4:8
Paul’s life had, in many ways, been extremely difficult, with regular periods of imprisonment, beatings, accusations etc. However, he knew what lay in store for him, what lay ahead, and that was the crown of righteousness. This would be given to him by the “Lord, the righteous judge”. Paul did not think he was special in that regard, for it would also be given to all who “long for Christ’s appearing”, all who put their trust and hope in Christ. If we are to live this life properly we need to have an eternal perspective, otherwise we are liable to make wrong decisions, decisions based on short-term pressures.
4:9-11
The letter then closes with a number of personal remarks. Paul was this great apostle, fighting valiantly for the gospel, but he was also a human being with feelings. A number of people who had been with Paul had deserted him. If we give up we let others down, we cause pain to other people. Luke had remained with Paul, which lends further evidence to the Lucan authorship of Acts, and that Luke worked closely with Paul for a time. Remember that at one time Mark had let Paul down (at least in Paul’s eyes) (Acts 15:36-40). That was not the end, and Mark had proved himself to be a good servant of Christ.
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