2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

This is the Apostle Paul’s final letter. He writes from a Roman prison, awaiting execution. This isn’t the house arrest we read of in Acts 28, but a more severe imprisonment. 2 Timothy 1:16 tells us he is in ‘chains’ and 2:9 describes him as being ‘chained like a criminal’. As a Roman citizen, he will most likely be beheaded. He knows he is about to die, so he writes to Timothy – his spiritual son and missionary companion – urging him to continue in gospel ministry. 

Paul writes as ‘an apostle of Christ Jesus’ (1:1). He is a messenger speaking on Christ’s behalf and with Christ’s authority, so his words deserve careful attention – by Timothy, and by us. He was made an apostle ‘by the will of God’. He didn’t appoint himself and he wasn’t appointed by a church. God set him apart to proclaim ‘the promise of life’ – to declare the gospel hope of eternal life to dying sinners. 

Paul begins his letter with a gospel-focused greeting. He reminds Timothy of the extraordinary blessings he has in Christ – ‘Grace, mercy and peace’ (v. 2). As followers of Jesus, we share these same blessings. Once we were His enemies, separated from Him by our sin. But now, in Christ, we have been forgiven and reconciled to Him. We can know this peace with God because of His great mercy and grace. 

Timothy will need to remember these gospel realities as he leads the church in Ephesus – a prosperous, cosmopolitan city where the church is vulnerable to complacency and false teaching. We too need to remember the grace, mercy and peace we have been given through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We need this good news to be central in our hearts and minds if we are to continue sharing the gospel faithfully in our culture.

Reflection

How does knowing you have peace with God impact your day-to-day life? Take some time to thank God for the mercy and grace He has shown in forgiving your sins. Ask Him to keep reminding you of the gospel blessings He has given you in Christ.