Today’s passage: 2 Timothy 1:1-2
Helpful thoughts:
- This letter was written by the Apostle Paul from prison in Rome between A.D. 64-67. He would be martyred for his faith shortly after the letter was sent. This is the final epistle written by Paul.
- Paul did not become an Apostle because he really wanted the title. This was God’s doing and the purpose of his apostleship was to preach the gospel (Acts 9:1-4, Ephesians 3:8).
- As Paul prepares for his death, he clings to “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.”
- Timothy met Paul during his second missionary journey in Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy had served with Paul and had been sent by Paul for approximately 15 years by the time of the writing of this letter.
Questions to consider:
- Though Paul knows he is about to physically die, what does he know soon awaits him (2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Philippians 1:21-23)? What hope and perspective can this bring to us all?
- What is the grace, mercy and peace that has been afforded to all Christians who have placed their faith in Christ? What has God given to us by His grace? What was God withheld from us by His mercy? How has He brought peace between us, though we were formally at enmity with Him?
- In answer to the previous questions, how is the promise of life given to us (And all who repent and call Jesus, “Lord”)? How is it “in Christ Jesus?” (Isaiah 53:4-6)