Young People's Group

All the Brethren

by Mitchell Tan
April 19, 2018

 HAVING A DEEP SENSE OF BOND WITH EACH OTHER

We have come to the last portion of the epistle of 2 Timothy. These were the last words written by the Apostle Paul. They were essentially greetings and updates concerning the brethren. Paul had developed deep friendships and bonds with his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This is something we should cultivate and develop too.

1. SENDING GREETINGS TO DEAR FRIENDS

“Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.”
2 Timothy 4:19

Paul took the time to send greetings to his dear friends.

A. PRISCA AND AQUILA

They were a married couple whom Paul had stayed with when he was in Corinth (Acts 18:1). He stayed with them because they were of the same trade, being tent makers. They sailed with Paul to Ephesus. They were the ones who corrected Apollos when they heard him preached. Priscilla and Aquila explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). They were considered by Paul as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3).

B. HOUSEHOLD OF ONESIPHORUS

He also remembered the household of Onesiphorus because he was the one who stood by him in jail. He often refreshed him and was not ashamed of his chains. He stood by Paul in his incarceration when others would not. He ministered specially to Paul (2 Timothy 1:16-18). With gratitude, Paul wanted to greet the household of Onesiphorus.

2. UPDATING OF OTHERS

“Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.”
2 Timothy 4:20

Paul also took the time to update Timothy concerning what was happening with other fellow brethren. We do not know who Erastus and Trophimus were. Paul wrote of how Erastus had stayed in Corinth, most probably, to help out at the Church in Corinth. He also wrote of how Trophimus was left in Miletus because he was sick and unable to travel. It is good for us to keep in touch with each other concerning our well-being.

3. FINAL WORDS TO TIMOTHY

“Do your utmost to come before winter.”
2 Timothy 4:21

Paul also gave some final words to Timothy to expedite his trip to visiting him. Why did he want Timothy to come to him quickly before winter? Firstly, he was to bring Mark with him because he was useful to him for the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Secondly, he was to bring a cloak that he had left with Carpus (2 Timothy 4:13). This was most probably to keep him warm during the winter. Thirdly, Timothy was to bring the books, especially the parchments (2 Timothy 4:13). Of course, these were references to the word of God. Even though he was going to die soon, he still wanted to read the word of God. What an example of one who loved and longed to read the Scriptures! May we all also follow his example in loving the Scriptures!

4. SENDING GREETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE BRETHREN

“Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.”
2 Timothy 4:21

Lastly, Paul sent greetings to Timothy from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brethren. He considered them as his brethren. They must have been there with him in one way or another. Thank God for God’s people who would be there for us. Young people, let’s learn to build such bonds of brotherhood and friendship with each other. Let’s learn to update each other and be there for each other in our time of need. Let’s learn to honour and respect each other as brethren.

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