The Last Will and Testament of the Apostle Paul Tells Us What is Most Important
My new book, The Last Will and Testament of the Apostle Paul, is being released today. The book's title is meant to show that Paul’s last written words are his final instructions to those who mattered most to him on the matters that were important to him.
Why I Wrote 30,000 Words About 14 Verses
2 Timothy 4:9–22 is a postscript that appears at the end of Paul’s 2nd letter. The tone of the final section, however, is quite different from the rest of his writing in 2nd Timothy. These verses are more of a list, updates, shout-outs to specific people, and carefully phrased admissions about some of Paul’s “late-in-life” challenges.
We always skim over this type of New Testament reading. Why? Because they are infamously boring. There are names. Random comments. A final blessing. The standard “Amen.” at the end.
However, a few years ago, I began reading the letters as though they were real letters, real correspondence between the Roman prisoner and Timothy, the young Ephesian pastor, 1,400 miles from Rome. While reading this part of the Epistle as if it were a real snail-mail correspondence, the last few words came to life.
He did not know the exact date of his death, but he knew he was to die. He argued his case in front of Caesar Nero, and the despot made the decision. Paul was to be executed.
In 2 Timothy, Paul is on death row. The very personal side of Paul invites Timothy to visit him. (He asks three times. Hurry up.) Paul is in need of a coat he forgot to bring with him. Winter is approaching. He urges the young leader to come fast. Or maybe he can taste his own death. It is near.
Paul Forgot or Misplaced A Few Things
Paul also left some scrolls and manuscripts behind. Interesting. He’s in Rome in a cell and misses, in a sense, his books. Maybe he has more to say? He has another letter in mind. All he needs is the writing tools and Luke’s steady hand to pen it and send it.
Scholars don’t believe that Paul sent a final letter. What if he had? What else could Paul have written to the early church that we don’t have? Consider this further question: Did Timothy leave to go back to Rome to be with Paul? Did he take the cloak with him? Did he retrieve the manuscripts? Did he make it on time?
Paul also makes a ‘throw-away’ comment about leaving Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick. At first, I read this without thinking. Then, I stopped and re-read the passage. I was shocked! What? Paul left behind a disciple because he was sick. Why? Why? Paul brought a young man (Eutychus) back to life, and Trophimus was there to witness the entire episode. Paul’s prayers are no longer sufficient. What do you think of that? What makes prayer “work” and then later, not?
In an all-too-human set of revealing verses, we see Paul in an entirely new light. He is not just the giant of the New Testament; he is a needy man who has come to depend on others.
Be Angry, But Do Not Sin. Well, Almost
These last verses are filled with names, blessings, warnings and humble statements. They also contain a harsh condemnation for someone who betrayed Paul. There’s much more. He is the same man who warned the Ephesians not to let your anger go dark. His life will soon be cut short by the sword. Has Paul reconciled with his wife? Is he angry? Is it possible to forgive someone who is not in heaven at times?
These verses are the last words written by the great apostle Paul. This is why I named these fourteen often forgotten verses as the Last Will of Apostle Paul.
You are invited to read some chapters. The book will soon be available on Amazon, both in ebook and print format. This book is perfect for individual study and prayer, but also small groups or Bible study classes.
DAVID ROSEBERRY was the founding Rector of Christ Church in Plano, Texas, a large Anglican congregation where he served for over 30 years. He still lives in North Dallas with his wife, Fran. David leads a non-profit ministry called LeaderWorks and consults and teaches church leaders nationwide. David has written many books that are available on Amazon. He has four children and five grandchildren.
