Delivered from the Lion's Mouth

People were always at the heart of Paul’s life and ministry. He invested in people, shared the good news of Jesus Christ with people all around the Roman Empire, and at the end of his life he longed to be with the people whose lives he’d touched. People mattered to Paul, and people matter to God. Paul was facing almost certain death at the hands of Nero. In what appears to have been the first phase of his trial Paul’s sentence was delayed—he was “delivered from the lion’s mouth.” But Paul would soon die as a martyr, truly delivered from constant danger to blissful safety in heaven. Because God loves His people He will deliver His people. We can confidently entrust our lives and our eternity to the Lord Jesus Christ. The last verses of 2 Timothy encompass the themes of building relationships, facing trials, and finishing well.