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Basics

BOOK: 2 Timothy

Description: A follow up letter to Timothy from Paul who is in prison again.

Author: The apostle Paul

Date written: Probably about AD66 or 67

Chapters:  4

Brief Synopsis

• Instead of being confined to his house (Acts 28:30) Paul has now been imprisoned by emperor Nero in a cell in chains (4:13) like a common criminal (1:16, 2:9) where he was difficult to find (1:17) and felt he was nearing the end of his life (4:6-8)
• He obviously felt lonely and wanted Timothy to come as soon as possible (1:4, 4:9,21).
• In the face of the persecution that is taking place, he wants Timothy to guard the Gospel (1:14), persevere in it (3:14,15), keep on preaching it (4:2) and, as necessary, even to suffer for it (1:8, 2:3) and ensure it is passed on (2:3)
• Again, perhaps because of the persecution against the church, he emphasizes the need to endure (2:1-13) and, as in the first letter, he warns against false teachers who stir up controversies (2:14-18).
• Yet again, possibly with persecution in mind, he warns of the last days (3:1-9).
• Perhaps for encouragement in the face of all this, he gives a strong testimony of how the Lord has looked after him always (3:10-17) and how he is sure his future with the Lord will be wonderful (4:6-8).

Why Read 2 Timothy

It is a book of challenges in the context of apostolic encouragement. First (Ch.1) in a family context remembered in prayer, then in a reminder of the God-given gifting Timothy has. The challenge there is that we will have been gifted but we need to stir up that gifting and hold on to it, even if times seem tough. Opposition is to be resisted (Ch.2) and we need to work to be always available to the Lord to exercise the gifting He has given us. The same is true of persecution (ch.3) and final chapter 4 gives us a rare insight into the personal upheavals that even someone like Paul encountered in this battle for the kingdom. Yes, a reminder of spiritual warfare that even impacts on personal relationships. The overall call is to persevere in the face of all these things.

Outline

• 1:1-4 Introduction
• 1:5-14 Paul’s Concern for Timothy
• 1:15-18 Paul’s Situation
• Ch.2 Special Instructions to Timothy
  • 2:1-13 Call for Endurance
  • 2:14-26 Warning about Foolish Controversies
• Ch.3 Warning about the Last Days
  • 3:1-9 Terrible Times
  • 3:10-17 Means of Combating Them
• 4:1-8 Paul’s Departing Remarks
  • 4:1-5 Charge to Preach the Word
  • 4:6-8 Paul’s Victorious Prospect
• 4:9-22 Final Requests and Greetings

Concluding Comments

This a is a letter from a man facing his last days and expressing his concern that the Gospel be passed on and God’s people stand firm. With that in mind he warns against those who would distort the Gospel and of the difficult times he sees coming at the End. For himself he is confident in his testimony of how God has kept him and will bless him in eternity in the near future.