Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. Philippians 2:23
Most criminals who were in prison in Bible times had a pretty good idea of what lay in their future. Those who were on death row knew that the day of execution was nearing. Those serving life sentences knew that they would die behind bars. Those serving specific sentences knew that a day of freedom would eventually come. Prison in those days was not a good place to be at the best of times, but it must have been even worse when there was uncertainty about the outcome of their stay, as was the case with the apostle Paul. He had an appeal pending, and if his appeal was successful, he would be set free. If it was denied, Paul’s future depended on the whim of the emperor: either languish in the prison or lose his life at the chopping block. Despite his submission to God’s will, the uncertainty must surely have affected Paul’s attitude and well-being. This uncertainty also affected those around Paul, the Christians who were serving him in various capacities. For example, as our text indicates, the anticipation of the outcome of Paul’s appeal was delaying Timothy’s planned trip to Ephesus. That which affects the Christians around you and me today also has a great impact on us.
The outcome of Paul’s appeal made a huge difference to Timothy, because he cared deeply about the old apostle, and he longed to see him set at liberty. Other matters were of minor importance until he knew ‘how it will go’ with Paul. This is the same attitude that you and I need to take to the problems of the saints around us. If we cared enough, those problems would rise to a higher priority in our lives. If we cared enough, the need to comfort and visit the Christians who are sick would become more important than our desire for some recreational time to ourselves. If we cared enough, the need to spend some time with a lonely Christian would become more important than our own need for a shopping trip. If we cared enough, the need of the Christian who just lost his job would become more important than our need for a faster computer. If we cared enough, the needs of a discouraged or struggling Christian would be more important than our need for a family night out. As we see and understand the needs of others, we will respond to those needs if we truly care.
Paul needed support at a critical time, and Timothy and other faithful Christians provided it. What would have been the outcome if they had not cared? We don’t know. Neither will we know what difference it will make if we give up some of our own time, money, resources, and efforts to help out those who need us. But it will make a difference. -Jim MacIntosh