The Apostle Paul is one of the most colorful Christian leaders in all of church history and he is both loved and hated throughout the Christian world. Some consider him the world's greatest defender and promoter of Christianity while others believe he did not take Christianity far enough and refused to take righteous stands on issues like female equality and slavery. Beyond doubt he was a strong personality and very opinionated.
But in 2nd Timothy a different Paul emerges. He is writing to his young friend and disciple Timothy from a dark and damp Roman dungeon and he was in chains like a common criminal. This was certainly not the first time that Paul was in prison but now he is nearing the end of his life and you can sense his weariness. Did he know the end was near as some people do? He is at least conscious of the possibility and is losing hope 4:6-8.
Then, near the end of the letter, Paul writes to Timothy three little words... "Come before winter". No great spiritually, illumined theological insights this time...no deep Christian thoughts to ponder..only the illumination of human need by a tired man in prison asking for a visit from a beloved friend before it gets too cold...before it is too late. This Paul I love. A moment of vulnerability...a chink in the armor...the tender hope of an old man revealed in a humble request.
Paul apparently died shortly after writing this letter. No one knows if Timothy ever made it to see him.
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