Paul’s People
Paul pleas with us to be committed to the truth, and notice how in his own life, he surrounds himself with people who will help him live out this passionate life of truth, and rejects others who actually hindered him in his journey. Verses 9-15 say: “Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.” And then in verses 19-21: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.” (2 Timothy 4:19–21 NIV)
Surround Yourself Wisely
There were those in his life who got in the way of his Christian convictions. Who wanted to lead him astray. Who tried to do him harm.
Paul says be on your guard against such people. Be on your guard against those who love the world and turn from God.
You want to stay committed to the truth? Surround yourself with people who are committed to the truth. I love how Paul said “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” Bring Mark! He helps me! Luke is here, and he is a support to me! And he sends greetings from good Christian people who are there with him, and others who he had seen along the way.
Strength in Community
TOGETHER they were stronger. TOGETHER they could manage. TOGETHER they found the fullness of their Christian lives.
This is profound. Paul was basically one of the highest people in the church. One of the big boys. And they say it can be lonely at the top. But Paul was no lone ranger! He gathered around him people who loved him and who he loved. He reached out often, and received help often.
Paul, of all people, stayed connected, he made sure he stayed connected to good people of God.
Today it’s easier than ever to stay disconnected. Learn from Paul today – he could have cut himself off and lived high and mighty and lonely. But he surrounded himself with people of God who comforted him, rebuked him when necessary, and helped him – even if it meant encountering some people who also hurt him along the way.
Do you need to get plugged into the community? To connect with others and regularly lean on them and let them lean on you?
The truth is: yes, you do. If Paul needed this, then you and I do too.
