When Paul heard from Jesus while traveling on a dusty road, it forever  changed Paul’s life. The apostle Paul now centered his walk on Christ’s  teaching, allowed the Word to form his character as he began to speak  with others about faith. Then, Paul wrote a good number of letters to  real people about real events in history with advice on how to apply  Scripture to life & relationships. One who once persecuted the  church of believers, was now building it up. His young friend, Timothy,  received several of those letters.   

Timothy’s situation was complicated with people who disagreed with  Christian teaching and argued a lot. Paul said this was normal and that  persecution was to be expected. But Timothy still needed to be reminded  about fellow believers and his dependence on Scripture for guidance,  character and perseverance.   

We also are encouraged when we remember our faithful friends and the  power of the Word of God.