Signing off
Dear People of St. Boniface,
Clever Biblical scholars have been able to work out that the “second” letter to Timothy is actually the first, and was written by me, whereas the “first” one was not. My missionary companion Timothy was at the time in Troas, in the extreme N.W. of Turkey, a springboard to Europe where I had also wanted to spread the Gospel but had been interrupted by the troubles in Corinth [2 Corinthians 2:12].
They have also suggested that given my very lenient house arrest in Rome in the early 60’s I was actually able to go off on my travels again while giving a safeguard about my behaviour, and that I visited Crete, Ephesus and Macedonia. This must remain my heavenly secret for now.
But from the year 64 onwards the skies darkened. Nero began his persecution of Christians in Rome, I said farewell to Peter, and my first defence of my case went against me. So it was time to send my “last will and testament” to Timothy.
I had done all I could, but now I was handing on the baton to others. They were to remember my example of endurance and patience [2 Timothy 3:10-11], and faithfully proclaim the word [2 Timothy 4:2]. I knew that my days were numbered, but I was not ashamed of myself [2 Timothy 4:7-8]. Now it was up to others – and that includes you.
On my last day I was taken to the beautiful springs at Aquae Silviae outside Rome – funny how tyrants often choose idyllic places to murder their victims. You can visit this oasis of tranquillity today, if you can get across the busy road.
I was tied to a pillar, the executioner swung his axe and ……………
I came to my goal, the heavenly realm, from which I send My Blessing and thank you for following me in this my ‘Year’ which now ends,
PAUL
THE END