2 TIMOTHY 4
▻https://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL09/VOL09_14.html
“Trophimus I left sick” This man is mentioned in Acts 20:4; 21:29 and possibly 2 Cor. 8:19-22.
There are so many questions we would like to ask the NT writers. One subject all believers think about is physical healing. In Acts (cf. Acts 19:12; 28:7-9) Paul is able to heal, but here and in 2 Cor. 12:7-10 and Phil. 2:25-30, he seems unable. Why are some healed and not all, and is there a time window connected to healing which has closed?
I surely believe in a supernatural, compassionate Father who has and does physically as well as spiritually heal, but why is this healing aspect seemingly present and then noticeably absent? I do not think that it is connected to human faith, for surely Paul had faith (cf. 2 Corinthians 12). I feel that healing and believing miracles affirmed the truthfulness and validity of the gospel, which it still does in areas of the world where it is first proclaimed. However, I feel that God wants us to walk by faith and not by sight. Also, physical illness is often allowed in believer’s lives
as temporal punishment for sin
as consequences of life in a fallen world
to help believers mature spiritually
My problem is I never know which one is involved! My prayer for God’s will to be done in each case is not a lack of faith, but a sincere attempt to allow the gracious, compassionate God to work His will in each life.
