In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul asked from him several things in the read chapter. He asks him first to be watchful about everything; himself and the people (the parish) since the two things are inseparable. Second, he tells him to endure afflictions that include taking care of every person he is responsible for, all families… He had a lot of malaises, many diseases including one in his stomach. The third instruction was to do the work of the evangelist as Timothy had learned to preach especially when he was Paul’s secretary helping him write several epistles and the apostle assigned him for special missions in Macedonia.
The expression “fulfill your ministry” invites Timothy to perfection in ritual service in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor (Turkey today).
After that, the apostle goes on to talk about what he expects for himself saying: “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand”. He made himself as a sacrifice; they used to pour wine, water or oil over sacrifices in the Old Testament. The apostle expected his martyrdom; he felt that his death is near. Then he talks about himself: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith”. One phrase summarizes Paul’s life. After talking about his fight he finishes with “I have kept the faith”. Faith for Paul is the attachment to Lord Jesus especially to his death and resurrection. “We preach Christ crucified” (1Cor 1: 23). Crucifixion for him was, along with the resurrection, the whole Christian faith.
After his conviction that he has kept faith he said: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day”. This is God’s promise to the faithful that love him; this is the heritage of glory. He finishes by saying: “Not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing”. Through this word he included all those who live for the eternal life: Together they love Christ’s appearance in his second coming. The word “appearing” here invited the church to read this section of the epistle on the Sunday that precedes the appearance in the baptism of Jordan River, and the liturgical name is “The Feast of the Holy Theophany” (the holy divine appearance).
This appearance is present in the Baptism of Christ (called Theophany), and the church used to celebrate these two feasts in one day. This appearance is a preparation to the second and final one.
These words said to Timothy are words directed to every priest and bishop. Every one of us is asked to fulfill his ministry through fulfilling the sacraments, teaching, preaching and pastoral care. All of these are works that carry full presence. A clergyman can’t think that if he served liturgies, funerals and marriages then he completed his job. We do everything that -through word and practice- delivers the message of the Gospel. It is requested from everyone, especially those who are ordained, to feed the faithful through Lord’s Gospel in order to make each one of them a living Gospel so people see through him Christ’s face.
Translated by Mark Najjar
Original Text: “توصيات إلى تيموثاوس” – 2.1.2011
