St Paul in the Study

Inscription: *erit vas in honorem sanctificatum* (2 Timothy 2:20–21).
On the scroll below: *Vas Honorabile o.p.n.* (Vessel of Honor, pray for us.)

Beneath the image: *Prava evitantem consortia dicit Honoris Vas / Paulus; Pravos Lignea, Fictitia Umbram Peccati vitasti Virgo / beata, Hinc quo…. tu merito Vas mihi Honoris eris.*
(Paul speaks of shunning corrupting company; you, O blessed Virgin, have shunned the corrupt—like wood or clay—and even the shadow of sin. Therefore, you shall rightly be my Vessel of Honor.)

Paul is working on a letter during one of his imprisonments. He writes to Timothy from Ephesus, encouraging him to remain faithful and to preserve the Gospel. Timothy should lead the congregation and hold his own against false teachings and opposition.