Context

Reading a book of the Bible having understood its context is invaluable even if it's only gained from one of the synoptic introductions that one sometimes gets at the beginning of a book in some Bibles. It helps one understand the mood or maybe even the state of mind of the author.

Reading 2 Timothy with an understanding that this is possibly Pauls last letter and that he is soon to go to his untimely death by execution, phrases such as that describing him being,” poured out like a drink offering” take on more significance, it may even bring a tear to one's eye. 

I think it also helps if one meditates with the authors situation in mind, trying to put oneself into their head or their setting; for me I can see Paul, an elderly gentlemen perhaps in chains and not simply being under house arrest having faced some sort of trial - ”At my first defence no one came to stand beside me” - and sad at being abandoned - “but all deserted me.” Yet still holding out for a reprieve and perhaps even a chance to meet again with his beloved ’son’ Timothy, or maybe he’s writing this to give others some comfort in hope but knowing that there is little. This might be considered blasphemous by some; but it reminds me of our Lord Jesus in his final hours thinking of others before himself as we read in the short dialogue with is mother in John 19:26-27.

For me context is paramount, followed by meditation, to bring the Bible alive and make us connect with it not just on an intellectual level but also on a spiritual and personal level. In Paul's letters we can build a relationship with him that adds to our understanding of the person and the text, that can build up our faith, and deepen our relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

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