The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to
TIMOTHY
Author: Paul
Date: A.D. 66–67
Theme: The Commitment to Ministry
Key Words: Fight, Charge, Instruct
Background. As far as we can determine, Paul was released from Roman imprisonment shortly after Acts was written and engaged in additional missionary travels, journeying as far as Spain. During the era of persecutions initiated by Nero in A.D. 64, Paul was again arrested, probably in Troas (4:13), and taken to Rome. The circumstances of his second Roman imprisonment were quite different from those of his first incarceration. Previously, he was in his own hired dwelling and was able to receive visitors freely, but now he was confined in a dungeon and friends could only see him with difficulty. Formerly he had expected to be released, but now he looked forward to death (4:6–8). At the writing of this letter, only Luke was with Paul (4:11), all others having left for various reasons.
Occasion and Date. The letter was occasioned by Paul’s concern for Timothy’s needs as well as for his own. He reminded Timothy of his responsibilities and admonished him to give himself wholeheartedly to his task. As for himself, Paul needed certain personal effects (4:13) and in his loneliness desired to see Timothy and Mark (4:9–11). There is little question that Paul wrote this letter shortly before his death. Therefore, since he was probably executed before Nero’s death in A.D. 68, the letter may be dated around 66–67.
Purpose. Paul’s immediate purpose in the letter was to issue an affectionate appeal to Timothy to come to him (4:9, 11, 13, 21). However, Paul’s main concern was the welfare of the church, and he gave Timothy instructions for perfecting its organization and safeguarding the gospel. With the realization that his death was imminent, and that Timothy might not reach him in time for a final visit, Paul injected into this letter solemn words of admonition. His preoccupation was with the gospel, and he expressed to Timothy his concern that his young coworker would faithfully transmit the gospel after the old warrior’s death. The letter urges Timothy to be faithful in the face of hardships, desertions, and error.
Characteristics. Although Paul is terse and to the point, he is also tender, warm, and affectionate. Second Timothy reveals Paul’s emotions more than his intellect, because his heart was speaking. Consequently, the letter is not an orderly, well-planned literary production, but a personal note containing the apostle’s last will and testament.
Personal Application. This epistle is a handbook for young ministers of the gospel. The church needs more Timothys who are determined to guard the gospel as a sacred deposit committed to them, who are faithful to proclaim it, who are ready to suffer for it, and who will pass it on to faithful followers.
Christ Revealed. For Paul, the gospel is more than statements and proposition; it is Christ (see 1:8). Spiritual blessings, such as grace, mercy, peace, and even life itself, reside in Him and are derived from Him (1:1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18; 2:1). Jesus came to earth as a man (2:8) to be our Savior (1:10; 2:10; 3:15) and was resurrected (2:8) following His death. He is faithful to those who follow Him (1:12; 2:11, 12; 4:17, 18, 22) and consistent in His purpose (2:12, 13). He also grants spiritual understanding (2:7). Christ will appear at His Second Coming as the righteous judge (4:1, 8; see 1:18; 4:14, 16).
The Holy Spirit at Work. The Holy Spirit had given Timothy a gift and Paul exhorted him to use it actively (1:6). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit grants power, love, and a sound mind (1:7). The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to be faithful to the gospel committed to us and to safeguard its purity (1:13, 14).
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible
TIMOTHY
Author: Paul
Date: A.D. 66–67
Theme: The Commitment to Ministry
Key Words: Fight, Charge, Instruct
Background. As far as we can determine, Paul was released from Roman imprisonment shortly after Acts was written and engaged in additional missionary travels, journeying as far as Spain. During the era of persecutions initiated by Nero in A.D. 64, Paul was again arrested, probably in Troas (4:13), and taken to Rome. The circumstances of his second Roman imprisonment were quite different from those of his first incarceration. Previously, he was in his own hired dwelling and was able to receive visitors freely, but now he was confined in a dungeon and friends could only see him with difficulty. Formerly he had expected to be released, but now he looked forward to death (4:6–8). At the writing of this letter, only Luke was with Paul (4:11), all others having left for various reasons.
Occasion and Date. The letter was occasioned by Paul’s concern for Timothy’s needs as well as for his own. He reminded Timothy of his responsibilities and admonished him to give himself wholeheartedly to his task. As for himself, Paul needed certain personal effects (4:13) and in his loneliness desired to see Timothy and Mark (4:9–11). There is little question that Paul wrote this letter shortly before his death. Therefore, since he was probably executed before Nero’s death in A.D. 68, the letter may be dated around 66–67.
Purpose. Paul’s immediate purpose in the letter was to issue an affectionate appeal to Timothy to come to him (4:9, 11, 13, 21). However, Paul’s main concern was the welfare of the church, and he gave Timothy instructions for perfecting its organization and safeguarding the gospel. With the realization that his death was imminent, and that Timothy might not reach him in time for a final visit, Paul injected into this letter solemn words of admonition. His preoccupation was with the gospel, and he expressed to Timothy his concern that his young coworker would faithfully transmit the gospel after the old warrior’s death. The letter urges Timothy to be faithful in the face of hardships, desertions, and error.
Characteristics. Although Paul is terse and to the point, he is also tender, warm, and affectionate. Second Timothy reveals Paul’s emotions more than his intellect, because his heart was speaking. Consequently, the letter is not an orderly, well-planned literary production, but a personal note containing the apostle’s last will and testament.
Personal Application. This epistle is a handbook for young ministers of the gospel. The church needs more Timothys who are determined to guard the gospel as a sacred deposit committed to them, who are faithful to proclaim it, who are ready to suffer for it, and who will pass it on to faithful followers.
Christ Revealed. For Paul, the gospel is more than statements and proposition; it is Christ (see 1:8). Spiritual blessings, such as grace, mercy, peace, and even life itself, reside in Him and are derived from Him (1:1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18; 2:1). Jesus came to earth as a man (2:8) to be our Savior (1:10; 2:10; 3:15) and was resurrected (2:8) following His death. He is faithful to those who follow Him (1:12; 2:11, 12; 4:17, 18, 22) and consistent in His purpose (2:12, 13). He also grants spiritual understanding (2:7). Christ will appear at His Second Coming as the righteous judge (4:1, 8; see 1:18; 4:14, 16).
The Holy Spirit at Work. The Holy Spirit had given Timothy a gift and Paul exhorted him to use it actively (1:6). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit grants power, love, and a sound mind (1:7). The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to be faithful to the gospel committed to us and to safeguard its purity (1:13, 14).
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible
