In the previous chapter, Paul referred to his otherworldly focus that carried him through persecutions. He belonged to Heaven, not this world. No human agency could take his life until the Lord was ready. Paul was eager to go, but ready to stay until he had completed his mission for the Father’s glory. Thus, he was ready to endure anything that life could throw at him until it was finished.
That mission was the gospel. He urged Timothy to press the message as the ultimate priority of life. It was the message that included facing persecution and not caring too much for this world. He refers to audiences seeking to have their “ears scratched” like most domesticated animals. For that very reason, it’s easy to quote this passage out of context.
The Judaizers and Gnostics shared one trait: an expectation that they could teach some path to conquer this world, not to overcome it. They promoted a way to gain some secret advantage over other people, as if winning this world was worth anything. Paul taught about how to escape its grip. People love hearing how wonderful they are; they love hearing how their human powers of reasoning could make them rulers. Paul taught about how to be ruled by the Holy Spirit.
The gospel was not an easy message, but by God’s divine power, the soul can be opened to receive it. Paul was ready to end his life in one final sacrifice for his Lord. He shared some personal notes about those who abandoned him, those who served alongside in other places, and whom he would like to see again before it was over, to include Timothy. He also mentions one particular enemy. There are other personal notes.
Nothing could harm his eternal inheritance. He faced his demise with joy and confidence.
