Introduction to the Second Epistle to Timothy

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Introduction to the Second Epistle to Timothy

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/2TI.INTRO1.NIV

Paul left his co-worker Timothy in the city of Ephesus to deal with some renegade leaders in the church there. When Timothy struggled, however, Paul went back to Ephesus. Once there, Paul suffered a great deal of harmfrom Alexander, one of these leaders, and he was once again imprisoned and taken to Rome. He expected that this time he would be tried and executed. Paul wrote to Timothy to ask him to come to Rome quickly.

Things in Ephesus had not gone as Paul or Timothy expected. Paul had ordered both Alexander and Hymenaeus to step down from leadership, but they were continuing to oppose Paul. Others had joined them, and they were still misdirecting people into a corrupted version of the faith that stressed debate and dissension rather than purity and obedience. Timothy was discouraged and intimidated. Paul’s letter includes challenges to stay faithful to the true message—even if this meant suffering or death. Paul reminds Timothy that in the days before the open appearance of Jesus as king, there will be lots of trouble. False teachers, treacherous and insincere people, persecutions and more will all challenge the faithfulness of God’s people.

Paul urges Timothy to remember the gospel message: Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. He points out that the sacred writings Timothy has known since he was a child are God-breathed, and will help him continue in doing good work.

Introduction to the Second Epistle to Timothy

https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-timothy/

1. Summary of the Book of 2 Timothy

This summary of the book of 2 Timothy provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Timothy.

2. Author, Date and Setting

See essay, p. 2481. After Paul's release from prison in Rome in a.d. 62 (Ac 28) and after his fourth missionary journey (see map, pp. 2486-2487), during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul was again imprisoned under Emperor Nero c. 66-67. It was during this time that he wrote 2 Timothy. In contrast to his first imprisonment, when he lived in a "rented house" (Ac 28:30; see note there), he now languished in a cold dungeon (see 4:13 and note), chained like a common criminal (1:16; 2:9). His friends even had a hard time finding out where he was being kept (1:17). Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end (4:6-8).

3. Reasons for Writing

Paul had three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time:

Paul was lonely. Phygelus and Hermogenes, "everyone in the province of Asia" (1:15), and Demas (4:10) had deserted him. Crescens, Titus and Tychicus were away (4:10-12), and only Luke was with him (4:11). Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him also. Timothy was his "fellow worker" (Ro 16:21), who "as a son with his father" (Php 2:22 ; see note there) had served closely with Paul (see 1Co 4:17). Of him Paul could say, "I have no one else like him" (Php 2:20). Paul longed for Timothy (1:4) and twice asked him to come soon (4:9,21). For more information on Timothy see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Recipient.

Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel (1:14), to persevere in it (3:14), to keep on preaching it (4:2) and, if necessary, to suffer for it (1:8; 2:3).

Paul wanted to write to the Ephesian church through his letter to Timothy (see note on 4:22).

3. Outline

A. Introduction (1:1-4)

B. Paul's Concern for Timothy (1:5-14)

C. Paul's Situation (1:15-18)

D. Special Instructions to Timothy (ch. 2)

   a. Call for Endurance (2:1-13)

   b. Warning about Foolish Controversies (2:14-26)

E. Warning about the Last Days (ch. 3)

   a. Terrible Times (3:1-9)

   b. Means of Combating Them (3:10-17)

F. Paul's Departing Remarks (4:1-8)

   a. Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)

   b. Paul's Victorious Prospect (4:6-8)

G. Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (4:9-22)