The trials and anxieties that Paul had endured had preyed upon his physical powers. The infirmities of age were upon him. He felt that he was now doing his last work, and, as the time of his labor grew shorter, his efforts became more intense. There seemed to be no limit to his zeal. Resolute in purpose, prompt in action, strong in faith, he journeyed from church to church, in many lands, and sought by every means within his power to strengthen the hands of the believers, that they might do faithful work in winning souls to Jesus, and that in the trying times upon which they were even then entering, they might remain steadfast to the gospel, bearing faithful witness for Christ.

De prøvelser og den ængstelse, Paulus havde gennemgået, havde tæret på hans legemlige kræfter. Han mærkede alderens skrøbeligheder. Han følte, at dette var det sidste arbejde, han kunne udrette og efter som tiden for hans virksomhed blev mere knap, arbejdede han mere intenst. Der syntes ikke at være grænser for hans iver. Beslutsom, altid rede til at handle, stærk i troen drog han fra den ene menighed til den anden i mange forskellige lande og søgte på alle måder at styrke de troende til gerningen, så de kunne arbejde med troskab for at vinde sjæle for Jesus og for at de i de strenge tider, som de allerede da var ved at komme ind i, måtte forblive standhaftige og holde sig til evangeliet, så de kunne være trofaste vidner for Kristus.