2 Timothy 4:19-21 (ESV)
[19] Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. [20]
Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
[21] Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do
Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
Even though, according to verse 10, everyone had deserted Paul, yet he sends
greetings. Two things stand out to me in these verses. First is Paul’s love for
people even though many deserted him. When he says that everyone had deserted him,
he is probably referring to his actual testimony before the emperor. He is
likely not referring to having no visitors. Clearly, he is sending greetings
from some in the Roman church so he has some contact with them. Despite having
been left alone to testify, he seems to hold that against no one and still
values that fellowship of believers.
Second, is the women in the greeting. Prisca and Claudia are both feminine
names. Paul greets Prisca and sends greetings from Claudia. Interestingly Prisca
is given the priority position over Aquila even though they are husband and
wife. Clearly Paul values the fellowship and friendship of these women as much
as that of the men. No Roman or Jewish chauvinist, as Paul has been accused of
being, would include these names, yet here they are. Paul valued the ministry
of these women. The first and last names in the list are feminine.
Two observations lead to two applications. First, do not allow your feelings
of abandonment, offence, or rejection to lead to bitterness or a rejection of
people. Learn to forgive and love. None of us are perfect yet. Second, value
the influence and counsel of women. They often bring a perspective to the table
that men miss. Value the women in your life, and particularly those who are
believers.
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