Carel Neuhoff
The Abandoned Apostle
(Talk given Feb 10 2018. No video available due to technical issues. An audio file of the talk is available here)
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Paul was imprisoned in a dungeon in Rome, abandoned by men, and with no apparent hope of release. However, Paul was also aware that God’s faithful children may be accused falsely, mistreated, abused and even killed on this earth and that we may not be vindicated until the second coming of Jesus. It is still our role to raise a voice of protest despite the appearance of the ascendance of evil in the world. Jesus has already experienced everything that we may experience, and in Him we have a faithful judge who will vindicate us.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7,3