7th May 2026

As the apostle Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he knows that his exodus from this present world is imminent (v.6), and that his young protégé will soon assume the full mantle of responsibility for the churches under their joint oversee. The ministerial duty that stands above all others is the responsibility to ‘preach the word’, not just to the world, but to the congregation – the integrity of the gospel must be maintained and the truths of the Cross proclaimed, so that, with the example of Jesus set constantly before us, the church might find correction, encouragement, and the righteousness that is by faith in him (vv.1-2).  

Despite the fact that he will soon face Nero Claudius Caesar, the Roman Emperor, who is certain to pronounce the judgement of death, Paul is not afraid, but is in joyful expectation of meeting his Lord and Saviour, the righteous judge, who he knows with more certainty than the certitude of his imminent decapitation, has reserved for him a crown of righteousness (vv. 6-8). Thus, the apostle has shown Timothy, through his relentless work of service and ministry, how to live the Christian life, but just as importantly, he will demonstrate how to die in the Lord, for the sake of the gospel.

Paul stood alone at his trial, though there were many Christian believers in Rome who could have rallied to his defence and supported him, but the apostle was not truly alone, as we are never alone who trust in Christ: ‘…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength’ (v.17).  Paul confidently asserts the good news of salvation in Jesus, which was heard by the gentiles in attendance, so the unfettered word of God went out, even from the chains of imprisonment and the Devil’s snare (v.17). Paul requests that Timothy come to him urgently (v.9), so close were they in kinship that great comfort would be brought to the apostle merely by Timothy’s presence.  

However, the real comfort, which girded Paul in his final hours, was the comfort that should gird us also – the knowledge that, in the age to come, those who serve the interests of Christ will be seen for who they are, and no sinner, even ‘the chief of sinners’, as Paul had styled himself in his earlier correspondence (1 Timothy 1:15), should fear the coming of Christ, if they have come to trust in the Cross of Jesus: ‘To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen’ (2 Timothy 4:18). 

Local congregation:
Grace Communion Peterborough
Farcet Village Hall
Main Street
Farcet
Peterborough
PE7 3AN

Meeting time:
Sunday 11.00 am

Local congregational contact:
Richard Dempsey
Email:  richard.dempsey@btinternet.com
Local church website: GRACE COMMUNION CHURCH PETERBOROUGH – Landing Page

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church