2Ti 1 | TNotes | STEP | Book of 2 Timothy — Quick facts: Purpose: To commission Timothy to continue the work Paul had begun and 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 imminent Book of Timothy — Overview: Setting Following Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:1-19 ), his work as an apostle 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 ; 20:31 ). 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 he engaged in further ministry. He wrote 1 Timothy and Titus during this time. He was then arrested and imprisoned in Rome a second time (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 coworker 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. Suffering and persecution were likely for Timothy, too, if he came. 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 itself, as illustrated by Paul’s life and by both good and bad examples. Paul then charges Timothy again (2:1-13 ) to be strong and to endure suffering along with him. Again, Timothy’s obedience is to be motivated by reflection on the Good News and on Paul’s example. Paul then 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 continue to follow the example of Paul. 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 ). Date of Writing It is possible that 2 Timothy was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:1-31 ). The evidence, however, gives stronger support to a later date, during a second imprisonment in Rome that resulted in 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 (4:14-15 ), a heretic whom Paul had disciplined earlier (1 Tim 1:20 ), had a hand in the arrest (see 2 Tim 4:16-18 ). It might have occurred in Asia Minor (see 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 Tim 2:3 ; 4:7 ; see also 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 Tim 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 encouraging Timothy to carry on the work. It is possible that a visit to Paul in Rome would have included some sort of formal commissioning of Timothy. Meaning and Message 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 ), and the continuing responsibility of God’s servants is great. Paul passed the torch to Timothy and challenged him to carry his work forward. As with Timothy, 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. Summary for 2Tim 1:1-2: 1:1-2 See study note on 1 Tim 1:1-2. 1:1 the life he has promised: See Rom 4:13-17 . This letter to Timothy celebrates Christ’s resurrection (2 Tim 2:8 ) and the life that results from it (1:10 ) as the answer to the suffering and death of the godly (3:12 ). Paul’s own life demonstrates this hope (4:17-18 ).

Book of 2 Timothy — Quick facts:

Purpose: To commission Timothy to continue the work Paul had begun and 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 imminent

Book of Timothy — Overview:

Setting
Following Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:1-19 ^a), his work as an apostle extended from Jerusalem in the east to as far west as Italy (Acts 28:30-31 ^b; Rom 15:19 ^c), including considerable time in Asia Minor, and especially Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1 ^d; 20:31 ^e). This period ended when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36 ^f), detained in Caesarea (Acts 23:23–26:32 ^g), and imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:16-31 ^h). Paul was eventually released, and he engaged in further ministry. He wrote 1 Timothy and Titus during this time. He was then arrested and imprisoned in Rome a second time (1:8 ⁱ, 16-17 ^j; 2:9 ^k).
This letter, written from prison in Rome, came during the concluding episode of Paul’s life (see 4:6-18 ^l). It was written to Timothy, Paul’s faithful coworker and delegate. Timothy was in the province of Asia at that time, probably in Ephesus (4:13 ^m, 19 ⁿ). Paul was asking him to come to Rome as soon as possible. Suffering and persecution were likely for Timothy, too, if he came.

Summary
After the traditional salutation (1:1-2 ^o), thanksgiving, and prayer (1:3-4 ^p), Paul charges Timothy to suffer with him for the Good News (1:5-18 ^q). The resources for doing so include Timothy’s spiritual heritage and the Good News itself, as illustrated by Paul’s life and by both good and bad examples.
Paul then charges Timothy again (2:1-13 ^r) to be strong and to endure suffering along with him. Again, Timothy’s obedience is to be motivated by reflection on the Good News and on Paul’s example. Paul then instructs Timothy on conducting his ministry among the false teachers (2:14-26 ^s).
The perspective then broadens to set Timothy’s task in the context of the last days (3:1–4:8 ^t). 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 continue to follow the example of Paul.
The letter closes with an appeal for Timothy to come to Rome as soon as possible (4:9-18 ^u). Paul gives greetings, news, and a final urging for Timothy to make his journey to Rome before winter (4:19-21 ^v). Then Paul closes with a blessing (4:22 ^w).

Date of Writing
It is possible that 2 Timothy was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:1-31 ^x). The evidence, however, gives stronger support to a later date, during a second imprisonment in Rome that resulted in 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 (4:14-15 ^y), a heretic whom Paul had disciplined earlier (1 Tim 1:20 ^z), had a hand in the arrest (see 2 Tim 4:16-18 ^aa). It might have occurred in Asia Minor (see 1:15 ^ab); 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 Tim 2:3 ^ac; 4:7 ^ad; see also 1 Tim 1:18 ^ae; 6:12 ^af) was not simply metaphorical or spiritual. The directions on prayer for civil authorities (1 Tim 2:1-7 ^ag; cp. Titus 3:1 ^ah) 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 Tim 2:14–3:9 ^ai; 4:14-15 ^aj). Paul viewed his ministry as being completed and knew that his death was imminent (4:6-8 ^ak), so he was encouraging Timothy to carry on the work. It is possible that a visit to Paul in Rome would have included some sort of formal commissioning of Timothy.

Meaning and Message
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 ^al), and the continuing responsibility of God’s servants is great. Paul passed the torch to Timothy and challenged him to carry his work forward.
As with Timothy, 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.

Summary for 2Tim 1:1-2: 1:1-2 ^am See study note on 1 Tim 1:1-2. 1:1 ^an the life he has promised: See Rom 4:13-17 ^ao. This letter to Timothy celebrates Christ’s resurrection (2 Tim 2:8 ^ap) and the life that results from it (1:10 ^aq) as the answer to the suffering and death of the godly (3:12 ^ar). Paul’s own life demonstrates this hope (4:17-18 ^as).
Summary for 2Tim 1:3-4: 1:3-4 ^at Thanksgiving and prayer are standard sections of Paul’s letters (e.g., Rom 1:8-12 ^au; Col 1:3-14 ^av; contrast Gal 1:6-10 ^aw). 1:3 ^ax just as my ancestors did: See Phil 3:5 ^ay; cp. Deut 6:4-9 ^az.

• with a clear conscience: This might be in relation to heresy (see 2 Tim 2:17-18 ^ba; see also 1 Tim 1:5 ^bb) or to Paul’s previous legal self-defense (see Acts 23:1 ^bc; 24:14-16 ^bd).
1:4 ^be Paul begins urging Timothy to come to him (see study note on 1:5-14).

• your tears: The two may have last parted when Paul was transferred to Rome under arrest (cp. Acts 20:37-38 ^bf; 21:12-14 ^bg).
Summary for 2Tim 1:5-14: 1:5-14 ^bh Paul gently but firmly summons Timothy to Rome (see also 4:9 ^bi, 21 ^bj; cp. 1 Tim 1:3-11 ^bk, 12-17 ^bl). Suffering seemed certain if Timothy remained faithful, and Paul wanted to strengthen Timothy’s resolve.

• The allusions to the Spirit in 2 Tim 1:6-7 ^bm and 1:14 ^bn form an inclusio (literary bookends) around this section. 1:5 ^bo On Timothy’s parentage, see Acts 16:1-3 ^bp; 1 Tim 1:2 ^bq.

• Faith means Christian faith, but Timothy’s Jewish heritage through his grandmother and mother explains how he was rooted in Old Testament instruction (2 Tim 3:14-15 ^br). Their Christian faith was an example for him to follow.
1:6 ^bs fan into flames: The Spirit’s work is not automatic—it must be cultivated (see Eph 5:18-21 ^bt; 1 Thes 5:19-20 ^bu; cp. Acts 4:31 ^bv; 7:55 ^bw; 13:9 ^bx).

• The spiritual gift is the Holy Spirit’s enablement for ministry (see 1 Cor 12:1–14:40 ^by; cp. Acts 6:3 ^bz, 5 ^ca; 11:24 ^cb).

• when I laid my hands on you: Paul and the elders (1 Tim 4:14 ^cc) had ordained Timothy for ministry with the ceremonial laying on of hands.
1:8 ^cd This verse summarizes the letter. Timothy would probably experience suffering (2:3 ^ce; 3:12 ^cf; 4:5 ^cg; see Heb 13:23 ^ch) both in coming to Rome and in his subsequent ministry as Paul’s successor.
Summary for 2Tim 1:9-10: 1:9-10 ^ci This passage underscores the importance of obedience (1:8 ^cj) and strengthens Timothy for it (cp. 1 Tim 1:15 ^ck; 2:5-6 ^cl).

• God saved us ... Christ Jesus, our Savior: God and Christ are described interchangeably in the role of Savior (see 1 Tim 1:1 ^cm; 2:3-4 ^cn).

• called us to live a holy life: Salvation and godliness are linked (see 1 Tim 3:14-16 ^co; 5:8 ^cp; Titus 2:11-14 ^cq; 3:4-7 ^cr; Eph 2:10 ^cs).

• not because we deserved it: We deserve condemnation (see Rom 3:23-24 ^ct; 5:6-11 ^cu; Eph 2:8-9 ^cv; Titus 3:5 ^cw).

• that was his plan from before the beginning of time: See Titus 1:2 ^cx; John 17:24 ^cy; Eph 1:4 ^cz, 11 ^da; 1 Pet 1:20 ^db; Rev 13:8 ^dc. Salvation is completely removed from human merit and located exclusively in the gracious working of God.
1:10 ^dd God’s gift of grace has been made . . . plain in history by Christ Jesus (see Rom 16:26 ^de; 1 Pet 1:20 ^df).

• by the appearing: See study note on 1 Tim 6:14.

• broke the power of death: See 1 Cor 15:26 ^dg; 2 Thes 2:8 ^dh; Heb 2:14 ^di.

• the way to life: See 2 Tim 1:1 ^dj; 1 Cor 15:53-54 ^dk; Titus 1:2 ^dl.

• through the Good News: Salvation is provided by Christ, but its effects are mediated through proclamation of the Good News (see Titus 1:2-3 ^dm; Rom 1:16-17 ^dn; 10:14-15 ^do).
1:12 ^dp Paul had complete confidence as he faced his own death (see 4:17-18 ^dq; Rom 1:16 ^dr; 2 Cor 4:8-9 ^ds; Phil 1:20 ^dt); it was an example for Timothy to follow (see 2 Tim 1:8 ^du).

• what I have entrusted to him (or what has been entrusted to me; literally my deposit): My deposit might be either the Good News that had been entrusted to Paul (see 1 Tim 6:20 ^dv) or Paul’s life and ministry that he had committed to God.
1:14 ^dw Timothy must guard the precious truth (literally guard the good deposit; see study notes on 1:12; 3:11) by faithfully proclaiming it and preventing false teachers from distorting it (see study note on 2:2; see also 1 Tim 6:20 ^dx).
Summary for 2Tim 1:15-18: 1:15-18 ^dy Using the examples of others, both negative and positive, Paul continues urging Timothy to be faithful and to come to Rome without fear. 1:15 ^dz everyone ... has deserted me: The desertion took place either in Rome or in the province of Asia when Paul was arrested. Paul might have seen this as another way his life followed the pattern of Christ’s (see Matt 26:31 ^ea, 56 ^eb).

• Phygelus and Hermogenes are otherwise unknown. The context (2 Tim 1:11-14 ^ec) might imply that they were church leaders who sided with Paul’s opponents.