2 Timothy 1

About 2 Timothy.

Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy

Purpose

1. To commission Timothy to continue the work Paul had begun

2. To encourage Timothy to endure suffering

Author

Paul

Date

Likely around AD 64

Setting

Probably written during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death, which he understood to be happening soon

While imprisoned in Rome near the end of his life, Paul realized that he had reached the end of his race. His life, shaped by the pattern of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, was nearing its conclusion. Paul commissioned his helper Timothy to continue his ministry. When Paul was executed by the Romans, this letter became his final testimony (see 2 Timothy 4:7–8). Through it, he encouraged the church to carry on his work. The mission of the good news would continue.

Setting

After Paul's conversion to Christianity, he worked as an apostle from Jerusalem to Italy (Acts 9:1–19; Acts 28:30–31; Romans 15:19). He spent a good amount of time in Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1; 20:31).

This period ended when:

• authorities arrested Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27–36),

• detained him in Caesarea (Acts 23:23–26:32), and

• imprisoned him in Rome (Acts 28:16–31).

They eventually released Paul and he continued his ministry. During this time, he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. He was later arrested and imprisoned in Rome again (2 Timothy 1:8, 16–17; 2:9).

This letter, written from prison in Rome, was during the final part of Paul's life (see 4:6–18). Paul wrote it to Timothy, his loyal and fellow worker and representative. Timothy was in the province of Asia then, probably in Ephesus (4:13, 19). Paul asked him to come to Rome quickly. Timothy might also encounter suffering and abuse if he came.

Summary

Paul gave a traditional greeting (2 Timothy 1:1–2). Then he gave thanks and added a prayer (1:3–4). He then urges Timothy to "join me in suffering for the gospel" (1:5–18). Timothy can rely on his spiritual heritage and the gospel. Paul showed this in his life with both positive and negative examples.

Paul urges Timothy once more to be strong and endure suffering with him (2:1–13). Timothy should find motivation in the gospel and Paul's example. Paul also guides Timothy on how to manage his ministry among false teachers (2:14–26).

The perspective then expands to place Timothy's task within the context of the end of history (3:1–4:8). These times will be challenging. But God will deal with those who make trouble as he has before. Timothy should remain true to the faith he has received and remain grounded in the Scriptures.

He should urgently perform his ministry, considering his hope and the growing resistance from his listeners. He should not fear suffering for the Lord and should regard Paul's time to work as complete. Timothy must fill the gap and continue to follow Paul's example.

The letter ends by asking Timothy to come to Rome quickly (4:9–18). Paul sends greetings, shares news, and urges Timothy to travel to Rome before winter (4:19–21). Paul then concludes with a blessing (4:22).

Date of Writing

Paul may have written 2 Timothy during his first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:1–31). However, evidence more strongly supports a later date, during a second imprisonment in Rome, which led to Paul's death (see 1 Timothy Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

Occasion of Writing

We do not know the details of Paul’s second arrest. Perhaps Alexander, a person Paul had corrected earlier, played a role in the arrest (2 Timothy 4:14–15; 1 Timothy 1:20; see 2 Timothy 4:16–18). It might have happened in Asia Minor (see 1:15). If so, Paul’s opponents, the false teachers mentioned in 1 Timothy and Titus, were not just making empty threats. The struggle Paul and Timothy encountered was not just a metaphor or spiritual (2 Timothy 2:3; 4:7; see also 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12).

The instructions to pray for civil authorities may relate to broader issues caused by false teachers (1 Timothy 2:1–7; compare Titus 3:1). This led to Paul’s final arrest and execution for spreading the gospel. The false teachers were still active (2 Timothy 2:14–3:9; 4:14–15). Paul saw his ministry as complete and knew his death was near (4:6–8). He encouraged Timothy to continue the work. It is possible that when Timothy visited Paul in Rome, Paul formally appointed him to continue his work.

Meaning and Message

The apostle Paul not only shared the gospel of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, but he also lived it. This gospel inspires a lifestyle that denies oneself and follows Jesus, empowered by his resurrection. Paul modeled his life after Christ, and now death confronted him. God's work will continue until Christ returns (1:12). God's servants have important responsibilities. Paul entrusted his mission to Timothy and urged him to continue the work.

Like Timothy, everyone who follows Jesus and accepts the call to serve must continue the work God has given them. They can do this through the life-giving power of Christ’s resurrection.

2 Timothy 1:1-2

See study note on 1 Timothy 1:1–2.

2 Timothy 1:1

the promise of life: See Romans 4:13–17. This letter to Timothy celebrates Christ’s resurrection and the life that comes from it (2 Timothy 2:8; 1:10). The resurrection is the solution to the suffering and death of godly people (3:12). Paul’s life demonstrates this hope (4:17–18).

2 Timothy 1:3-4

Giving thanks and prayer are common parts of Paul's letters (for example, Romans 1:8–12; Colossians 1:3–14; contrast Galatians 1:6–10).

2 Timothy 1:3

• as did my forefathers: See Philippians 3:5; compare Deuteronomy 6:4–9.

• with a clear conscience: This might relate to heresy (false teachings or practices) (see 2 Timothy 2:17–18; see also 1 Timothy 1:5). Or it could refer to Paul’s previous legal defense of himself (see Acts 23:1; 24:14–16).

2 Timothy 1:4

• Paul urges Timothy to visit him (see study note on 1:5–14).

• your tears: Paul and Timothy may have last parted right before the Jews arrested Paul in Jerusalem and sent him to Rome (compare Acts 20:37–38; 21:12–14).

2 Timothy 1:5-14

• Paul is gentle but firm in calling Timothy to come to Rome (see also 4:9, 21; compare 1 Timothy 1:3–11, 12–17). Suffering seemed certain if Timothy remained loyal. Paul wanted to strengthen Timothy’s determination.

• The mentions of the Holy Spirit in 2 Timothy 1:6–7 and 1:14 create an inclusio (literary framework) around this section.

2 Timothy 1:5

• For information on Timothy’s family background, see Acts 16:1–3 and 1 Timothy 1:2.

• sincere faith: Faith here means the Christian faith. However, Timothy’s Jewish heritage from his grandmother and mother shows his foundation in Old Testament teachings (2 Timothy 3:14–15). Their Christian faith served as a model for him.

2 Timothy 1:6

• fan into flame: The Holy Spirit's work does not happen automatically. Timothy must cultivate this work with careful attention to his spiritual life (see Ephesians 5:18–21; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–20; compare Acts 4:31; 7:55; 13:9).

• the gift: This is the Holy Spirit empowering ministry (see 1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40; compare Acts 6:3, 5; 11:24).

• through the laying on of my hands: Paul and the elders ordained (official ceremony of appointment) Timothy for ministry with a ceremony that included laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:14).

2 Timothy 1:8

This verse summarizes the letter. Timothy would probably encounter suffering both when traveling to Rome and in his later ministry as Paul's follower (2:3; 3:12; 4:5; see Hebrews 13:23).

2 Timothy 1:9-10

• This passage emphasizes the importance of suffering for the sake of the gospel and encourages Timothy toward that end (1:8; compare 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5–6).

• He has saved us … our Savior, Christ Jesus: God and Christ are both described as Savior (see 1 Timothy 1:1; 2:3–4).

• called us to a holy calling: Salvation and godliness are connected (see 1 Timothy 3:14–16; 5:8; Titus 2:11–14; 3:4–7; Ephesians 2:10).

• and by the grace He granted us: Grace is not given because we deserve it, but because God grants it (see Romans 3:23–24; 5:6–11; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).

• by His own purpose … before time began: See Titus 1:2; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4, 11; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8. Salvation does not depend on human effort but only on God's grace.

2 Timothy 1:10

• he has revealed this grace: The presence of God's grace is evident in history through Christ Jesus (see Romans 16:26; 1 Peter 1:20).

• through the appearing: See study note on 1 Timothy 6:14.

• abolished death: See 1 Corinthians 15:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Hebrews 2:14.

• the way to life: See 2 Timothy 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:53–54; Titus 1:2.

• through the gospel: Christ provides salvation, but the proclaiming of the good news about Jesus is the way people receive his salvation (see Titus 1:2–3; Romans 1:16–17; 10:14–15).

2 Timothy 1:12

• Paul was confident as he encountered his own death (see 4:17–18; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 4:8–9; Philippians 1:20). He set an example for Timothy to follow (see 2 Timothy 1:8).

• what I have entrusted to Him (or what has been entrusted to me; literally my deposit): The Greek phrase, my deposit, could mean either the good news about Jesus entrusted to Paul, or Paul’s life and ministry that he committed to God (see 1 Timothy 6:20).

2 Timothy 1:14

Timothy must protect the important truth (literally guard the good deposit; see study notes on 1:12; 3:11). He is to do this by accurately proclaiming it and preventing false teachers from distorting it (see study note on 2:2; see also 1 Timothy 6:20).

2 Timothy 1:15-18

Paul encourages Timothy to remain loyal and to come to Rome without fear. He mentions both good and bad examples from others.

2 Timothy 1:15

• everyone … has deserted me: This happened either in Rome or in the province of Asia Minor when authorities arrested Paul. Paul might have considered this as another way his life followed Christ’s pattern (see Matthew 26:31, 56).

• Phygelus and Hermogenes are otherwise unknown. The context might imply that they were church leaders who sided with the opponents of Paul (2 Timothy 1:11–14).

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