2 Timothy 4:⁹ Do your best to come to me soon, ¹⁰ for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. ¹² I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. ¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. ¹⁵ You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message. ¹⁶ At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!

I like this passage because it humanizes Paul. He’s just writing to his dear friend and protege Timothy with some practical requests “… bring the cloak I left with Carpus…”. There is also an angry edge when describing Alexander, one who wronged him, “the Lord will pay him back for his deeds”. Then there’s a bit of sadness and disappointment, “At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me”.

Lord, like Paul there are times when I am in need, angry, or disappointed. Give me grace to go forward in your will despite the struggles. Amen.