“Do thy diligence to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). This was among the last preserved words of Paul to Timothy. Paul was in prison, and his death by sentence of the emperor Nero was at hand. For this reason, he wrote to Timothy in the same letter:
“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6–8).
Paul encouraged Timothy: “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me” (2 Timothy 4:9). It is possible Timothy never saw Paul again. We are not told, but the emotional side of me would like to think that he did get to see him one final time after this letter (incidental lesson: our emotions for something to be true does not make something true). Paul made some personal requests of items for Timothy to bring with him: “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). With winter approaching, the cloke could have been needed for warmth, but notice Paul’s desire for reading/writing material, quite possibly written Scripture.
Paul urged Timothy: “Do thy diligence to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). Winter presented weather conditions that would make it too dangerous for Timothy to travel to Paul. If he waited until after winter, it might be too late; Paul might be dead by his impending execution. There are a number of applications needful for us to consider in being diligent, the appropriate season, and avoiding procrastination, but our final admonition in this article is: Do not delay in coming to the Lord.
“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:33). In this same chapter, Paul details the point at which we receive the gift of salvation: “God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Romans 6:17). “We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Do not delay in coming to Jesus through faith and obedience (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:10; Acts 22:16).
Come, before it is too late.
Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. For free Bible Correspondence Courses and In-Person Bible Studies, Emailus@coldwatercofc.com, or call us at 662-622-7951
