This week's epistle lesson comes from the so-called "pastoral epistles" (1,2 Timothy, Titus), which combine both the personal and theological concerns of Paul with tremendous poignancy and power. The message read in 2 Timothy today vibrates between two distinct poles: the unwavering strength and commitment of the apostle's faith, and the emotional appeals of a man who realizes his time on Earth is swiftly drawing to a close.

During his second Roman imprisonment, Paul became convinced that this time there would be no escape, no reprieve from the judgment of his pagan captors. Convinced that this prison term would end with his death, Paul's writing in 2 Timothy reveals that his spirit has remained firm. His faith in the eternal nature of the life he had gained "in Christ" was unshaken by al…