A Second Look at Hope

Only Christianity offers the promise of a glorious life beyond the grave. While other religions hint at a cycle of life, there is no other understanding of the continuance and continuity of personality and relationships. Paul spoke of the “hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:2).

Eternal life is not about time, though we tend to measure everything through time. Eternal life is life that exceeds our expectations and understanding. There is a hope within us that the next life will be better than this one. Eternal life is the realization of that desire. We will always be close to God, fulfilled abundantly, gloriously happy and at peace.

The Psalmist expressed it in these words, “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Hope for Christ’s Return

Early Christians believed that Christ would return at any time. Look at what he tells the Thessalonians. They thought Jesus would return with all of His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Christians expected the return of Jesus to be accompanied with all those who had died believing in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14).  The belief stated that Christians would appear with Jesus in glory (Colossians 3:4) and they would receive a crown of glory when He appeared (1 Peter 5:4).

Hope of a Resurrection of the Body

The Greek philosophers of Paul’s day saw the body as sinful and evil. When Paul preached in Athens (Acts 17:32) many of the scholars ridiculed and scorned his position for that very reason. Christianity through Jesus’ own resurrection brought the reality and hope of a resurrected body to life.

In this epistle, Paul challenges Timothy to reflect upon “the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).

Hope of a Glorious Heritage

Paul had also told the Thessalonians, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). Believers will receive the riches of heaven the way that a child inherits the wealth of the family. Perhaps that is why the psalmist wrote, “You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name” (Psalm 61:5).

Paul’s Second Helping of Hope to Encourage Timothy

Paul’s second letter to Timothy is a touching, personal expression of his faith to his close companion. Tender but strong, the letter is far from sentimental or contemplative. Timothy may have read each line with tear-blurred eyes, but every word bolstered him to valiantly continue the faith.

The letter accomplished its purpose. After Paul’s death, Timothy labored in the churches in Asia Minor (the ones mentioned in the beginning of Revelation), particularly around Ephesus. The apostle John worked around Ephesus during the latter days of his life – often exiled on an island near the area. John does not mention Timothy in his epistles or the book of Revelation.

Timothy’s death is not mentioned in the Bible. Tradition has Timothy ministering in Ephesus at the time of his death. Stories were passed that Timothy died when he rushed into the porch area of a pagan temple to stop activities of lewd dances and immoral acts were on display to “honor” their gods. Outraged, the pagans beat Timothy to death.

Most traditions have Timothy’s death occurring around 97. Since John, who wrote in the early 90’s, did not mention Timothy, a more plausible date should be about ten years’ earlier.

Roman, Anglican, and Lutheran churches use January 26^th to commemorate Timothy and Titus, the faithful companions of Paul.

Notice the handful of things that Timothy would have found encouraging and hopeful.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Faith

Timothy would have been encouraged to hear that Paul had not abandoned his faith even in the face of persecution. Paul begins the epistle as he did his letters to churches by affirming his apostleship. He continues to say that this is God’s will and that it keeps in line with the promises of life that are found in Christ Jesus.

As Paul faces the reality of death, he wants Timothy to know that he understands the reality of life – life that continues beyond the grave.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Love

“Timothy, my dearly beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2) is much stronger than “Timothy, my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul’s love for Timothy probably had not changed, but as he approached death, he expresses it more. Paul offers Timothy “grace, mercy, and peace” (2 Timothy 1:2).

It is interesting that in Paul’s greetings, he adds the word “mercy” to grace and peace, his normal greeting, to Titus and Timothy (Titus 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2). Paul knew that pastors needed mercy.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Prayers

It had to encourage Timothy to understand how the apostle prayed for him. Paul claims that he thanks God night and day for Timothy. He longs to see Timothy – recalls the tears in Timothy’s eyes – and wants Timothy to join him in Rome.

The source of Timothy’s tears is unknown. Perhaps tears were shed at a time when Paul left Timothy behind at a church as he was continuing his journey. Others speculate that Timothy was present when Paul was arrested, and tears were shed. Regardless, Paul remembers the moment with tenderness.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Support

Paul has supported Timothy from the beginning. He reminds Timothy of his heritage – of the faith of his mother and grandmother. Paul also speaks of encouraging Timothy in the past and of imparting a gift to Timothy through the laying on of hands.

Paul asks for Timothy’s support as well. Paul encourages Timothy to no be ashamed to give testimony about the Lord. Also, Timothy should not be ashamed of Paul as a prisoner. This may come from others who are trying to distance themselves from the apostle. Timothy may have simply been ashamed because of the circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment.

A visit to Rome reveals a location where tradition has Paul was kept in prison. The cell seems to be nothing more than an underground dungeon. The domed ceiling has a small hole, letting in a small beam of light and breaths of air.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Commission

Throughout the story of Timothy’s family and background, Paul calls to Timothy’s mind how God had called him into service and how a local church had ordained him. Paul speaks of laying his own hands upon Timothy and blessing him with a spiritual gift. Laying on hands was a common practice of the day (Acts 6:6, Acts 13:3).

What is So Important About Hope?

Christians define hope differently than its common usage. The word “hope” in English normally connotes a departure from certainty. “I hope we get tickets to the big game.” For the Christian, hope is not wishful thinking.

Peter says, “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This does not mean that we don’t know if it is going to happen, but my wish is for it to happen.

Christian hope occurs when God has promised that something is going to happen. The Christian puts faith and trust in the promise. Christian hope, then, becomes confident assurance that an event will happen because God has promised it. Within it is woven the desire and passion to see the time when the promise comes true.