2 Timothy

I -- 1:1-2 – Introduction

• 1:1-2
  • Salutation
  • Very similar to 1 Timothy
  • Paul identifies himself as an "apostle of Christ Jesus"
  • This is possibly an indication that he expected their loyalty as he passed the mantle on to Timothy
  • He is an apostle "by the will of God"
  • Addresses Timothy as "my dear son"
  • Paul shows much affection for Timothy

II -- 1:3-2:13 – Recollections and Personal Encouragement

• 1:3-7
  • Thanksgiving
  • This resembles the format of thanksgiving that Paul used in other letters
  • Paul thanks God for Timothy and prays for him "night and day"
  • He is also reminded of their last parting – and Timothy's tears
  • Paul longs to see him so that he may be "filled with joy"
  • This is another indication of Paul's real affection for Timothy
  • Paul remembers his sincere faith – and thanks God for it
  • He reminds Timothy of his Christian heritage
  • It came through his grandmother, Lois, and then his mother, Eunice
  • Their faith now lives in him
  • Paul is leading up to a charge for Timothy to remain faithful
  • Paul asks him to "fan into flame" the gift of God
  • This is a metaphor for rekindling a waning fire, but does not mean
  • Timothy's own faith was dying out
  • Special grace was given to Timothy through the laying on of hands
  • He is not to be timid, but to have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline
  • (These verses suggest that Timothy is still a young man in need of Paul's mentoring, which would be unlikely if Paul is writing this at the end of his ministry. By this time Timothy would be a seasoned worker.)
• 1:8-18
  • There will be suffering
    • 1:8 
      • Paul urges Timothy to never be ashamed to testify about the Lord
      • This was meant as encouragement, not as a rebuke
      • The giving of the spirit would not lead to cowardice
      • He also urged Timothy never to be ashamed of Paul, the Lord's prisoner
      • (It is also likely that Paul was imprisoned while writing this letter)
      • Instead Timothy is to join with Paul in "suffering for the gospel"
      • Such suffering is to be expected in his association with the gospel
      • He does not have to do all this on his own, however
      • He will be given the power of God, divine help
    • 1:9-12 
      • Paul's confession of faith
      • The God who gives power is the God who called them to a holy life
      • This was God's gracious act; they had not earned this
      • This was all planned before the beginning of time but only now revealed
      • It was revealed in Christ who has "destroyed death" and "brought immortality"
      • This is all meant to encourage Timothy to be steadfast when times are tough
      • Through God's purpose and grace, they are among those who have overcome death through Christ
      • This is the gospel message
      • Paul, then, repeats that this was his appointed task
      • He identifies himself as a herald, apostle, and a teacher
      • His authority is not at issue here, just the content of the message
      • He is now suffering because he fulfilled this commission
      • It is Paul's supreme hope that under similar circumstances, Timothy will remain strong and accept his share of whatever sufferings come his way
      • Paul sees this and has no "shame" (regret) regarding his imprisonment
      • He is clear about the one in whom he believes And he trusts that
    • 1:13-14 
      • Another appeal to Timothy
      • Timothy is to keep Paul's words as "the pattern of sound teaching"
      • He is to remember what Paul taught and he is to teach the same
      • (Possible reference to other false teachers)
      • As always, this is to be done in faith and love in Christ Jesus
      • Again, Timothy is to "guard the deposit" that was entrusted to him
      • (This is hard to translate; it could refer to the gospel itself)
      • He is not out on his own to do this, but is empowered by the Holy Spirit
    • 1:15-16 
      • The departure of others
      • Many others have already departed from his teachings
      • They have "deserted" Paul; two are mentioned by name
      • (This might have happened when he was arrested and sent to Rome)
    • 1:17-18 
      • The support of one
      • One shining exception to the above was the household of Onesiphorus
      • Paul prays for him, asks the Lord to show him mercy
      • Not only was Onesiphorus not ashamed of Paul's chains, but he also "refreshed" Paul
      • (The term generally refers to "cheering up")
      • He searched for Paul in Rome and visited him regularly
      • (Timothy should be more like Onesiphorus, not the deserters)
      • Paul prays that Onesiphorus will have mercy on the final day
      • He reminds Timothy how helpful he was in Ephesus
      • (The implication is that Timothy was present during this time)
• 2:1-7
  • Paul resumes his appeal to Timothy
  • Paul again invites Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"
  • Timothy should allow God to strengthen him during his ministry
  • He is to remember Paul's teachings, and teach it to reliable men
  • They, in turn, will teach it to others
  • Paul uses the metaphor of being a good soldier
  • Soldiers don't get sidetracked; they follow their commanding officers
  • Next is the metaphor of an athlete
  • Athletes must follow the rules (either of training or of the game)
  • Then, if they win, they receive the "victor's crown"
  • Lastly, is the metaphor of a hard working farmer who gets the crops
  • Timothy is to think deeply about all these things
• 2:8-13
  • Paul urges Timothy to keep remembering the truth
  • He is to remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead
  • Jesus was also a descendant of David
  • (This is possibly creedal material affirming the humanity of Jesus)
  • This was the gospel message entrusted to Paul
  • For this, Paul is suffering in chains, like a common criminal
  • (This was more than humiliating for a Roman citizen and an innocent man)
  • Though he is distraught at his own chains, he affirms the gospel is not chained
  • (They can kill the messenger, but they can't kill the message!)
  • Just from knowing that, Paul finds he can endure anything 
  • (By implication, of course, Timothy should too)
  • The whole purpose of his ministry was to lead people to Christ
  • This he has done
  • Paul cites a trustworthy saying
  • Believers' actions (whether + or -) lead to results in Christ
  • "If" we die with him, we all live with him
  • (May be a reference to persecution)
  • "If" we endure, we will also reign with him
  • "Endure" generally means "holding one's ground"
  • Reign is a reference to eternal glory
  • "If" we disown him, he will disown us
  • This is a negative result; if we reject Christ, he rejects us
  • "If" we are faithless, he will still remain faithful
  • (Scholars disagree if this is good or bad – faithful to us or to judgment?)
  • God will respond to our faithlessness with grace

III – 2:14-26 – Challenges in the Church

• 2:14-19
  • Problems with false teachers
  • Paul urges Timothy to keep reminding people of the truth
  • Others will quarrel over words; it is a waste of time
  • Timothy should warn them, and then continue to fulfill his requirements of his ministry
  • Timothy should present himself as one approved, a workman of God
  • He has been tested and approved and need not be ashamed of the gospel
  • He handles the truth correctly
  • In contrast, false teaching will spread like "gangrene"
  • This means, of course, that it should be avoided at all costs
  • Two teachers are identified – Paul had mentioned Hymenaeus in 1 Tim 1:20
  • In their teaching, they have wandered from the truth
  • The point of error was to state that the resurrection had already taken place
  • (Believers were already in a heavenly state – quite Gnostic)
  • Followers either tend towards libertinism or asceticism
  • God will have the final word, however
  • God's foundation stands firm
  • What God is doing cannot be thwarted by false teachers
  • Those who confess God must turn away from wickedness 
• 2:20-21
  • Two kinds of vessels
  • There are vessels (gold and silver) used for noble purposes
  • Other vessels (clay and wood) are used for ignoble purposes
  • The person who dissociates himself from what is ignoble will be a vessel for noble purposes
  • Such vessels are at hand for the service of their master (Christ)
• 2:22-26
  • Timothy's responsibilities
  • Though still a young man, he is to "flee the evil desires of youth"
  • (This might be less a reference to sensual passions than to youthful stubbornness – like besting others in quarrels, but see note above on Timothy's relative age)
  • In contrast he is to pursue "righteousness, faith, love, and peace"
  • Along with God's people, he is to call on the Lord
  • Again, he is admonished to have nothing to do with "stupid arguments"
  • Instead of quarreling, God's servant must be kind to everyone
  • This is not to suggest that evil is to be ignored
  • He must teach gently in hopes that God will change their hearts
  • (It is not clear whether this relates to the opponents or to those they mislead)
  • Either way, he is an instrument of God
  • If God grants them repentance, they will come to their senses, know the truth
  • They will "escape from the devil" who is holding them captive

IV – 3:1-17 – Characteristics of the Final Days

• 3:1-5
  • Lovers of money and pleasure
  • "In those days" will be a terrible time
  • Paul gives a theological perspective on the false teachers
  • How will people know when the "end of time" has begun?
  • He lists eighteen vices that will be evident in people
  • One-third of list only occurs here
  • List reflects issues prevalent in pagan society
  • People will be lovers of themselves/money, boastful/proud
  • Most characteristics involve an enhanced sense of self at expense of others
  • Paul concludes with an attack against the false teachers
  • They have a form of godliness but deny its power
  • They liked the outward trappings of religion, but they lack its "heart"
  • Timothy is to have nothing to do with them
• 3:6-9
  • Depravity of false teachers
  • They are religious charlatans
  • They seem to be particularly effective with women
  • Women might have been reaching out to them for instruction
  • But they were being led down the wrong path
  • Paul compares both teachers and women to sorcerers
  • Two ancient magicians (Jannes and Jambres – unknown in OT) are mentioned
  • Paul describes them as "men of depraved minds"
  • "Depraved" means corrupted
  • Ultimately, they will not get very far
  • People will find them out and they will not prevail
• 3:10-13
  • Persecution of Christians
  • Paul urges Timothy to be different from false teachers
  • He is to rely upon Paul as his model
  • Paul lists the virtues he has expressed including the challenges he has faced
  • His "way of life" included "love, patience, endurance, suffering…"
  • Through it all the Lord was with him, rescuing and caring for him
  • Paul reminds Timothy of the time when Paul was stoned
  • Timothy could see for himself the dangers involved as well as the healing of it
  • Paul encourages Timothy not to bail out when trials come his way
  • Paul says everyone who lives a godly life will have these experiences
  • In contrast "evil men" will go from bad to worse
• 3:14-17
  • Remain faithful to the Holy Scripture
  • Paul repeatedly warns Timothy not to be led astray by these imposters
  • He is to continue in what he knows – he learned it from his mother and grandmother
  • The truths they taught him from his infancy are enduring
  • The truths of the Holy Scripture point to salvation through faith in Christ
  • All Scripture is "God-breathed" – inspired by God
  • It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in righteousness
  • Teaching is Timothy's prime task
  • Rebuking is needed to expose false teachers
  • Correcting will restore them to their proper understanding
  • Training in righteousness means proper instruction
  • The point of all this is so "the man of God will be equipped for every good work"
  • This would certainly include Timothy's work with the gospel

V – 4:1-21 – Paul's Final Charge to Timothy

• 4:1-5
  • Timothy is to preach the word
  • Paul charges Timothy in the presence of God and Christ: Preach the word
  • This has the impact of a legal decree
  • The "charge" is a series of five imperatives
  • Be prepared – be on duty constantly
  • Correct, rebuke, encourage – all are to be done with great patience
  • Paul warns that the time will come when people will not listen to him
  • Instead, they will hear only what their "itching ears" want to hear
  • "Itching ears" is generally used for curiosity, spicy information
  • Their ears will turn from the truth and turn toward lies, false teachings
  • Paul tells Timothy to "keep your head in all situations…do your duty"
  • Timothy is to keep control of himself, continue to fight the good fight
• 4:6-8
  • Paul's final testimony
  • Paul reveals for the first time that he expects to be killed
  • He will be "poured out like a drink offering"
  • Everything he has said up to this point takes on a new light
  • Paul is expecting to leave the scene – Timothy has to take over
  • In reflecting on his life, Paul is satisfied
  • He has "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith"
  • He has completed the race and has not been disqualified
  • His work is over even though more needs to be done
  • He uses an athletic metaphor for his reward – the crown of righteousness
  • "Crown" refers to the laurel wreath given to victors
  • This same reward is available to all who run in this race
• 4:9-13
  • Paul's personal invitation to Timothy
  • Paul invites Timothy to come to him quickly
  • He has been deserted by three others – fellow workers
  • We know little about these men or why they left his side
  • "Only Luke" remains with Paul
  • Paul asks Timothy to bring "Mark" (John Mark) – because he is "helpful to me"
  • This might be the same Mark that caused the rift between Barnabas and Paul
  • (See Acts 13:5; 15:36-41. Paul also speaks of Mark in Col 4:10)
  • If this is the same Mark, then he obviously redeemed himself later in his life
  • Paul sent Tychicus with the letter to Ephesus
  • No doubt he would be the one to replace Timothy in Ephesus
  • Paul asks Timothy to pick up some personal items – a cloak and his scrolls
  • This meant that Timothy could not sail directly to Rome
  • It is not known what scrolls Paul was referring to here
• 4:14-18
  • Opponents and supporters
  • Someone named Alexander opposed Paul and Timothy should be wary of him
  • He greatly opposed "our message"
  • Paul is confident that the Lord will "reward" him appropriately
  • In fact, everyone has deserted Paul; he has no supporters
  • (There is no mention here of Luke or Tychicus)
  • He prays that they all will be forgiven
  • In contrast to human support, however, the Lord remained at his side and strengthened him
  • He was able to speak the gospel to the Gentiles
  • The Lord also delivered him from "the lion's mouth"
  • (There is debate over which particular event is referenced here. Options include his first trial, Nero, Satan, etc.)
  • Just as he was once rescued, he will always be rescued
  • But for Paul, this no longer means he will be released from jail
  • He will be saved into the heavenly kingdom
  • He ends with a doxology – To him be glory for ever and ever
• 4:19-22
  • Closing greetings
  • Timothy is to greet old friends, Priscilla and Aquila, Onesiphorus, etc…
  • It suggests that these folks are all back in Ephesus
  • He also shares information about Erastus and Trophimus
  • He hopes Timothy will arrive before winter
  • (Sailing was halted between November and March)
  • Paul also sends greetings from several people
  • These are members of the church in Rome, but they are not "with him"
  • He ends this letter with a benediction and a prayer for grace
  • "May the Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you."
  • "Your" is singular; "you" is plural
  • This is both a personal greeting to Timothy as well as for others

Paul thus ends this letter with grace and affection. In this letter he has repeatedly appealed to Timothy to remain loyal – even if it means suffering. He pointedly asks him to remember his loyalty to Christ and to the gospel. That will best be demonstrated by his continuing loyalty to Paul (who is currently in prison because of his own witnessing to the gospel) and by his own ministry. It is unknown whether Timothy arrived in Rome prior to Paul's death.