Paul has left Timothy in Ephesus to be a man who can make a difference.
It’s a place where there are people who love controversy, who love arguments, who create anxiety by the way everything becomes a confrontation.
Paul calls Timothy to maintain a pure heart, have a good conscience, and a sincere faith. In this way he will stand out. He will be able to fight the right fight with faith and (again) a good conscience.
Along the way Paul tells his story to give Timothy hope about the possibility that God does reach those who are so determined to be a troublemaker.
