The Cape of Good Hope is on the southern edge of the continent of Africa. It is a point of navigation that marks the transition between the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The first European to reach the cape was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, who named it the Cape of Storms due to the tumultuous and quickly changing weather. For many years the Cape had a reputation for being treacherous and dangerous and was known as the Cape of Fear. After successful navigation by other Portuguese explorers it was later renamed by John II of Portugal as Cape of Good Hope because of the great optimism engendered by the opening of a sea route to India and the East.

In our text Paul extols Timothy to be an example to others. An example in this case is someone who has suffered a setback, but who has carried on and overcame the obstacles to survive. Those who have survived treacherous waters, abuses, abandonment, and trials and afflictions and are still here are an example to others who may be going through similar situations. This world desperately needs examples of people who get back up and continue to live a Godly life after life has knocked them down. Bro. Hughes declares that we need examples because we live in a world of quitters. We need people who can stand, stay, and remain faithful because God is faithful to be an example to others on how to react to the adversity and turmoil that come in life. The world needs to know that we can live through heartache, letdown, or a dark night and still come to worship, praise and give thanks to God. Our world needs an example.