The Testament of Paul

The second letter to Timothy is the last we have from Paul. He writes it from his prison in Rome, feeling his death near, and it has the tone of a testament: an old apostle hands on to his youngest disciple what must be kept after him.

To guard the deposit

The watchword of the letter is fidelity. Paul entrusts to Timothy a treasure to protect without changing anything in it, the faith received from the apostles, which he calls the deposit: “Guard the good deposit, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” 2 Timothy 1:14 This deposit is not kept in a text alone: it is handed on from one hand to the next, through trustworthy witnesses, in a living chain going back to the apostles. “What you have heard from me before many witnesses, entrust to trustworthy people who will be able in turn to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2 This faith rests on the Scriptures, which Paul declares inspired by God and given to form believers: “All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, refuting, correcting, and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

To preach the word

To this guarded deposit answers a mission, to announce it unceasingly, whether the moment seem favorable or not: “proclaim the Word, be insistent whether it is convenient or not, refute, warn, encourage, with complete patience and a concern to teach.” 2 Timothy 4:2 The pastor does not wait until the world is ready to hear him; he announces at all times.

The crown of justice

Paul ends on the serene reckoning of a life given. He first reads his coming death as an offering, seeing himself poured out before God like the wine poured on the altar with the sacrifice. “For as for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.” 2 Timothy 4:6 On the edge of death, he looks forward with hope: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 The reward he awaits is not for him alone, but for all who hope for the return of Christ: “From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not to me only, but to all who will have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8