The Christian Under Human Government (9) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever.
2 Timothy 4:18

The Christian Under Human Government (9)
A few years after writing instructions to Timothy in his first epistle, the apostle Paul was arrested and sent to Rome to be put on trial because of charges against him. Transported there, he was thrown into a prison dungeon and faced terrible conditions. This was his second Roman imprisonment. Previously, when arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 22), the Roman authorities had shown some clemency towards the apostle, as they realized that he was not a criminal. Now, because of false accusations, he was considered to be an enemy of Rome and treated as a dangerous man.

Yet, Paul did not despair as he wrote to Timothy this letter, which was like a spiritual testament. Paul put his trust in God (2 Tim. 1:7), and he encouraged Timothy to do so as well (vv. 8-14). The apostle did not write against the authorities who made his life difficult, but in those miserable circumstances, he kept putting his trust in the Lord. Thus, he became an encouragement and example for all believers. Paul also instructed Timothy how to behave in this world of opposition, where they both served the Lord. Those clear instructions on how to work and serve are also meant for us today (2 Tim. 2-3).

Towards the end of his short letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to continue serving the Lord while facing an environment and government opposed to God. Even close friends separated from him (4:10), and the opposition continued relentlessly (vv. 14-16). The Lord did not forsake him and even stood by Paul, whereas friends forsook him (v. 17). This comforts all Christians who suffer for the name of the Lord. Paul did not give up but continued with what he needed to do, with the support God provided.

Alfred E. Bouter