When People Fail Each Other

2 Timothy 4:9-18

As a prisoner in a Roman jail, Paul likely felt disappointment. The apostle was defending himself before a tribunal and could potentially be put to death. Yet of the many people whose lives he had touched, not one was present to support him.

There are plenty of logical reasons to explain why Paul’s friends and the converts he had won to the Lord were absent. For example, witnesses in a Roman court were frequently counted as co-conspirators and shared the fate of the accused. But perhaps there was also a more subtle cause, to which many modern believers can relate. When Paul’s loved ones looked at him, they saw a spiritual giant whose faith could withstand any challenge. They may have thought to themselves, He doesn’t need my help or support.

And don’t we do the same thing when it comes to our pastors, Bible teachers, and other spiritual leaders? We judge the depth of someone else’s faith and take for granted that such a mature Christian can face whatever lies ahead without our aid.

Paul knew that God would take care of him, but he still desired a friend’s touch, words of encouragement, and the physical presence of loved ones. That’s why believers are called to minister to each other (1 Thess. 5:11).

Bible in One Year: 1 Thessalonians 1-5