The nature of this second letter is quite unique from Paul's first one to Timothy. It is riddled with the personal reflections of a man who has languished in prison for perhaps seven years, and now the effects of isolation are beginning to take their toll. In addition to this stretch, Paul reflects that he has been abandoned by all those in Asia (Ephesus) who for one reason or another have given up on the faith in Paul's long absence from the church there.
However, from the darkness of this disheartening testimony, Paul highlights an alternative light in the person of his dear friend Onesiphorus. Though hampered by the likely transfer of Paul from the Roman official penal system to a private, and more remote private prison facility, Onesiphorus would not give up his search until he had found his Pastor/Apostle.
Now Paul contrast the unfaithfulness of those who abandoned him with his, now deceased, friend. The emphasis here is the one does not have to be great, or most intelligent, or most prosperous to be an encouragement - availability and determination are the sure resources.
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August 19, 2012 | John Bayles | Going On When You’re All Alone (2 Timothy 1:12b-18)
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