II Timothy 2:1

“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

This is a ‘personal’ letter. It is not written to a church community but is rather written to an individual friend. 

‘Therefore’ references others like Phygelus and Hermogenes (1:15) who left Paul; as well as loyal friend, Onesiphorus (1:16-18). 

You… my son. The Greek for son is ‘teknov’.  It emphasizes relationship, affection and connection. It does not mean status and legal position like the other son, ‘huios’. 

This letter is written at the very end of Paul’s life. He is in prison and he is awaiting death. He had written Timothy before but that was a letter of instruction on pastoring the church community in Ephesus. This letter is different. It is the end of his life. It is reflective and is filled with urgency. It is personal; “You, therefore, my son.”

Discipleship is relational and discipleship is personal. Timothy was more than a leader, more than a student, more than a friend. Paul has enormous affection for him like a father would have for his son.

Do you have a man like Timothy in your life?