October 08, 2026 | Be Connected
Paul’s Life
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:16-18(NIV)
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 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.
Devotional
Life is full of disappointments. When have you been disappointed? I remember a time when I was a child. My Grandfather Harris passed away. He lived in Kansas, where my mother is from. There were 5 children in my family. We could not afford for all of us to attend his funeral. So, it was decided that Mother would take one child on the train and Dad would stay home with the rest of us. I was not the chosen child. I was so disappointed because I wanted to go!
Today’s scripture is Paul’s personal story. At this first defense, all deserted him. What a big disappointment that must have been. Nobody stood up for him and yet he was not all alone. The Lord stood with him and strengthened him. He was given supernatural grace and strength to stand and proclaim the gospel so all Gentiles could hear the message.
When “lion’s mouth” is mentioned here it is widely understood to be a metaphor for a narrow escape from death or execution during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. Most interpreters believe Paul was referring to the Roman authorities as Nero or Satan. It is worth noting that Paul was more interested in getting people to listen to the gospel so they can be saved than he was about using these opportunities to get himself out of jail.
Paul took courage from his many deliverances and concluded that heaven ruled over the evil intentions of men. He recognized that God would deliver him from every evil deed leveled against him until God’s plan and purpose for him was fulfilled. He concluded that God’s Sovereignty alone governed the timing and means of his heavenly promotion. “He suffered unimaginable hardship and persecution for the sake of the gospel and yet God was sovereign over his external circumstances”. -2 Corinthians 11:22-33
“To Him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen” - 2 Timothy 4:18
Reference: Baxter, Terry (2026), Safely Home. Go Serve Global.
