Not everyone leaves. Some stay with you.
Paul chooses to end with something beautiful; personal greetings from friends.
“Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.” (2 Timothy 4 v 21)
Let’s look at these names who decided to stay.
Eubulus – His name means “good counsellor.” In Paul’s darkest hour, this man remained, did he live up to his name as a source of wisdom and support to Paul?
Pudens – Tradition suggests he was a Roman senator who converted to Christianity. Imagine the courage it took for a member of Rome’s elite to associate with a prisoner such as Paul. Is tradition correct?
Linus – Tradition identifies him as the second Bishop of Rome after Peter. Here we see early church leadership taking shape, continuity being established, even as the apostolic era was ending. Is tradition correct?
Claudia – A woman’s name in a male-dominated world, yet Paul mentions her equally alongside the men. The early church was revolutionary in its inclusion, and Claudia represents the vital role women played in sustaining the faith. What was her exact role?
The Community – All the brothers and sisters. The church wasn’t defined by those who left, but by those who stayed.
These greetings remind us that even in our darkest moments, we’re often more loved and supported than we realise. For Timothy, receiving the letter, it would have been enormously encouraging to know that Paul had companions in his final days.
These weren’t famous people. Sometimes the most powerful ministry we can offer is simply remembering – and helping others feel remembered.
As Paul faced death, he chose to end not with grand theological statements, but with love expressed through the simple act of remembering friends. These greetings remind us that Christianity is fundamentally relational. It’s not just about doctrine or duty, but about real people choosing to love and support each other through the darkest times.
Missions Paul 