2–Timothy
Introduction to the book of 2–Timothy
Second Timothy is the latest of the Pauline letters. As such, it is of special interest because of what it reveals concerning the last days of Paul's life and what it reveals about its recipient. Back in a Roman prison, Paul realized that he had reached the end of his race. His life, modeled on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, was nearing its conclusion, so Paul commissioned his delegate Timothy to carry on his work. When Paul died at the hands of the Romans, he had composed this letter as his own epitaph (Read 2 Timothy 4:7–8) and empowered the church to carry on in his absence. The mission of the Good News would continue.Theme & Overview
Facing imminent death, Paul encourages Timothy to carry on the ministry and faithfully guard the gospel. Second Timothy is the latest of the apostle Paul's letters. According to the "King James Study Bible," this letter is of special interest because of what it reveals concerning the last days of Paul's life and what it reveals about its recipient. In a very real way, this epistle represents Paul's last will and testament. It was then if there was a time to set the record straight. If Paul were going to make any complaints, he would have to make them then, for he was at the end of his life. However, in this letter, there is not one word of apology, explanation, caution, or complaint. Paul used his last letter to deliver exhortations to his son in the faith, which tells Timothy to endure and remain loyal to Jesus just as he had told him all along.Author
The apostle Paul. 2–Timothy claims to have come from the pen of "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ" (1:1). Though widely contested, both internal and external evidence support this claim. The epistle's style, vocabulary, and contents are in keeping with what would be expected of the apostle when he knew he was near the end of his life (4:6).Date
About AD 66–67.Background
Following Paul's conversion (Acts 9:1–19), his work as an apostle to the world extended from Jerusalem in the east to as far west as Italy (Acts 28:30–31; Rom 15:19), including considerable time in Asia Minor and especially Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1, 31). This period ended when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27–36), detained in Caesarea (Acts 23:23–26:32), and imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:16–31). Paul was eventually released and engaged in further ministry; he wrote 1–Timothy and Titus during this time. He was then arrested and imprisoned in Rome a second time (2 Tim 1:8, 16–17; 2:9). This letter, written from prison in Rome, came during the concluding episode of Paul's life (see 4:6–18). It was written to Timothy, Paul's faithful co-worker, and delegate. Timothy was in the province of Asia at that time, probably in Ephesus (4:13, 19). Paul was asking him to come to Rome as soon as possible. If Timothy proved faithful, he would experience suffering and persecution also.The Setting of 2 Timothy, AD 64~65. When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he had been imprisoned in ROME for the second time and was facing execution. He wrote to Timothy, who was probably still in EPHESUS (see 1–Timothy Introduction), to summon Timothy to Rome.)
Historical Setting
Paul was freed from his house arrest in Rome in the spring of AD 63 and traveled to Macedonia (cf. Phil. 2:24; Philem. 22) across the Adriatic Sea, visiting Philippi, Ephesus, Colossae, and Laodicea. The great Roman fire occurred in AD 64. Paul possibly went to Spain, probably by sea, in AD 64 and 65. In the summer of 66, he returned to Ephesus in Asia Minor and left Timothy in charge (cf. 1 Tim. 1:3). In the summer of 67, he wrote Timothy from Macedonia and probably visited Philippi and Corinth. He went on to Crete and left Titus there (cf. Titus 1:5). He wrote Titus from Ephesus in the autumn of AD 67, visited Miletus (4:20), Troas (4:13), Corinth (4:20), and spent some time at Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). He was imprisoned again in the spring of 68, having been free about five years. He may have been arrested in Corinth because of an accusation made by Alexander (4:14, 20). Paul was tried by the city prefect, imprisoned, and sent to Rome where he was placed in a dungeon cell of the Mamertine Prison, from which he knew he would never be set free (4:6). His only contact with the outside world was a hole, about 18 inches square, in the ceiling of his cell. Through that opening passed everything that came to and from the apostle, including his second letter to Timothy, in the fall or winter of AD 67. He was beheaded in Rome in May or June of 68. The last words of people are particularly treasured by their loved ones. In 2–Timothy, we have the last known words to flow from the apostle's pen. In a very real way, this epistle represents Paul's last will and testament. It was then if there was a time to set the record straight. If Paul were going to make any complaints, he would have to make them then, for he was at the end of his life. However, in this letter, there is not one word of apology, explanation, caution, or complaint. Paul used his last letter to deliver five exhortations to his son in the faith, which tell Timothy to "keep on keeping on" just as he had told him all along.Summary
After the traditional salutation (1:1–2), thanksgiving, and prayer (1:3–4), Paul charges Timothy to suffer with him for the Good News (1:5–18). The resources for doing so include Timothy's spiritual heritage and the Good News, as illustrated by Paul's life and good and bad examples. Paul then charges Timothy again (2:1–13) to be strong and to endure suffering along with Paul. Again, Timothy's obedience is to be motivated by reflection on the Good News and on Paul's example. Paul instructs Timothy on conducting his ministry among the false teachers (2:14–26). The perspective then broadens to set Timothy's task in the context of the last days (3:1–4:8). These days will be difficult, but God will deal with troublemakers just as he has in the past. Timothy is to stay on track with the faith he has inherited and remain rooted in the Scriptures. He is to carry out his ministry with a sense of urgency in light of his hope and the increasing resistance of his listeners. He is not to be afraid of suffering for the Lord, and he is to consider Paul's work as completed. Timothy must step into the gap and regard Paul as an example to follow. The letter closes with an appeal for Timothy to come to Rome as soon as possible (4:9–18). Paul gives greetings, news, and a final urging for Timothy to make his journey to Rome before winter (4:19–21). Then Paul closes with a blessing (4:22).Occasion
We do not know the details of Paul's second arrest. Possibly Alexander (4:14–15), a heretic that Paul had disciplined earlier (1 Tim 1:20), had a hand in the arrest (see 4:16–18). It might have occurred in Asia Minor (1:15); if so, Paul's heretical opponents—the false teachers discussed in 1 Timothy and Titus—were not just making idle threats. The struggle in which Paul and Timothy were engaged (2:3; 4:7; 1 Tim 1:18; 6:12) was not simply metaphorical or spiritual. The directions on prayer for civil authorities (1 Tim 2:1–7; cp. Titus 3:1) may be understood as relating to wider problems created for the churches by false teachers, problems that resulted in Paul's final arrest and execution for the Good News. The false teachers were still on the prowl (2:14–3:9; 4:14–15). Paul viewed his ministry as being completed and knew that his death was imminent (4:6–8), so he was summoning Timothy to Rome to receive his mantle of leadership.The Purpose & Audience
He had four purposes in writing:To exhort Timothy in his ministry at Ephesus.To warn Timothy of trouble both inside and outside the church.To request Timothy to come to Rome to visit him in prison and bring certain personal effects to him (4:5–13, 21).To instruct all the churches in Timothy's territory.
The apostle Paul had not only proclaimed the Good News of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; he had personally enacted it. The Good News gives rise to a way of life that takes up the cross and follows Jesus in the life-giving power of his resurrection. Paul had modeled his life after Christ's, and now his death was at hand. God's work will be completed right up to the day of Christ's return (1:12), yet the continuing responsibility of God's servants is great. Paul passed the torch to Timothy and challenged him to carry Paul's work forward. In this letter, all who take up the cross and follow Jesus are charged to complete the ministry that God has given them through the life-giving power of Christ's resurrection.Key Verse(s)
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."2 Timothy 3:16–17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."2 Timothy 4:7–8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."Key Passages
2 Timothy 3:16–4:8 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. I solemnly urge you in…."Outline 1
This four-chapter letter focuses on Paul's final words to Timothy, emphasizing the need to persevere in the faith. Timothy was to be faithful in his work (2 Timothy 1:6), continue in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14), and preach the word (2 Timothy 3:15—4:5). Then, he was to pass on what he had learned to others (2 Timothy 2:2).Chapter 1 includes a greeting (2 Timothy 1:1–2) and encouragement to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3–5). Paul longed to see him, reminding Timothy of his faith that began with his grandmother to his mother and then to him. Timothy was to serve as a "soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3).
Chapter 2 focuses on the character of the person who serves Christ. Several characteristics are given, mostly through examples and symbols. These include the example of Paul (2 Timothy 2:1–2), a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–4), an athlete (2 Timothy 2:5), a farmer (2 Timothy 2:6–7), Jesus (2 Timothy 2:8–13), a worker (2 Timothy 2:14–19), a vessel (2 Timothy 2:20–23), and a servant (2 Timothy 2:24–26).
Chapter 3 offers various cautions to Timothy. The first alert includes apostasy (2 Timothy 3:1–9), which Timothy is strongly warned against. The second caution relates to ways to defeat or overcome apostasy and false teaching (2 Timothy 3:10–17).
Chapter 4 develops the importance of preaching the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:1–5) and then offers concluding thoughts (2 Timothy 4:6–22). Paul speaks about his perspective on the end of his life (2 Timothy 4:6–7), his future with Christ (2 Timothy 4:8), and his friends in this world (2 Timothy 4:9–18). This is followed by closing words, asking for Timothy to come to him (2 Timothy 4:21).
Outline 2
There is no main "theme" for 2–Timothy as Paul touches on many topics, wrapping things up and consequently giving final advice and warnings about several things. Here's a breakdown of a possible outline:Greetings and thanksgivings - 1:1-5Encouragement and instructions for evangelistic service - 1:6-2:26Warnings and assurances for the future - 3:1-17Paul's final exhortation, testimony, and benedictions - 4:1-22