https://odb.org/2025/05/28/go-and-tell
2 Timothy 1:6–14 (NIV): 6 For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel, I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
When Paul wrote the letter 2 Timothy to Timothy, he was in prison in Rome, where his execution was imminent. At that time, there was a great fire in Rome, and Emperor Nero blamed it on the believers, using that as an excuse to persecute them. The message of 2 Timothy was thus written when the then still young Christians faced intense persecution, and many were matyred. But the faith persevered despite the best efforts of the devil in the spiritual realm, which in this case translated to real and severe consequences to the then believers.
We might face the same real and severe threat in our present generation when the events foretold in the book of Revelation unfold. Perhaps Christ will come first and rapture His people before the onset of the great tribulation. But if not (this pre, or post or mid tribulation rapture is not settled theology), then God’s people will go through the severe persecution, which will not be dissimilar to the time of the great fire in Rome around AD 64 when Paul wrote 2 Timothy.
Similarly, the exaltation and encouragement of Paul is applicable to us present day Christians, and that means that we must not be afraid or ashamed of proclaiming Christ crucified and resurrected, for we know the truth and the faith deposited in us by Christ. Instead, guard the good deposit that was entrusted to us and guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we have to perish from this life to keep the deposit safe, then perish for we know Christ awaits us at the other side of eternity, and we will live in Eden recreated for all eternity with the Lord. Nothing we suffer here on earth can compare with the glory that awaits us. Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 