1. The encouragers and discouragers (9-15)

Paul trained a few faithful men who could be Bible teachers and shepherds of God's flock. He was disappointed in men many times. Now he was in prison and most had deserted him. Some loved the world; others had gone to serve God in other places. Some, because of greed, had become enemies of God. But Mark, whom Paul had given up as a weak and useless man (Ac 15:36-40), had become a useful man. Dr. Luke, a Gentile physician, was with him. He asked Timothy to come to him quickly.

2. The Lord stood by me (16-22)

When he stood trial, he was alone. But he was not alone, for the Lord stood at his side. The Lord gave him strength so that through him the gospel might be fully proclaimed to all the Gentiles. And the Lord saved him from the mouth of the lion. He was not sentenced to die in the arena. But Paul was not afraid to die a martyr's death--as indeed he would later. The Lord would bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom.

Application: Lord, in difficult times, help me not to despair but to see you standing by my side.
One Word: The Lord stands by me