A. Paul’s last will was filled with confidence (6-8, 17, 18, Romans 14:7, 8)

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for
my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but
also to all who have longed for his appearing.

17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the
message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was
delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack
and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we
live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or
die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:7, 8 ) 

B. Paul needed partners until the end (9-16, 19-21)

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world,
has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and
Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you,
because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When
you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls,
especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of
harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your
guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first
defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held
against them. 

19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed
in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before
winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers.

C. The joy of blessing each other (22)

Summary

Paul realized that the end of his own life was near. In fact, he was eventually
martyred. And yet, Paul was filled with a sense of satisfaction, instead of regret,
when he made this realization. Paul was not alone and it was because he relied on
his group of collaborators, who had continued to encourage each other, that he was
able to face his death with satisfaction. Paul was able to accept the end of his life
with joy not because he was a great person of faith. The ability to do so is a joy that
is promised to anyone who longs to see the Lord again and continues to encourage
each other by saying, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

For Discussion