In II Timothy 4:21-22, we read these words: "Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." These are the final words of the Apostle Paul, written shortly before he was beheaded. We would have a tendency to pity him when we think about his great faithfulness and fruitfulness in the Lord's service, and now, despite all this, we see him penniless, lonely and cold! And yet, this faithful servant was not complaining! He says to Timothy:
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Praise the Lord! What a great testimony!
He did, however, yearn to see Timothy, his beloved son in the faith, before he died. "Without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy." Then he makes this request of Timothy:
"The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." Paul didn't even have a coat in the cold prison, and winter was approaching (do thy diligence to come before winter). And yet, even under such miserable circumstances, he wanted to keep reading and studying, endeavoring to prepare himself better for any future service the Lord might still have for him.
In spite of his present circumstances, he could say with great confidence --
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." Praise the Lord!!
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