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2Timothy Chapter One
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"FAMOUS last words" is more than a cliché.
When notable men and women of influence are about to die, the world wait to hear
their final words of insight and wisdom. Then those quotes are repeated
worldwide. This is also true with a dying loved one. Gathered at his or her
side, the family strains to hear every whispered syllable of blessing,
encouragement, and advice, knowing that this will be the final message.
One of the most knowledgeable, influential, and beloved men of history is the
apostle Paul. And we have his famous last words.
Paul was facing death. He was not dying of a disease in a sterile hospital
with loved ones gathered nearby. He was very much alive, but his condition was
terminal. Convicted as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul lay in a cold Roman
prison, cut off from the world, with just a visitor or two and his writing
materials. Paul knew that soon he would be executed (4:6), and so he wrote his
final thoughts to his "son" Timothy, passing to him the torch of leadership,
reminding him of what was truly important, and encouraging him in the faith.
Imagine how Timothy must have read and reread every word-this was the last
message from his beloved mentor, Paul. Because of the situation and the
recipient, this is the most intimate and moving of all Paul's letters, and his
last.
Paul's introduction is tender, and the love he has for Timothy exudes from
every phrase (1:1-5). He then reminds Timothy of the qualities necessary for a
faithful minister of Jesus Christ (1:6-2:13). Timothy should remember his call
and use his gifts with boldness (1:6-12), keep to the truth (1:13-18), prepare
others to follow him in the ministry (2:1, 2), be disciplined and ready to
endure hardship (2:3-7), and keep his eyes and mind focused on Christ (2:8-13).
Paul challenges godless chatter, correctly handled the word of truth (2:14-19),
and keep his life pure (2:20-26).
Next, Paul warns Timothy of the opposition that he and other believers would
face in the last days from self-centered people who use the church for their own
gain and who teach false doctrines (3:1-9). Paul tells Timothy to be prepared
for these unfaithful people by remembering his example (3:10, 11), understanding
the real source of the opposition (3:12, 13), and finding strength and power in
the Word of God (3:14-17). Then Paul gives Timothy a stirring charge-to preach
the Word (4:1-4) and to fulfill his ministry until the end (4:5-8).
Paul concludes with personal requests and items of information. In these
final words, he reveals his loneliness and his strong love for his brothers and
sisters in Christ (4:9-22).
There has never been another person like Paul, the missionary apostle. He was
a man of deep faith, undying love, constant hope, tenacious conviction, and
profound insight. And he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us God's
message. As you read 2Timothy, know that you are reading the last words of this
great man of God-last words to Timothy and to all who would claim to follow
Christ. Recommit yourself to stand courageously for the truth, knowing the Word
and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Vital Statistics
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Purpose:
To give final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, pastor of the
church at Ephesus
Author:
Paul
To Whom Written:
Timothy and all Christians everywhere
Date Written:
About A.D. 66 or 67, from prison in Rome. After a year or two of
freedom, Paul was arrested again and executed under Emperor Nero.
Setting:
Paul was virtually alone in prison; only Luke was with him. Paul wrote
this letter to pass the torch to the new generation of church leaders. He also
asked for visits from his friends and for his scrolls, especially the
parchments-possibly parts of the Old Testament, the Gospels, and other Biblical
manuscripts.
Key Verse:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who
does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2:15).
Key Place:
Rome, Ephesus
Special Features:
Because this is Paul's last letter, it reveals his heart and his
priorities-sound doctrine, steadfast faith, confident endurance, and enduring
love.
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The Blueprint
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1) Foundation of Christian service
(1:1-2:26)
2) Difficult times for Christian service
(3:1-4:22)
Paul gives helpful advice to Timothy to remain
solidly grounded in Christian service and to endure suffering during the
difficult days to come. It is easy for us to serve Christ for the wrong reasons:
because it is exciting, rewarding, or personally enriching. Without a proper
foundation, however, we will find it easy to quit during difficult times. All
believers need a strong foundation for their service, because Christian service
does not get easier as we grow older, and it will become no easier as the time
of Christ's return grows closer.
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Megathemes
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Theme:
Boldness
Explanation:
In the face of opposition and persecution, Timothy was to carry out his
ministry without fear or shame. Paul urged him to utilize boldly the gifts of
preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit had given him.
Importance:
The Holy Spirit helps us to be wise and strong. God honors our confident
testimony even when we suffer. To get over our fear of what people might say or
do, we must take our eyes off the people and look only to God.
Theme:
Faithfulness
Explanation:
Christ was faithful to all of us in dying for our sin. Paul was a
faithful minister even when he was in prison. Paul urged Timothy to maintain not
only sound doctrine but also loyalty, diligence, and endurance.
Importance:
We can count on opposition, suffering, and hardship as we serve Christ.
But this shows that our faithfulness is having an effect on others. As we trust
Christ, he counts us worthy to suffer, and he will give us the strength we need
to be steadfast.
Theme:
Preaching and Teaching
Explanation:
Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching the Good News
about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth
but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for
Christ's mission.
Importance:
We must prepare people to transmit God's Word to others so that they in
turn might pass it on. Does your Church carefully train others to teach?
Theme:
Error
Explanation:
In the final days before Christ returns, there will be false teachers,
spiritual dropouts, and heretics. The remedy for error is to have a solid
program for teaching Christians.
Importance:
Because of deception and false teaching, we must be disciplined and
ready to reject error. Know the Word of God as your sure defense against error
and confusion.
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Paul's Profile
No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped
the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. Even before he was a
believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of Christians
following Stephen's death got the church started in obeying Christ's final
command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul's personal encounter with Jesus
changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was
channeled for the gospel.
Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the finest
available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good Pharisee, who
knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous
to Judaism. Thus Paul hasted the Christian faith and persecuted Christians
without mercy.
Paul got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring
them back to Jerusalem. But God stopped him in his hurried tracks on the
Damascus road. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was never again
the same.
Until Paul's conversion, little had been done about carrying the gospel to
non-Jews. Philip had preached in Samaria and to an Ethiopian man; Cornelius, a
Gentile, was converted under Peter, and in Antioch in Syria, some Greeks had
joined the believers. When Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check on this
situation, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him to Antioch, and together
they worked among the believers there. They were then sent on a missionary
journey, the first of three Paul would take, that would carry the gospel across
the Roman empire.
The thorny issue of whether Gentile believers had to obey Jewish laws before
they could become Christians caused many problems in the early church. Paul
worked hard to convince the Jews that Gentiles were acceptable to God, but he
spent even more time convincing the Gentiles that they were acceptable to God.
The lives Paul touched were changed and challenged by meeting Christ through
him.
God did not waste any part of Paul-his background, his training, his
citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the
same for you? You will never know all he can do with you until you allow him to
have all that you are!
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Paul's Strengths and Accomplishments
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1) Transformed by God from a persecutor of
Christians to a preacher for Christ
2) Preached for Christ throughout the Roman empire on three missionary journeys
3) Wrote letters to various churches, which became part of the New Testament
4) Was never afraid to face an issue head-on and deal with it
5) Was sensitive to God's leading and, despite his strong personality, always
did as God directed
6) Is often called the apostle to the Gentiles
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Paul's Weaknesses and Mistakes
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1) Witnessed and approved of Stephen's stoning
2) Set out to destroy Christianity by persecuting Christians
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Lessons from Paul's Life
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1) The Good News is that forgiveness and eternal
life are a gift of God's grace received through faith in Christ and available to
all people
2) Obedience results from a relationship with God, but obedience will never
create or earn that relationship
3) Real freedom doesn't come until we no longer have to prove our freedom
4) God does not waste our time-he will use our past and present so we may serve
him with our future
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Paul's Vital Statistics
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1) Where: Born in Tarsus, but became a world
traveler for Christ
2) Occupation: Trained as a Pharisee, learned the tent making trade, served as a
missionary
3) Contemporaries: Gamaliel, Stephen, the apostles, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy
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Key Verses
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"For to me, to live is Christ and to die gain. If
I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what
shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and
be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I
remain in the body" (Philippians 1:21-24).
Paul's story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31 and
through his New Testament letters.
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Timothy's Profile
Painful lessons are usually doorways to
new opportunities. Even the apostle Paul had much to learn. Shortly after
his disappointing experience with John Mark, Paul recruited another eager
young man, Timothy, to be his assistant. Paul's intense personality may have
been to much for John Mark to handle. It could easily have created the same
problem for Timothy. But Paul seems to have learned a lesson in patience
from his old friend Barnabas. As a result, Timothy became a "son" to Paul.
Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first missionary visit
to Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy already had solid Jewish training in the
Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. By Paul's second visit, Timothy
had grown into a respected disciple of Jesus. He did not hesitate to join
Paul and Silas on their journey. His willingness to be circumcised as an
adult is clearly a mark of his commitment. (Timothy's mixed Greek/Jewish
background could have created problems on their missionary journeys, because
many of their audience would be made up of Jews who were concerned about the
strict keeping of this tradition. Timothy's submission to the rite of
circumcision helped to avoid that potential problem.)
Beyond the tensions created by his mixed racial background, Timothy
seemed to struggle with a naturally timid character and a sensitivity to his
youthfulness. Unfortunately, many who share Timothy's character traits are
quickly written off as too great a risk to deserve much responsibility. By
God's grace, Paul saw great potential in Timothy. Paul demonstrated his
confidence in Timothy by entrusting him with important responsibilities.
Paul sent Timothy as his personal representative to Corinth during a
particularly tense time (1st Corinthians 4:14-17). Although Timothy was
apparently ineffective in that difficult mission, Paul did not give up on
him. Timothy continued to travel with Paul.
Our last pictures of Timothy come from the most personal letters in the
New Testament: 1st and 2nd Timothy. The aging apostle Paul was near the end
of his life, but his burning desire to continue his mission had not dimmed.
Paul was writing to one of his closest friends - they had traveled,
suffered, cried, and laughed together. They shared the intense joy of seeing
people respond to the Good News and the agonies of seeing the gospel
rejected and distorted. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young
church there (1st Timothy 1:3, 4). He wrote to encourage Timothy and give
him needed direction. These letters have provided comfort and help to
countless other "Timothy's" through the years. When you face a challenge
that seems beyond your abilities, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, and remember
that others have shared your experience.
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Timothy's Strengths and
Accomplishments
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1) Became a believer after Paul's first
missionary journey and joined him for his other two journeys
2) Was a respected Christian in his hometown
3) Was Paul's special representative on several occasions
4) Received two personal letters from Paul
5) Probably knew Paul better than any other person, becoming like a son to
Paul
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Timothy's Weaknesses and Mistakes
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1) Struggled with a timid and reserved nature
2) Allowed others to look down on his youthfulness
3) Was apparently unable to correct some of the problems in the church at
Corinth when Paul sent him there
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Lessons from Timothy's Life
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1) Youthfulness should not be an excuse for
ineffectiveness
2) Our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available
to God
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Timothy's Vital Statistics
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1) Where: Lystra
2) Occupations: Missionary, pastor
3) Relatives: Mother: Eunice. Grandmother: Lois. Greek father
4) Contemporaries: Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, Barnabas
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Key Verses
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"I have no one else like him [Timothy], who
takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own
interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved
himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work
of the gospel" (Philippians 2:20-22).
Timothy's story is told in Acts, starting in
chapter 16. He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21; 1st Corinthians 4:17; 1st
Corinthians 16:10, 11; 2nd Corinthians 1:1, 19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians
2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1st Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1st Thessalonians 2:3, 4;
1st Thessalonians 3:2-6; 1st and 2nd Timothy, Philemon 1; Hebrews 13:23. |
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(1) The Foundation of Christian Service
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1) How did Paul become an apostle of Christ
Jesus, who did Paul write this letter to, and what did Paul say was from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord?
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This letter has a somber tone. Paul was
imprisoned for the last time, and he knew he would soon die. Unlike Paul's first
imprisonment in Rome, when he was in a house (Acts 28:16, 23, 30) where he
continued to teach, this time he was probably confined to a cold dungeon,
awaiting his death (4:6-8). Emperor Nero had begun a major persecution in A.D.
64 as part of his plan to pass the blame for the great fire of Rome from himself
to the Christians. This persecution spread across the empire and included social
ostracism, public torture, and murder. As Paul was waiting to die, he wrote a
letter to his dear friend Timothy, a younger man who was like a son to him
(1:2). Written in approximately A.D. 66/67, these are the last words we have
from Paul.
Paul's second letter to Timothy was written about two to four years after his
first letter. Timothy had been Paul's traveling companion on the second and
third missionary journeys, and Paul had left him in Ephesus to help the church
there (1Timothy 1:3, 4).
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Encouragement to Be Faithful
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2) How did Paul constantly remember Timothy,
why does Paul long to see Timothy, what has Paul been reminded of about Timothy,
where did the faith first live, and what did Paul say was living in Timothy
also?
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Paul constantly prayed for Timothy, his
friend, his fellow traveler, his son in the faith, and a strong leader in the
Christian church. Although the two men were separated from each other, their
prayers provided a source of mutual encouragement. We too should pray
consistently for others, especially for those who do God's work.
We don't know when Paul and Timothy last parted, but it was probably when
Paul was arrested and taken to Roman for his second imprisonment. The tears they
shed at parting revealed the depth of their relationship.
Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, were early Christian
converts, possibly through Paul's ministry in their home city, Lystra (Acts
16:1). They had communicated their strong Christian faith to Timothy, even
though his father was probably not a believer. Don't hide your light at home:
our families are fertile fields for planting gospel seeds. Let your parents,
children, spouse, brothers, and sisters know of your faith in Jesus, and be sure
they see Christ's love, helpfulness and joy in you.
3) How did Timothy receive the gift of God,
what kind of spirit did God not give us, and what kind of spirit did God give
us?
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Clearly Timothy's spiritual gift had been
given to him when Paul and the elders had laid their hands on him and set him
apart for ministry (see 1Timothy 4:14). God gives all Christians gifts to use to
build up the body of Christ (see 1Corinthians 12:4-31), and he gives special
gifts to some through church leaders, who serve as God's instruments.
Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a
leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under
fire from believers and non-believers alike. Paul urged him to be bold. When we
allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The
power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or
do to us, so that we can continue to do God's work.
Paul mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: power,
love, and self-discipline. These are available to us because the Holy Spirit
lives in us. Follow his leading each day so that your life will more fully
exhibit these characteristics. See Galatians 5:22, 23 for a list of the
by-product of the Holy Spirit living in us.
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Cross-reference: Galatians 5:22, 23; (22)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no
law.
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The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous
work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that
are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ's
control-we can't obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If
we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must know him, love him,
remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose
of the law-to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want
the Spirit to produce in you?
Because the God who sent the law also sent the Spirit, the by-products of the
Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of God's law. A person
who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfills the law far better than a person
who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart.
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4) What did Paul say not to be ashamed to do,
and in what way did Paul say to join him in suffering for the gospel?
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In this time of mounting persecution, Timothy
may have been afraid to continue preaching the gospel. His fears were based on
fact, because believers were being arrested and executed. Paul told Timothy to
expect suffering-Timothy, like Paul, would be jailed for preaching the gospel
(Hebrews 13:23). But Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and
that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer. Even when there is no
persecution, it can be difficult to share our faith in Christ. Fortunately we,
like Paul and Timothy, can call on the Holy Spirit to give us courage. Don't be
ashamed to testify.
5) For what reason did Paul say God has saved
us and called us to a holy life, when was this grace given to us, how has this
grace now been revealed, what has Christ Jesus destroyed, and how has Jesus
brought life and immorality to light?
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In these verses Paul gives a brief summary of
the gospel. God loves us, called us, and sent Christ to die for us. We can have
eternal life through faith in him, because he broke the power of death with his
resurrection. We do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation anyway.
What we must do is believe in him and accept his offer.
6) What reason did Paul give for his
suffering, what reason did Paul give for not being ashamed of the gospel, and
what did Paul say he was convinced about?
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Paul was in prison, but that did not stop his
ministry. He carried it on through others like Timothy. Paul had lost all his
material possessions, but he would never lose his faith. He trusted God to use
him regardless of his circumstances. If your situation looks bleak, give your
concerns to Christ. He will guard your faith and safely guard all you have
entrusted to him until the day of his return.
The phrase "guard what I have entrusted to him" could mean: (1) Paul knew
that God would guard the souls of those converted through his preaching; (2)
Paul trusted God to guard his own soul until Christ's second coming; or (3) Paul
was confident that, though he was in prison and facing death, God would carry
out the gospel ministry through others such as Timothy. Paul may have expressed
his confidence to encourage Timothy, who was undoubtedly discouraged by the
problems in Ephesus and fearful of persecution. Even in prison, Paul knew that
God was still in control. No matter what setbacks or problems we face, we can
trust fully in God.
7) Why did Paul tell Timothy to keep what he
heard from him, how did Paul say to keep the pattern of sound teaching, what did
Paul tell Timothy to guard, and what did Paul tell Timothy to guard the good
deposit with?
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Timothy was in a time of transition. He had
been Paul's bright young helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a
church in a different environment. Although his responsibilities were changing.
Timothy was not without help. He had everything he needed to face the future, if
he would hold on tightly to the Lord's resources.
When you are facing difficult transitions, it is good to follow Paul's advice
to Timothy and look back at your experience. Who is the foundation? What gifts
has the holy Spirit given you? Use your gifts you have already been given.
8) Who did Paul say has deserted him, and why
did Paul pray the Lord would show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus?
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Paul singles out two men for special mention
among the deserters, perhaps because they were well known to Timothy. But of
"Phygelus and Hermogenes" we know nothing further.
When did the Christians of Asia turn away from Paul? Perhaps it was when he
was arrested and taken to Rome for his second and final imprisonment. If so, one
can understand the "tears" (verse 4) Timothy shed at that time.
In contrast to the attitudes and actions of the majority was the kindness of
Onesiphorus. He had lived up to his name, which means "help-bringer." This man
had often "refreshed" Paul and had not been ashamed of the apostle's chains, as
the others had been. When he went to Rome, Onesiphorus had "searched hard" for
Paul until he finally found him. There were many prisoners in Rome, and it was
not an easy task to locate this particular one. Paul prayers that mercy may be
shown to Onesiphorus "on that day"-presumably the day of judgment. Then he adds
that Timothy knew very well how this faithful Christian had often helped Paul
when the latter was in Ephesus. (taken from The NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan
Publishers)
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Answers 2Timothy Chapter One
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1) by the will of God, according to the promise
of life that is in Christ Jesus...Timothy...grace, mercy and peace
2) in my prayers...so that I may be filled with joy...your sincere faith...in
your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice...sincere faith
3) through the laying on of Paul's hands...of timidity...of power, of love and
of self-discipline
4) testify about our Lord or of Paul the Lord's prisoner...by the power of God
5) not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and
grace...before the beginning of time...through the appearing of our Savior,
Christ Jesus...death...through the gospel
6) of this gospel that he was appointed a herald and an apostle and a
teacher...because I know whom I have believed...that he (Jesus Christ) is able
to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day
7) as the pattern of sound teaching...with faith and love in Christ Jesus...the
good deposit that was entrusted in you...with the help of the Holy Spirit who
lives in us
8) everyone in the province of Asia...because he often refreshed me and was not
ashamed of my chains
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Taken from The NIV Life Application Study
Bible, Zondervan Publishers
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