“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Timothy 4:16–17 ESV).
These words come from the apostle Paul’s final letter, written during his second imprisonment in Rome around A.D. 66–67. Unlike his earlier house arrest described in Acts 28, when he had freedom to receive visitors and preach openly, Paul was now confined in a cold dungeon awaiting execution under Emperor Nero. When he says, “At my first defense,” he was probably referring to the initial hearing of his current trial. In the Roman legal system, an accused person typically had an initial hearing (prima actio) or “first defense” before the main trial. This was an opportunity to present one’s initial case or rebut charges.
At that crucial moment, no one came to stand by him. Fear and persecution had driven even his companions to desert him. Yet Paul’s response was remarkably Christlike: “May it not be charged against them!” Instead of resentment, he extended forgiveness. Most importantly, he testified that “the Lord stood by me and strengthened me,” so that his mission to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles could continue, even from prison. Though abandoned by men, Paul knew he was upheld by the faithful presence of Christ.
There will be times in our walk with Christ when we feel deserted—perhaps misunderstood, betrayed, or left to stand alone for what is right. Friends may fail us, but the Lord never will. When others walk away, Jesus stands by us. He strengthens us to continue the mission He has given, even when the path is lonely. Like Paul, we must learn to forgive those who let us down and focus on the faithfulness of God, who never forsakes His own (Hebrews 13:5). In our moments of weakness, His strength becomes our own. When others fail to show up, the Lord shows Himself strong. Take heart today—whatever trial you face, you are not alone. The Lord stands by you.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for standing by us when we feel all alone. Strengthen us to keep proclaiming Your Word with faith and forgiveness. Help us to rest in Your presence, knowing You will never leave nor forsake us. In Jesus’ name, amen.