June 28, 2015
Which critics and allies did Paul consider at the end of his last epistle? In the apostle’s second letter to Timothy, Alistair Begg finds Paul opposed by critics, such as Alexander the coppersmith, and deserted by other believers. Yet he was also strengthened by God for his continuing mission and rescued from perils as if from a lion’s mouth. In all Paul’s challenges, he remained prepared to declare Jesus as King over the nations—a King whose Gospel could never and will never be stopped.
14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18The 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.
Copyright © 2023, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.