Paul was no stranger to death. He proclaimed Christ so effectively that enemies tried to kill him. At Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). Such incidents impressed on Paul the truth we all must face, that our time on earth is limited (Hebrews 9:27; James 4:14). When Paul passed, what would happen to his great work? It would die with Paul … unless … unless he trained others to continue the life-saving mission. Paul, therefore, wisely invested time and effort in such trainees and co-workers as Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus, Trophimus and Timothy (Acts 20:4).
We know more about Timothy because Paul’s letters open a window on Paul’s work with him. In writing 2 Timothy, Paul knows that his death is near. He has been on trial at Caesar’s high court, and fully expects the death sentence. Referring to his impending execution, Paul writes,
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come (2 Timothy 4:6).
In this, Paul’s final letter to Timothy, Paul prepares Timothy to carry the mission forward.