The Apostle Paul had to be the world's greatest missionary. His journeys were courageous,

productive, and often perilous. Yet Paul's distinction as a premier ambassador for Christ

wasn't celebrated by everyone. His bold proclamation of the gospel earned him a spot in a cold, dark,

Roman dungeon. Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall takes us into that stone cell where Paul

spent his final hours. There, in complete solitude, the renowned apostle penned his last letter,

words that have echoed through the centuries

as inspiration to every Christ follower.

Chuck titled today's message, Shackled, Deserted, but Still Undaunted.

It was the prophet Isaiah who said, as the rains come down and the snow from heaven,

and return not but waters the earth and bring forth in bud,

that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

so shall my word be which goes forth out of my mouth.

It shall never, never return void that is empty of purpose,

but it shall accomplish that for which I have sent it.

It's a great promise every time we open the Word of God

to know that it will never return empty. It will accomplish

the purpose for which it was given. Please turn, if you will, to several sections of 2nd Timothy.

Second Timothy. As we conclude our study in the life and times of Paul, which has been quite a

searching study, say the least, we come to the very moving final words that he wrote,

and we'll learn about where he wrote them in a few moments and something of what he said to his friend Timothy. Let me read several sections of

2nd Timothy beginning in chapter 1, verse 1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

to Timothy, my beloved Son, grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and Christ Jesus, our Lord.

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