Paul resisted the temptation to cheapen his faith in the hopes of escaping punishment, but others around him fled. Paul learned not to rely on his fellow Christian brothers and sisters, as Demas, Crescens, and Titus abandoned him in Rome, and no one had been there for him at his first trial. So Paul requests that Timothy leave the churches of Ephesus in the capable hands of Tychicus, and come to him before winter, bringing Mark if possible. When we can, we should take advantage of the strength that comes with numbers.
But Paul knew where the primary strength to endure was coming from. He tells Timothy, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom.” Note, Paul did not expect Christ to save him from persecution, but from deception. He did not expect Christ to save him from hardship, but from despair. He did not expect Christ to save him from imprisonment, but from isolation. He did not expect Christ to save his earthly life, but his soul for God's heavenly kingdom. And Paul was confident that thanks to Jesus Christ, the crown of righteousness was reserved for him, with the amazing gift of eternal life.
We, too, can rely on the Jesus Christ we have come to know through the sacred writings of scripture, to save us from every evil attack. We can rely on Christ to strengthen us to be persistent – to convince, rebuke, encourage and proclaim the message even in this unfavourable time. We can rely on Christ to encourage us to fight the good fight, keeping the faith, until by God's call, we are told that our race is finished, and our ministry has been fulfilled, to his glory....
Gracious God, help us to level up to meet the challenges of delivering your message in this time and place. Rescue us from deception, and from every evil attack, in Jesus' name....