Paul's Loneliness
Introduction
Last Sunday, I shared with you a message entitled, “The Day A Religious Man Was Saved.” It was a message about Paul’s Life and his Salvation Experience. This morning, it’s on my heart to talk about Paul’s Loneliness and his Solitary Experience.
Some of you will remember the poignant question in the song that Elvis Pressley sang: “Are you lonesome tonight?” Dr. Leonard Cammer, a psychiatrist who has specialized for over thirty years in treating depressed persons, said, “The human being is the only species that can’t survive alone. The human being needs another human being.” That’s why the Lord said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
In one year, the average American today probably meets as many people as the average person did in a lifetime 100 years ago. And yet he’s far lonelier. There’s a big difference between being lonely and being alone; the presence of people doesn’t necessarily help. Because, as Hugh Black said, “The higher a man’s ideal, the fewer are the hearts that can share it,” there were many Bible personalities who walked the path of solitude: Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Christ, and even the great apostle, Paul.
The book of 2 Timothy, Paul’s “last will and testament,” manifests no regret in the heart of the apostle concerning the cause to which he had given his life. Though some of his dearest friends are straying from the faith and still others are, like him, facing persecution, there seems to be no real sense of gloom in this letter. However, there are the evidences of a latent loneliness in the course of this writing. With a subtle sadness he says, “Only Luke is with me” (4:11).
I. Paul’s Loneliness Is Asserted In His Desperate Pleas
(2 Timothy 1:4; 4:9, 21)
Paul clearly has no children of his own; therefore, Timothy is the closest thing Paul has to family. It is only natural that he should want to see Timothy as he waits for the day of his execution in the Mamertine prison.
A. Notice His Plea For Companionship
We notice a recurring plea for Timothy to come, a rudimentary request motivated by Paul’s desire for the fellowship of his “dearly beloved son” (1:2).
1. There Is An Emotional Plea
(2 Timothy 1:4) Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
2. There Is An Expressed Plea
In what is clearly the most personal passage in all of Paul’s writings, 2 Timothy 4, he asks Timothy to “come shortly” (4:9).
(2 Timothy 4:9) Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
3. There Is An Emphasized Plea
In verse 21, Paul repeats his plea for Timothy to “come before winter.” Twice Paul has said, “Do thy diligence to come” (4:9,21). The use of the word “diligence” suggests that Paul is prompting him to make every effort to get there. Should Timothy delay until winter, he would be unable to come, because the shipping traffic would have then ceased.
(2 Timothy 4:21) Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
The young preacher might have used his pastoral obligations at Ephesus as an excuse not to come, but Paul has arranged for Tychicus to go and assume his duties there (4:12). Though Luke is with him, Paul is urgently desirous for the companionship of his dear friend.
B. Notice His Plea For Comfort
Paul says, “Come,” but he further says, “Bring” (4:13), indicating his longing, not just for the companionship of someone, but also for the comfort of some things.
(2 Timothy 4:13) The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
1. Paul Had A Longing For The Comfort Of Warmth
Winter is approaching, and Paul requests that Timothy bring the cloak. While physical warmth was needful to Paul, there are those in need of emotional warmth, some word of kindness, some expression of sympathy and compassion to break the chill of this cold, cruel world.
2. Paul Had A Longing For The Comfort Of The Writings
The “books” may represent Paul’s own writings; the journals of joy that would remind Paul of the constancy of God’s presence in his journey.
3. Paul Had A Longing For The Comfort Of The Word
Undoubtedly, as he asks Timothy to “especially” bring “the parchments” (4:13), he is referring to the scrolls of scripture that were so precious to him. During the lonely hours of life, what a solace we find in the scriptures!
II. Paul’s Loneliness Is Affected By Some Distinctive People
(2 Timothy 4:10,14-16)
As we pass through the seasons of life, there are always individuals who cause us to feel lonely or alone. We feel that way at times because of some people’s absence, or the loneliness may have come as a result of other people’s attacks.
A. Paul Spoke Of Separated Friends
Paul explains that the reason he wants Timothy to come is because, or “For…”
(2 Timothy 4:10) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
1. Deep Disappointment Can Bring Separation
The Barnes’ Notes commentary says…
Demas is honorably mentioned in Colossians 4:14; but nothing more is known of him than what can be gathered from that place and this – that he was at first a friend and fellow-laborer of Paul, but that, under the influence of a desire to live, he afterward forsook him, even in circumstances where he greatly needed the presence of a friend.
[Having loved this present world] This does not mean, necessarily, that he was an avaricious man, or that, in itself, he loved the honors or wealth of this world; but it means that he desired to live. He was not willing to stay with Paul, and subject himself to the probabilities of martyrdom; and, in order to secure his life, he departed to a place of safety. The Greek is agapeesas ton nun aioona – having loved the world that now is; that is, this world as it is, with all its cares, and troubles, and comforts; having desired to remain in this world, rather than to go to the other.
Warren Wiersbe said, “In his Pilgrim's Progress , John Bunyan pictured Demas as the keeper of a silver mine at the Hill Lucre. Perhaps it was the love of money that enticed Demas back into the world.”
Others have suggested that Demas merely wanted to go back to his home at Thessalonica. Whatever the case, ultimately, his affections caused him to depart, doubtless leaving sadness within the heart of Paul. How we long for those who once stood, and yet now, sadly, they have strayed.
2. Divided Distance Can Bring Separation
While Demas is separated by disappointment, Crescens and Titus are separated from Paul by distance.
(2 Timothy 4:10) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Galatia would have been over 1,000 miles from Rome; Dalmatia would have been at least 400 miles from Rome.
Adam Clarke said…
It is probable that both these persons had gone on sacred missions, and perhaps had been gone some time before the apostle was brought into such imminent danger.
3. Divine Directives Can Bring Separation
Though we long for the company of our comrades, God’s directives often dictate that friends must labor in different, and even distant, parts of the vineyard. (John Mark: Acts 13:5, 13; 15:36-39)
(2 Timothy 4:11) Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
B. Paul Spoke Of A Sinister Foe
Of Alexander the coppersmith (4:14), we know very little (cf. Acts 19:33; 1 Timothy 1:20).
Barnes’ Notes says…
[Alexander the coppersmith] The word is used, however, to denote a worker in any kind of metals. This is probably the same person who is mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 and perhaps … the one mentioned in Acts 19:33.
He may have been one of the idol makers at Ephesus in Acts 19 whose business was disrupted by Paul’s preaching. In any event…
1. He Mentions The Wickedness Of This Foe
(2 Timothy 4:14-15) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: {15} Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
evil – Greek 2556. kakos, kak-os'; appar. a prim. word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 prop. refers to effects), i.e. (subj.) depraved, or (obj.) injurious:--bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
withstood – Greek 436. anthistemi, anth-is'-tay-mee; from G473 and G2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose:--resist, withstand.
Barnes says that the reference to “words”…
Is doubtless to the public teachings of Paul. This verse makes it clear that it was no PRIVATE wrong that Paul referred to, but the injury which he was doing to the cause of truth as a professed public teacher.
2. He Mentions A Warning About This Foe
Such a devious enemy is this man that Paul warns Timothy to “be thou ware also” (4:15). (2 Timothy 4:15) Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
be … ware – Greek 5442. phulasso, foo-las'-so; prob. from G5443 through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. be on guard (lit. or fig.); by impl. to preserve, obey, avoid:--beware, keep (self), observe, save.
Paul basically tells Timothy to keep an eye on Alexander; watch out for him. He’s dangerous.
3. He Mentions The Ways Of This Foe
(2 Timothy 4:16) At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
answer – Greek 627. apologia, ap-ol-og-ee’-ah; from the same as G626; a plea (“apology”):--answer (for self), clearing of self, defence.
Paul’s “answer” in verse 16, suggests a sort of courtroom testimony in his own defense. It is possible that this is in connection with the attacks of Alexander or it could have been another situation where Paul was on trial. In any event, the method of the foe (whether it was Alexander or whether it was Satan) was to “divide and conquer,” as he put Paul in a position in which “no man stood with” him (4:16). There are those who would berate us and maliciously isolate us from the brethren. Just as Jezebel drove Elijah to isolation in the wilderness, just as Sanballat tempted Nehemiah to withdraw, the enemy will use separation and isolation as a tool for discouragement.
Craig Keener explains what Paul meant when he said, “the Lord reward him according to his works” (vs. 14)…
Paul here makes a prediction (future tense) rather than a prayer for vengeance; nevertheless, his point is that God will put things right on behalf of his servants in the end. (From the IVP Bible Background Commentary)
III. Paul’s Loneliness Is Alleviated By The Divine Presence
(2 Timothy 4:17-18)
While Paul’s experience of “aloneness” is painful, thankfully, it is not prevailing. Having said, “no man stood with me” (4:16), he adds, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me” (4:17). The disease of loneliness need not be fatal. Paul contemplates the Christ who “hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
A. He Has Help From The Lord
The feeling of “aloneness” in our lives cannot coexist with the fact of His “everywhere ness.”
1. The Lord Stood With Paul
(2 Timothy 4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
stood – Greek 3936. paristemi, par-is'-tay-mee; or prol. paristano, par-is-tan'-o; from G3844 and G2476; to stand beside, i.e. (trans.) to exhibit, proffer, (spec.) recommend, (fig.) substantiate; or (intrans.) to be at hand (or ready), aid:--assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently, present, prove, provide, shew, stand (before, by, here, up, with), yield.
When Elijah of old, felt as though he was left alone in his stand against the likes of Ahab and Jezebel, God had already shown Elijah that He was there (1 Kings 19).
2. The Lord Strengthened Paul
(2 Timothy 4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
strengthened – Greek 1743. endunamoo, en-doo-nam-o'-o; from G1722 and G1412; to empower:-- enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong.
Though He stands with us, the Lord does not stand by as an impartial observer.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says that this word “strengthened” can have the idea of recovering strength out of weakness. Cf. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. {10} Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
3. The Lord Saved Paul
(2 Timothy 4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
delivered – Greek 4506. rhuomai, hroo'-om-ahee; … to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue:--deliver (-er).
“Delivered” has the idea that the Lord quickly drew Paul unto Himself.
He saved Paul in the sense that He delivered Paul from a perilous situation. He boldly states, “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (4:17). It seems inadequate to associate “the lion” with Nero or a literal wild beast. May I suggest that the Lord has delivered him out of the mouth of that “adversary the devil,” who “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8)? In our loneliest hour, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
B. He Has Hope In The Lord
In those hours in the valley of loneliness, when it seems as though no one cares and all men forsake you (4:16), we need not feel alone, for that One who was with us yesterday, and Who is abiding with us today shall be with us in our every tomorrow.
(2 Timothy 4:18) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1. There Will Be Protection From Evil
(2 Timothy 4:18) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
evil – Greek 4190. poneros, pon-ay-ros'; from a der. of G4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (prop. in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); fig. calamitous; also (pass.) ill, i.e. diseased; but espec. (mor.) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neut. (sing.) mischief, malice, or (plur.) guilt; masc. (sing.) the devil, or (plur.) sinners:--bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness)
2. There Will Be Preservation Throughout Eternity
We have hope in the fact that there will absolutely never be a time when we are completely alone.
(2 Timothy 4:18) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary says… Will preserve me, [?soosei?] - ‘will save,’ ‘bring me safe into.’
3. There Will Be Partnership With Encouragers
And beyond that the Lord brings hope through the various encouragers within the family of God (4:19-21).
(2 Timothy 4:19-22) Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. {20} Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. {21} Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. {22} The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Conclusion
Though we may not experience the uninterrupted blessing of human companionship in our lives, and though at times in our sojourn here we may feel lonely; joyfully, we may say with the songwriter (*): “No, never alone; No never alone; He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone!”
“To” Him “be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (4:18).
(*) The songwriter was Ludie Carrington Day Pickett – Ludie taught at Asbury College, daughter of Confederate officer Lewuel Day; the second wife of Leander Lycurgus Pickett who was a Methodist Minister in Frankfurt, KY.