2 Timothy

The book of 2 Timothy, written by the apostle Paul around 67 AD during his final imprisonment in Rome, is a letter to his protégé Timothy. Aware of his impending execution, Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and ministry despite challenges. He warns of increasing false teachings, moral corruption, and persecution. He urged Timothy to guard the gospel, preach the Word, and endure suffering for Christ. Paul highlights the reliability of Scripture, calling it God-breathed and essential for equipping believers for every good work. The letter concludes with personal reflections, requests, and a final charge to faithfully carry on the work of the ministry.

Chapter 1

Paul introduced himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will. Writing to Timothy, he extended grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving

Paul expressed gratitude to God and prayed for Timothy. Paul explained how he longed to see Timothy - remembering his tears and faith that originated in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice and was evident in Timothy as well.

Appeal For Loyalty To Paul And The Gospel

Paul encouraged Timothy to rekindle his God-given gift and embrace the Spirit’s power, love, and self-discipline. He urged Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or Paul’s imprisonment but to join in suffering for the gospel by God’s power. Christ Jesus gave us immortality through grace before the beginning of time by destroying death. Paul was appointed as a teacher of the gospel, suffered without shame, and trusted God to guard what had been entrusted to him. Paul told Timothy to follow his teachings with faith and love. To mirror Paul's teachings he told Timothy to "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." - 2 Timothy 1:14.

Examples Of Disloyalty And Loyalty

Many in Asia, including Phygelus and Hermogenes, deserted Paul. However, Onesiphorus demonstrated loyalty by regularly seeking him in Rome despite his imprisonment. Paul prayed for mercy on Onesiphorus’s household and acknowledged his many acts of help in Ephesus.

The Appeal Renewed - Chapter 2

Paul urged Timothy to rely on Christ’s grace and entrust his teachings to reliable people who could continue spreading the gospel. He reminded Timothy of the gospel: Jesus Christ, raised from the dead and descended from David. Paul explained that he endured suffering for the sake of the elect so they could receive salvation and eternal glory. He shared a trustworthy saying that emphasized living and reigning with Christ, while affirming God’s faithfulness even when humans fail to be faithful.

Dealing With False Teachers

Paul instructed Timothy to remind believers of the foundational truths of the gospel and warn them against divisive and useless quarrels over words. He urged Timothy to present himself as an unashamed worker who correctly handles God’s word and to avoid godless talk, which leads to greater ungodliness. Paul identified Hymenaeus and Philetus as false teachers who claimed the resurrection had already occurred and caused others to stray. Paul assured Timothy that God’s solid foundation remained unshaken. He explained that those who cleanse themselves from dishonor and evil to pursue holiness will become useful for God’s purposes. Timothy was to flee youthful passions (We know Timothy was young because of 1 Timothy 4:12), pursue righteousness, and gently instruct opponents in hopes that they would repent and escape the devil’s trap.

Dealing With False Teachers (cont.) - Chapter 3

Paul warned Timothy about the "terrible times in the last days." - 2 Timothy 3:1. Paul prophesied the last days would involve people who are self-centeredness, greedy, arrogant, and reject godliness. These individuals would exhibit a false form of godliness while denying its power, and Paul advised Timothy to avoid them. He described such teachers as manipulative and opposing to the truth - comparing them to Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses. Paul reassured Timothy that their success would be short-lived, as their wickedness would become evident to all.

A Final Charge To Timothy

Paul reminded Timothy of his teachings of life and steadfast faith during persecution. He emphasized that God had delivered him from all trials. Paul noted that persecution was inevitable for those striving to live a godly life in Christ, while evildoers would worsen, deceiving others and being deceived. Paul urged Timothy to remain grounded in the teachings he trusted and his lifelong familiarity with the Holy Scriptures. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16.

A Final Charge To Timothy (cont.) - Chapter 4

Paul charged Timothy, in the presence of God and Christ, to preach the word faithfully and persistently. He instructed Timothy to correct, rebuke, and encourage others with patience and careful teaching. He warned Timothy that a time would come when people would reject sound doctrine and seek teachers who affirm their own desires. Paul encouraged Timothy to remain steady, endure hardship, fulfill his ministry, and continue evangelizing. Reflecting on his own life, Paul declared he had fought the good fight, finished the race (Paul was executed by beheading, likely in the same year as his writing 2 Timothy), and kept the faith. He anticipated receiving the crown of righteousness from the Lord, a reward awaiting all who long for Christ’s return.

Personal Remarks

Paul urged Timothy to visit him quickly, lamenting that Demas had deserted him for worldly desires and that Crescens and Titus had left for other regions. Only Luke remained with him. Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark, the cloak he left in Troas, and his scrolls. He warned Timothy about Alexander the metalworker, who had harmed him and opposed the gospel. Paul recounted how everyone deserted him at his first defense, yet the Lord strengthened him, enabling him to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. He trusted God to deliver him from all evil and bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom.

Final Greetings

Paul extended greetings to Priscilla, Aquila, and Onesiphorus’s household, noting Erastus stayed in Corinth and Trophimus was left sick in Miletus. He urged Timothy to come before winter. Paul conveyed greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and other believers. He concluded with a blessing, asking that the Lord be with Timothy’s spirit and grace be with all.