Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:1, 2

Bible scholars conclude that this is Paul’s final letter before his death. They also agree that after release from his trial in Rome, Paul revisited several of the churches in Turkey, an arduous tour for Paul who met one danger after another, physical and spiritual.  He was then re-arrested by the Roman Empire, placed in what looks like solitary confinement.  It was then that Paul wrote this letter to Timothy.  He sensed that his life-work was almost over, so his advice to Timothy is couched in the imminence of his own oncoming death.

As we read this letter we are aware of Paul’s intense desire that Timothy, and others, continue to follow Jesus Christ in simplicity and girded with faith.

Referring to Paul’s greeting to Timothy as noted above, he reminds Timothy again that he was called by God to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  It is not a life that Paul would have even imagined for himself.  He had hated Jesus, now he loved Him beyond all else.  I feel sure that he is reminding Timothy that he, too, is called by God himself and not by Paul or anyone else.

I am now 88 years old.  I have on my schedule to meet with a young disciple in a few days – a person who feels called by God to step out and serve Christ in ways that will certainly stretch him.  For myself, I am encouraged by the young disciples of Jesus who are being called by God to follow Him into strange and unfamiliar territory, so to speak.  God is still calling people. And He, in his grace, is allowing me to be one of the encouragers for the new generation.  For this I am eternally grateful.

Every believer should be open to walking with a Timothy and to encourage him or her on the way.