Farewell. 2 Timothy 4:19-22.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before win. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Dear Family,
As far as we know, these are the last words Paul wrote to Timothy. But Paul is also conscious of the relationships around Timothy, most of them linked to Paul himself, so as he says goodbye, he also sends personal notes.
Greetings (v. 19). Prisca (also known as Priscilla) and Aquila had been Paul’s faithful companions in ministry (Acts 18:2, 3, 18, 26). Apparently, they had ended up with Timothy in Ephesus.
Grounded (v. 20). Some of Paul’s companions had not accompanied him to Rome because of circumstances that were beyond their control, or because Paul may have requested it. Erastus may have remained at Corinth at Paul’s request, while Trophimus was unable to travel because of illness. Paul may be informing Timothy of these circumstances so that he will not think ill of the men in question, or it may be just to let him know where they are, should he need them.
Gravity (v. 21).Paul repeats his request that Timothy comes to him quickly. He wants this to happen before winter. It was perilous to travel in winter those days and Paul wants Timothy safe, but it also may be that Paul is sensing his own departure and wants to see Timothy before he dies.
Grace (v. 22). As with many of his letters, Paul ends as he began, with grace. Interesting here is that he addresses Timothy and wishes him God’s company in his spirit, but the wish for grace is plural, suggesting that Paul expected people around Timothy, maybe even the whole church, to read this letter. Grace be with you also.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.