Definition: The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Timothy 1:18. It's a really beautiful and important passage about God’s care for Paul. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to be involved in Paul’s life especially during his time in Ephesus, a city he was teaching and serving. He’s giving him a special opportunity to experience God's mercy – forgiveness and kindness – and it’s all about how much he worked for Paul. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The Lord grant unto him…” : This is a direct plea from God. It means “God, please allow” or “Grant to him.” “…that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day…” : This is the core of the verse. "Mercy" here doesn’t just mean forgiveness; it means compassion, kindness, and understanding . God wants Paul to experience a feeling of being loved and cared for by Him. “…and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” : This is where the story gets really significant. “Ministered” means to teach or guide. Paul was actively teaching and leading people in Ephesus – he was giving them instruction and wisdom. "Thou knowest very well" means you know this very well - you’ve seen it firsthand! Putting it all together: God is saying, “During the time I spent with you in Ephesus, particularly when I was teaching you, He wants to be involved and show His compassion for you.” He's giving Paul a chance to experience that presence of love and care. Why is this important? This verse is a powerful expression of God’s unwavering interest in his followers. It highlights that: God cares deeply about us: He doesn’t just want to be involved, he wants to be involved in our lives. He's working through us: It shows that God is actively guiding and supporting Paul even after he faced challenges. In short, this verse speaks of a profound relationship between God and Paul, emphasizing His loving care and the opportunity for him to experience divine grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story from 2 Timothy? Explore its significance in the context of Paul’s ministry?