.

So what Paul describes here is that “first action.” In other words, this is the most recent “first defense” (v16). He probably appeared before Nero himself. If not, it was a judge or panel of judges made up of Caesar’s toadies.

Arson Charges?

What exactly did Roman authorities charge the apostle with? That’s a great question that’s not found anywhere in the New Testament. But when we flip open the pages of history, we find clues that go along way to unlock this mystery. Just a three years before in July of 64 AD, a massive fire began in Rome’s southern slums and burned for three days.

This raging inferno totally torched three of Rome’s 14 districts and damaged much of the city. It killed hundreds and left thousands homeless. While there’s no hard evidence blaming Nero for the blaze (or that he fiddled away while watching the flames from the palace), there is one fact we do know. He blamed those annoying followers of Jesus for the disaster.

Some Bible scholars believe Roman authorities implicated Paul with a role in setting the fire. While we’re not sure if Caesar charged the apostle in connection with arson, we do know the emperor unleashed an unprecedented persecution and pain on believers throughout the empire.

Following Jesus Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

Before the fire, it was certainly hazardous to your health to claim the name of Christ before the fire. After Rome burns, the state-sponsored terrorism against disciples was on like Donkey Kong. With targets on their backs as imperial scapegoats, the followers of Jesus scatter and go underground.

This would explain why Paul describes that his first court appearance “no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me” (v15). He stood alone against Roman legal machine. No attorney. No public defender. When he looked over his shoulder for support in the court, it was nothing but crickets and tumbleweeds.

A Public Show of Support

The man from Tarsus tells Tim how nobody wanted to be seen with him. The phrase the ESV translates as “came to stand” is actually one word in the original language (Gr. παραγινομαι/paraginomai). It means to show up publicly at a place for a distinct purpose, whether helpful or hostile. The term can describe making a public appearance with someone in order show your support.

Matthew tells us how “Jesus came (Gr. παραγινομαι/paraginomai) from Galilee” to endorse his cousin John the Baptist’s campaign of repentance and baptism (Mt 3:14). The writer of Hebrews points out that “Christ appeared (Gr. παραγινομαι/paraginomai) as a high priest” to publicly demonstrate God’s blessings to come (Heb 9:11).

At that first hearing, Paul flew solo. Just in case we’re not paying attention, he goes out of his way to call the roll of his courtroom supporters. “All deserted me” (v16). In doing so, he drops the same term (Gr. εγκαταλειπω/egkateleipo) he used to describe being ditched by Demas a few verses back (2Tim 4:10). Is it at this court appearance that “Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm” (2Tim 4:14)?

Paul’s Roman Friends

So who were the “all” he’s describing who bailed on him? Well, the apostle wrote to believers in Rome ten years before, around 56-57 AD (Rom 1:7). It’s in this letter we call the book of Romans where Paul beautifully unpacks how God has come to our cosmic rescue through His sinless Son.

Near the end of the letter, he says “hello” to 24 people by name,  as well as two full families, some unnamed brothers and sisters in the Lord, and then “all the saints who are with them” (Rom 16:3-15). This probably includes many of the same followers of Jesus who greeted him when he arrived in custody just a few years back in 61 AD (Acts 28:15-30).

The Fact of Loneliness

Six years later, they were gone. All gone. Gone except for his good friend Dr. Luke (2Tim 4:11). Paul will mention a few other folks he has some interaction with a bit later (2Tim 4:21). But on at that first appearance in court, he was alone. You could easily translate this as “at my first defense no one came to my defense.” Nobody dared be seen in public with him.

Author Thomas Wolfe writes that “loneliness…is the central and inevitable fact of human existence.” Paul knew what it was like to be abandoned by his closest friends. So did our Savior. Jesus’ agony on the cross included His friends running from him like scared rabbits and His Heavenly Dad turning away from Him. Paul takes comfort that our Lord knew loneliness so that we would never really be alone.

Grace Giver

Rather than throw those folks under the bus or fire up the social media flame thrower, he does just the opposite. “May it not be charged against them!” (v16). Paul understood the danger. He fully realized the circumstances. He tells Tim not to hold it against them.

Sound familiar? It brings back Jesus’ words to His Dad as He hung on a Roman cross. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:24). When a mob of religious bullies fired rocks at Stephen, he prayed to Jesus, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).

Instead of requiring revenge, Paul gives grace. Can we be honest here? Forgiveness for folks who ditched me when I needed them most is probably not be at the top of my to-do list. But the apostle knows that we really need to forgive others since God in Christ has forgiven us of so much more (Eph 4:32).

No Day at DisneyWorld

Who needs your mercy? Who needs your grace? Who’s deserted you in your time of need? Who’s hurt you…either intentionally or unintentionally? Let’s follow Paul’s lead and not hold it against them. If you need to, tell your friends where you stand. Tell them that there’s no reason to be angry about what somebody has done to you.

Let’s cut to the chase. There’s a pretty good chance your friends didn’t bail on you in court at a hearing that could result in a death sentence. Relax, I’m not saying what we’ve been through has been a day at DisneyWorld. Let’s take to heart Jesus’ words just before He headed home to Heaven. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).

His Presence and His Power

It’s because of this promise that the apostle can write these amazing words. “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (v17). Despite the absence of everybody else, Jesus was personally there with him and gave him the power and ability to face any and every situation (Phil 4:13). Christ does that by giving us both His presence and His power.

That includes when it appears you’re flying solo in court. ESPECIALLY when you’re flying solo in court! Paul makes that point by using a term (Gr. παριστημι/paristemi) translated “stood” (v16). It describes standing together, appearing side-by-side, or coming alongside to help someone. Like before, the word is another legal term. It means to prove to be true or present evidence of truth.

Dr. Luke tells his friend Theophilus how Jesus proved His resurrection and “presented (Gr. παριστημι/paristemi) Himself alive” to His personal posse (Acts 1:3). When religious bullies call Peter and John on the carpet for healing a man with a birth defect, the apostles tell them that this miracle is powerful proof of who Jesus is. “By Him this man is standing (Gr. παριστημι/paristemi) before you well” (Acts 4:16).

The Indwelling Dynamo

The Lord not only gives us His presence but His power. Paul describes to Him how He “strengthened me” (v16). This is the Greek verb ενδυναμοω/endumano’o, which means to empower, make strong, or cause someone to have the ability to do or experience something they otherwise could not have done.

This compound word literally describes an “inner (Gr. εν-/en-) power (Gr. -δυναμοω/-dumano’o).” The core term is where we get the word “dynamo.” Through the power supply of the indwelling Holy Spirit, God allows every believer to tap into His unlimited strength. Iron Man’s arc reactor is a hamster on a wheel compared to what He’s given you and me.

This the third time in his two letters to Timothy where Paul credits Jesus as His source of supernatural strength. He thanks the Lord “who has given me strength (Gr. ενδυναμοω/endumano’o)” to serve Him (1Tim 1:12). He encourages Tim to “be strengthened (Gr. ενδυναμοω/endumano’o) by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim 2:1).

The God Who Is ALWAYS with Us

Just as He did Paul, our Savior gives each one of us who follows Him His presence and His power. When everybody else bails and leaves you all alone, He is there. Remember, Jesus is God who is with us (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23). He promises to the God who is ALWAYS with us (Dt 31:6-8; Josh 1:5, 9; Mt 28:20; Heb 13:5). We may not see Him or feel Him, but our Lord is right there wherever we are, giving us His strength when our tank is on E.

 Jesus doesn’t just randomly throw some supernatural strength Paul’s way for him to use as he sees fit. The apostle He does it “so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed” (v17). In other words, the Lord powers up Paul to spread the word about the salvation God is offering through His one and only Son.

Search and Rescue

Ever since his amazing encounter with the resurrected Jesus outside Damascus, the apostle formerly known as Saul has made God’s message his personal mission. What exactly is this Good News? Our gracious God created a perfect universe and put our first parents in it. We broke it all through our rebellion and disobedience.

But our Creator didn’t just throw in the towel and turn His back on us. He sends His Son on the most breathtaking search and rescue mission in history. Jesus leaves the comforts of the heavenly palace to dive into the disgusting dumpster of our sin.

Taking Our Place

By taking on human flesh, Christ lives the life of perfect obedience to the Father we’ve failed to live. He dies the brutal death for our rebellion that we should have died. But that’s not all! He rises to a glorious new life that we certainly didn’t earn.

We place our trust in Who Jesus is and what He has done that we could never do for ourselves. We also place our trust in His commands. He wants God’s best for us. Obedience to God’s Word not only gives Him glory but also unlocks the overflowing, unlimited life that our Savior promises (Jn 10:10). This is the Gospel which Paul tells Tim has been “fully proclaimed” (v17). 

An Invitation to God’s Party

Then the apostle reminds his spiritual son how God has thrown the doors open to His kingdom for every people group on the planet to the party. Jesus personally handpicked Paul so that “the Gentiles might hear it” (v17). “Gentiles” is actually the Greek noun εθνος/ethnos. It’s the source of our word “ethnic.”

The term describes a people group, tribe, a multitude of people with something in common. It’s the largest unit into which the people of the world are divided based on their social or cultural community.

Paul’s Supernatural Assignment

Writers of the NT use this when talking about outsiders. Specifically, those outside the Jewish race and faith. For centuries, the Hebrew people expected God to send Messiah just for them. After all, they are God’s chosen people. But much to their surprise, He sent Messiah through the Jews to the entire world! There’s a big meeting at the home office in Jerusalem to hash this out (Acts 15:1-35).

Jesus picked Paul as His spokesman to non-Jews around the world (Acts 9:15; Rom 1:5; 15:8-12). Over and over and over again, the apostle reminds people of his supernatural assignment “the Gentiles (Gr. εθνος/ethnos)” (Rom 11:13; 15:16; Gal 1:16; 2:2; Eph 3:1, 7-8; 1Tim 2:7). If you’re a non-Jewish follower of the Jewish Messiah, you’ve got Paul to thank!

From Outsiders to Insiders

Think of Gentiles as people NOT like you. Foreigners. Outsiders. You know, THOSE people. People who speak a different language and wear weird clothes. Should we be building walls? I don’t know. But there’s one thing Jesus makes clear through Paul. He came to make outsiders insiders.

You can bet the apostle sees his various legal proceedings as a chance to spread the Gospel. He’s done it before (Acts 24:14-15, 24-25; 25:12-23). Paul leverages every opportunity he has to spread the message of grace. That’s because everybody needs a Savior (Rom 3:10-12; 3:23). You. Me. Us. Them. Only Jesus transforms outsiders into insiders.

From the Courtroom to the Circus

Paul then seems to jump from the courtroom to the circus when he says, “I was rescued from the lion’s mouth” (v17). What in the name of Barnum and Bailey is he talking about? Remember, I’m not lion when I say Rome has made the followers of Jesus the target of terror. (Yeah, you’re right. That was awful.)

This could be a literal rescue from being used as bait for the big cats in some gruesome performance. God famously saved Daniel in the lion’s den back in the day (Dan 6:26-27). Maybe he’s referring to Nero specifically or his Roman authorities in general. While we can’t be sure from the text, it is clear that God had brought the apostle through a slew of close calls and brushes with death (2Cor 4:8-12; 11:23-28).

From the Penthouse to the Outhouse

Has your life been a series of wild swings? One moment you’re in the penthouse and the next in the outhouse. One moment folks give you the key to the city and the next their locking you up. One moment you’re surrounded by friends and the next you’re all alone.

No matter your situation, Jesus is there. He stands by you. He stands with you. He gives you His presence. He gives you His power. Just ask Paul.

The Big Hurt

“Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message” (2Tim 4:14-15).

Unicorns, Rainbows, and Skittles

“Too blessed to be stressed!” I’m sure you’ve heard this garbage before. A fellow follower of Jesus putting up a phony front, pretending that nothing could be wrong on this side of salvation. Sure there are awesome bennies that come as a result of a relationship with the Lord. But once Christ saves you, it does NOT guarantee a life filled with unicorns, rainbows, and an endless supply of Skittles.

Don’t buy the lie. We should expect a truckload of trouble on this side of Heaven. Jesus told His crew that this world will be an uphill struggle, “but take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). I wonder why nobody ever mentions THAT as their life verse? It’s probably more useful that some of the other stuff we take out of context and slap on coffee mugs and bumper stickers.

On the Business End of Heartache

If anybody knew how tough a life of following Jesus could be, it was Paul. The dude was on the business end of all sorts of heartache. He proudly lists them in a letter to the Corinthian church (2Cor 11:23-28). Prison? Check. Beatings? Check. Near death experiences? Check. Floggings? Check. Canings? Check. Stoning? Check. Shipwrecks? Check.

Near the end of his very last letter, Paul not only tells Timothy about one particular guy who was a pain in the apostolic tail, but gives him a heads up to avoid him. “Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message” (v14-15).

The Meddlesome Metalworker

His point? The struggle IS real. VERY real. Those who love and serve Jesus will indeed have opposition. While the pain is legit, he’s leaving it to the Lord to deal with his antagonist. The apostle tells Tim to keep his head on swivel and not get blindsided by Alexander. The meddlesome metalworker got in the way of the message of the Gospel.

Meet Alexander, the Big Hurt.

A Letter from Prison

Let’s zoom out just a bit to see why the apostle has even brought up the subject of this First Century craftsman in the first place. The year is 67 AD. The place is a prison in the capital city of Rome. The apostle is behind bars for telling people about Jesus (2Tim 1:12, 16; 2:9). The former Pharisee has poured out his life serving the Lord and is awaiting execution (2Tim 4:6-7).

After a series of letters to local churches and a few friends, Paul picks up his pen one final time. He writes to Timothy (2Tim 1:2), a young pastor he’s left to lead the church in Ephesus (1Tim 1:3). With the days of his life rapidly running out, the apostle writes with a pair of purposes. One, pass the baton of ministry to his spiritual son (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Two, ask to see him one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21).

Here in the final sentences of this epistle, Paul asks Tim to swing by and pick up Mark on his way to Rome (2Tim 4:12). He wants him to stop by Carpus’ crib in Troas and get his winter coat, his personal papers, and Bible (2Tim 4:14).

Examining the Clues

It’s at this point that the apostle tells him about someone who’s been big trouble in the past. “Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm” (v14). Who is this pesky Alexander, anywho? When we dig a bit into Paul’s story, there are a few clues that might help us out.

All cards on the table. There’s a LOT of discussion and speculation about the identity of Alexander the coppersmith. Some people see strong connections to some other people with the same name. Others see that as a stretch. Is it the same guy? There’s not enough hard evidence to be sure. But there IS a pile of circumstantial clues that might help. Anybody up for a little forensic science, Bible style?

Big Trouble in E City

It’s possible that this is the same guy Luke wrote about in Acts. Around 53 AD, a man by that name tried to speak to the mob during the infamous Ephesian riots. “Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out in one voice, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (Acts 19:33-34).

Hmm. Interesting. Let’s keep going. Fast forward five years to 62 AD and we see a guy named Alexander in Ephesus again. Is this the same rascal Paul mentions in his first letter to Timothy? He tells the young preacher how he had to deal with a team of troublemakers in E City which included “Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1Tim 1:20).

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Jump ahead five more years and here’s Paul writing to Tim about some knucklehead with the same handle a third time. He’s done the apostle “great harm” (v14). Somehow, someway, he’s “strongly opposed our message” (v15). Apparently Alexander has caused the apostle one terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

If this is really the same Ephesian Alexander, let’s just say the A Train has gone seriously off the rails. At one point, he seems to be coming to Paul’s defense. The next thing you know he does an about-face on the apostle.

When Jesus Is Bad for Business

While we can’t be sure these are all the same Alexander, Paul does tell us that the one in question here in his second note to Timothy is a “coppersmith” (v14). He uses a Greek word (Gr. χαλκευς/chalkeus) that describes a metalworker or a craftsman who fashions metal. It comes from a word that can mean bronze, brass, or copper.

This isn’t the first time the apostle mixed it up with metalworker. Back during those crazy days in Ephesus which Luke wrote about, Paul had a nasty run-in with “a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemus” (Acts 19:24). It seems that the lifesaving message of Jesus is bad for business if you’re business is making idols.

Is Alex a local Ephesian craftsman whose profits are down now that the Gospel’s in town? The Good News has the power to radically change our lives. That includes our jobs. If what you do for a living hurts others and draws them away from Jesus, you probably need to find a new line of work.

Great Harm on Display

While there’s a lot of speculation about Alexander, one thing Paul tells us for sure is that he “did me great harm” (v14). What exactly did he “did?” A closer look at behind the word the ESV translates “did” is quite revealing. Paul uses a Greek verb (Gr. ενδεικνυμι/endeiknumi) which means to give proof, demonstrate, point out, display, or exhibit.

In his first letter to the Timothy, the apostle explains how “Jesus might display (Gr. ενδεικνυμι/endeiknumi) His perfect patience” to those who trust in Him (1Tim 1:16). He tells his Ephesian friends how God is so rich in mercy and love that one day in the future “He might show (Gr. ενδεικνυμι/endeiknumi) the immeasurable riches of His grace and kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7).

Damaging Testimony

This is actually a technical and legal term you can use to describe presenting evidence that leads to an indictment or impeachment. Think of that surprise testimony in a courtroom drama that reveals whodunit. That’s how Paul uses it when telling the Corinthians to “give proof (Gr. ενδεικνυμι/endeiknumi) before the churches of your love” to some of his team when they hit tow (2Cor 8:24).

Looking at it this way, it’s very possible Alexander provided damaging false testimony against the apostle at some point. What makes me think so? In verse 16, Paul describes a trial where no one came to testify on his behalf. The Big Hurt may well be a snitch or stool pigeon. Think of some slime ball who lies while turning state’s evidence against an enemy.

The Upper Range of the Scale

Paul tells Tim that this testimony was so damaging that it did him “great harm” (v14). “Great” is the Greek word πολυς/polus, which means many, great, large, plentiful, or severe. Whatever it’s describing, we’re talking about the upper range of the scale. Mark uses it when writing about the day Jesus heals a kid of a demonic spirit. “After crying out and convulsing him terribly (Gr. πολυς/polus)”, the demon eventually left the boy alone (Mk 9:26).

It’s my personal opinion that the ESV’s use of “harm” actually soft sells the sin against Paul. The term in the original language (Gr. κακος/kakos) actually describes something very bad, big trouble, evil, wickedness, or ruin.

A Truckload of Trouble

In his original letter to Tim, the apostle how “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (Gr. κακος/kakos)” (1Tim 6:10). He tells Titus to watch out for the people of Crete because they are well known as “liars, evil (Gr. κακος/kakos) beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12).

Whatever he did or said, Alexander has done oodles of evil against the apostle. Plenty of pain. A truckload of trouble. Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas earned the nickname the Big Hurt. Allow me to slap the same label on Paul’s arch enemy. Alexander the coppersmith is the Big Hurt.

The Big Payback

If I was in Paul’s sandals, I could see myself telling Tim to find Alexander and, shall we say, “make the problem go away.” Let’s be honest, we want justice when we’ve been wronged and we want it RIGHT NOW. On the other hand, we want mercy and grace when we’ve hurt somebody ourselves. Justice for them. Mercy for me. Admit it. You want the same thing.

But check out the apostle’s response. “The Lord will repay him according to his deeds” (v14). Paul’s not out for revenge. He doesn’t want to put a hurting on the Big Hurt. He leaves the Big Payback up to Jesus. He leaves to the One who knows all the facts completely (omniscient) but more than capable of dishing out the punishment (omnipotent).

As the Righteous Judge, the Lord can handle it. He’s MUCH more qualified for the job than anyone of us. He leaves this one in Jesus’ very capable hands. It makes sense when you realize what Paul wrote to the folks in Rome. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom 12:19).

Taking Really Big Problems to an Even Bigger God

Be sure of one thing. The apostle is NOT ignoring the damage the Big Hurt has caused. He’s not playing down the pain Alexander’s inflicted. He’s actually admitting his anger and taking it directly to God. Why? He’s big enough to handle it. The Lord knows EXACTLY what to do and when to do it.

Paul is simply following a tried and true formula God’s people have been using for centuries. Take our big steaming pile of pain and bitterness directly to the Lord and dump it at His throne. A couple of things happen when we do. One, our really big problems get awfully small compared to our even bigger God. Two, He’ll make sure it’s dealt with.

Quivering Loins

Nobody did it better than King David, the guy who earned the rep as the man who chased after the very heart of God (1Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22). He wrote a whole slew of songs begging the Righteous Judge to come to his defense and make things right.

Take the 69th Psalm. Among his very specific prayer(?) requests, David specifically asks God to strike his enemies blind and “make their loins tremble continually” (Ps 69:23). I’m not exactly sure what would cause someone’s loins to quiver and not stop and I don’t want to find out!

Tim’s Been Warned

Since Paul believes the Big Hurt is still a clear and present danger, it’s no surprise Tim’s spiritual father tells him, “Beware of him yourself” (v15). It’s clear that the young pastor may well cross paths with the crafty craftsman at some point. Again, I think this points to Alexander living in Ephesus where Timothy leads the local church.

There’s a chance he could be in Troas where Tim will pick up Paul’s stuff (2Tim 4:13). Maybe he’s even in Rome after testifying against the apostle in court. One way or the other, Tim needs to watch his back. The Big Hurt is still a threat.

This may be blatantly obvious but warning others about real threats is critical. Give them a heads up of the dangers out there. Provide a scouting report of people, places, and things that are problems. On the other hand, don’t blow the situation out of proportion. Take another look at what you were sure was a mountain. There’s a chance it was just a molehill.

Getting in the Way of the Gospel

Paul reflects on how Alexander “strongly opposed our message” (v15) back in the day. In his first note to Timothy, he states how spiritual con artists had weaseled their way into the Ephesian church. They peddled a phony gospel which distracted people from following Jesus with crazy myths and complicated family trees (1Tim 1:4-5).

A little later in that letter, the apostle describes how he kicked these troublemakers to the curb and called them by name. “Among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1Tim 4:20). If the Big Hurt is still a big problem, he clearly hasn’t learned his lesson.

A Hero from Heaven

What is the message Paul and his team took to the world? Quite simply, it’s the message of Jesus. The resurrected Rabbi/Carpenter is the One God promised to send to save us. We trashed God’s perfect creation through our sin and rebellion. But He loves us so much that He sends His one and only Son from Heaven to put out this raging dumpster fire we’ve made.

Just like an astronaut puts on a spacesuit before heading outside the ship, Jesus adds humanity to His divinity before making the trip from Heaven to Earth (Jn 1:14). As the God Man, He goes to work and does for us what we could never do ourselves.

He lives the life of perfect obedience to His Father’s commands that we’ve failed to live. He dies the brutal death for our sin that we should have died. He rises to a glorious new life that we certainly don’t deserve. Jesus graciously offers to trade His spotless perfection for our sin-soaked insurrection (2Cor 5:21).

Expect Trouble

That’s the message Alexander powerfully opposed. If someone had the gall to get in Paul’s way, why should we think things will be any different for you and me when we make a point of telling people about our Savior? This is the apostle’s way of not only warning Timothy but the rest of us of the opposition we can and should expect.

What can we take away from this? First of all, the struggle IS real. Don’t be surprised when the going gets hard when spreading the message of grace. Second, don’t blow off any real injuries. Third, remember that revenge isn’t your job. Take it to the only One qualified to handle it. Fourth, warn others of potential problems and threats.

On the bright side, we don’t have to deal with Alexander the coppersmith any longer. But we need to realize it probably won’t be long before we bump into our own personal Big Hurt. Don’t worry. Jesus can handle them.

©2017 
Jay Jennings

Left Behind in T Town

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments” (2Tim 4:13).

Forget Something?

Ever leave something behind? If you know me, I have a long history of leaving a trail of personal possessions wherever I go. Wallet. Keys. iPhone. Bible. If I carry it, there’s a good chance that I’ve left it. Once they’re located, I either make a return trip or a phone call to get them back.

But there are times when you leave in a hurry. I mean a BIG hurry. We’re not talking about a spontaneous weekend trip. This is a “somebody just pulled the fire alarm and find the nearest exit” kind of emergency. When that happens, you’re going to leave stuff behind. Hopefully you can find somebody who will bring it to you later.

Doing Paul a Favor

That’s what happened to Paul when we read the end of his second letter to Timothy. As the apostle closes out this note to the young pastor, he asks him to do a few favors for him. First, get his tail to Rome (2Tim 4:9). Second, swing by and pick up Mark on the way (2Tim 4:11). 

He asks Tim to add one more thing on his run to Rome. “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus in Troas, also the books and above all the parchments” (v13). Hey man, I need your help. Stop by Carpus’ place and get my winter coat. Grab my personal papers. Whatever you do, do NOT forget the parchments!

This must be some VERY important stuff to Paul! Why? Remember just how desperate his situation is. He’s on Death Row and his execution date is rapidly approaching (2Tim 1:16; 2:9; 4:6-7). When you’re life is on the line, the little things just don’t matter. Whatever he’s asking Timothy to bring, it must be mission critical in his final days.

Get My Coat

The first thing on Paul’s list is “the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas” (v13). He uses a word in the original language (Gr. φαιλονης/phailones) which describes a heavier outer garment for protection during colder or stormy weather that’s usually made out of wool. It could be used as a blanket on a chilly night. 

It’s the same piece of clothing Jesus mentions in His famous mountainside message. Christ tells His audience that if somebody sues you for your shirt, “let him have your cloak (Gr. φαιλονης/phailones) as well” (Mt 5:40). Don’t retaliate. Don’t file a countersuit. Simply let them have your coat.

Caesar’s SuperMax

The cloak makes sense. The dude wants his winter coat. That certainly makes sense when you see a little later in his letter that he really wants Tim to do everything possible and get to Rome “before winter” (2Tim 4:21). He’s cold. He’s going to get colder. 

Inmate Paul is walking the Green Mile in Caesar’s SuperMax, better known as the Mamertine Prison. This is less like an ultra modern penitentiary and more like a dark, dank dungeon. It’s where condemned prisoners went before they died. Chances are, the apostle has been lowered through the stone floor into a small cold chamber. A warm wool cloak would come in very handy.

Getting Your Name in the Bible

In order to get Paul’s heavy jacket and other gear, Tim will need to make a stop along the way to Rome. The apostle tells him that he left his stuff “with Carpus at Troas” (v13). This is the one and only time we see Carpus mentioned in the entire Bible. We really know very little about the guy. But thanks to the urging of God’s Spirit as Paul writes to his spiritual son, it’s preserved for eternity. Now THAT’S pretty cool!

What do we know about him? His name “Carpus” (Gr. καρπος/karpos) means fruit, harvest, produce, results, or profits. In the First Century, your handle often said something about you. Maybe this was your parents’ hope for you. It’s possible they wanted their son to be fruitful and profitable.

Naming Rights

Maybe Carpus is a nickname. Remember how the radical Rabbi/Carpenter dropped a new label on a hotheaded commercial fisherman named Simon? “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter)” (Jn 1:42).

Despite a personality that is, shall we say, inconsistent, Christ prophetically nicknames Simon “Rocky.” He sees what Pete will become. Steady. Faithful. Is this a picture of what Jesus writes to the church in Pergamum? He will give folks who overcome “a new name” carved in stone (Rev 2:17). Bottom line, since God made all of us in His image, He holds the naming rights!

It’s possible Paul’s responsible for slapping Carpus with a name by which he’ll be known for eternity. There’s a good chance he came to faith in Christ thanks to the apostle. One thing is for sure, Carp must have been a trusted friend of the apostle formerly known as Saul. Paul knew his gear was safe with him.

T is for Troas

So it makes sense that Carpus gave the apostle a place to stay when he was in Troas. T Town was a regular stop for Paul and his team when they was in that part of the world. The full name of the city is actually Alexandria Troas. It was a thriving seaport on the northwest coast of what we know today as Turkey. The city was perfectly located on the Aegean Sea for easy maritime access to ancient ports in modern day Greece and the island of Crete.

In one of his letters to the church in Corinth written in the Fall of 56 AD, the apostle tells them how he really wanted to take the Gospel to the people of Troas but had to leave in order to find his buddy Titus (2Cor 2:12-13). He’ll be back before you know it.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy sailed from Troas in order to take the message of Jesus to Europe for the very first time (Acts 16:8), but that wasn’t their original destination. They really wanted to tell the folks in Bithynia on the northern coast of Asia Minor all about the Good News. “But the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them” (Acts 16:7). 

A Vision in Troas

How did that go down? While they were in Troas, “a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there urging him saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). So the boys hop on a ship sailing from Troas that will eventually take them to Philippi (Acts 16:11).

The Gospel Comes to T Town

On Paul’s third tour, T Town was the location of a meetup with the crew taking the famine relief offering back to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4-6). It was this visit in the Spring of 57 AD that God gave him the opportunity to unpack the message of Jesus for the people there. While the apostle was there, it becomes the location of one of his longest sermons and most impressive miracles (Acts 20:7-12). 

While Paul was preaching a VERY long message (we’re talking until midnight!), some young fella named Eutychus was sitting in a third story window. Note to self, open windows may give you a nice breeze but they’re NOT the safest place to take a seat.

Eutychus fell asleep and fell out the window. The three-story drop killed the guy! Paul ran downstairs and took him in his arms. Dr. Luke tells us that before morning, the young gun was fully alive once again. No word on how well Eutychus and Carpus know each other.

One Final Visit

Apparently the apostle made at least one other trip to Troas in 67 AD. It’s on this last visit that he left behind these very important personal items at Carpus’ house. How did that happen? Why would he not take his cloak, his books, and other important documents? 

I think the evidence points to the Romans arresting him there. The authorities took him into custody there and hauled him back to prison in the capital where he’s waiting for execution. Which brings us to Autumn of 67 AD. Paul on Death Row, writing one last letter to Timothy.

Rolls and Scrolls

In asking for a final face-to-face visit, the apostle wants Tim to travel through Troas. It’s on the way. Grab his cloak as well as “the books, and above all the parchments” (v13). There’s critical written material he needs before time runs out.

Just what exactly are these important documents? In asking for his “books,” Paul uses a Greek word (Gr. βιβλια/biblia) which decribes a small scroll, a roll of paper, a letter, or a written document. It’s where we get our word “Bible.” This is probably sheets of an early form of paper sewn together. It was made from stalks of the papyrus plant. 

Luke tells us about the time Jesus “unrolled the scroll (Gr. βιβλια/biblia)” of Isaiah and read a prophecy about Himself (Lk 4:17). John made sure to let us know that Jesus did a whole lot more than what he wrote “in this book (Gr. βιβλια/biblia)” (Jn 20:30). Ephesian magicians and wizards “brought their books (Gr. βιβλια/biblia)” of spells and incantations and tossed them in a bonfire once the message of Jesus turned the city upside down (Acts 19:19).

Paul’s Personal Papers

While we don’t know exactly, these “books” are probably Paul’s personal journals. He would have used a different word (Gr. χαρτης/chartes) if he was talking about blank paper. Here’s the deal. The apostle knows he’s about to die. Blank paper won’t do him much good. He wants to get these documents in Tim’s hands before his death.

Gimme Some Skin

The apostle really wants his winter coat and books but there’s something even more important he can’t wait to get his hands on. “Above all the parchments” (v13). This time Paul uses a term (Gr. μεμβρανα/membrana) which specifically refers to animal skins used as writing material. This the source of our word “membrane” and it’s the one and only time it appears in Scripture.

What are these critical “parchments”? Since they’re made from animal skins, these are much more expensive than the other documents he wants. That being the case, Paul is probably asking for his Old Testament scrolls. Remember, they had yet to assemble the full New Testament at the time. 

God’s Comfort in God’s Word

It appears the apostle wants his Hebrew Scriptures. The scrolls containing God’s revelation of Himself. He could once again read the Pentateuch, the first five books of the OT. He could dig into the Law and the Prophets. 

Imagine the comfort he could find in David’s songbook that we call Psalms. Then there’s the wisdom literature. You can easily picture Paul reading the Book of Job during his darkest days. In other words, he wants his Bible. 

THE Hero of THE Story

Two thousand years later, we have the 66 assembled documents of Scripture. Together, they paint a portrait of a loving and faithful God who won’t stop until He has restored the horribly broken relationship with the people He’s made in His image. 

We are not the point of the Bible. God’s Word may be FOR us, but it is not ABOUT us. Jesus is THE Hero of THE Story. Everything points to Him. He said so Himself (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46). The story is not about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, or Isaiah. Each one is horribly flawed just like us. Like Paul, let’s read Scripture through the lens of Christ.

Choosing the Foolish

Outside of our Hero, the pages are filled with an endless parade of knuckleheads, goofballs, and losers. Just like you and me. And just like you and me, God is able to use them in amazing ways for His own purposes. As Paul likes to say, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (2Cor 1:27). Just to be clear, the apostle is talking about you and me when he’s writing about the “foolish.”

Starting in the very first book, God’s Word tells the story of a One who will come to the rescue of the rebels. He keeps giving us hints, clues, and sneak previews of a promised Messiah who will make things right. A Savior who will leave the the comforts of the heavenly palace and dive into the dumpster of our sin.

Sitting in a Roman cell, Paul knows that Jesus of Nazareth is the One God has promised. He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He lived the perfect life of obedience to God’s law we failed to live. He died the death we should have died for our sin on the cross. He rose to a new life we don’t deserve.

The Clock Ticks Down

As the clock ticks down on the apostle’s final days, he wants what is most important. He wants to get the old gang back together one last time (2Tim 4:9, 11, 21). He would love to get his heavy winter coat. He wants his personal papers. But most of all, Paul wants his Bible. He left them behind in T Town. 

©2017 
Jay Jennings