Paul's Second Letter to Timothy
After Paul's release from prison in Rome A.D. 62-63 and after his fourth missionary journey, during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, he was again imprisoned in Rome under Emperor Nero about A.D. 66-67. He was languishing in a cold dungeon, chained like a common criminal. Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end.
Paul has three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time: (1) Paul was lonely because many of his friends had deserted him. Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him; (2) he was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time for persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard and, if necessary, to suffer for it; (3) he wanted to write to the Ephesian church through Timothy.
I. Paul's Concern for Timothy (1:1-14)
II. Paul's Situation (1:15-18)
III. Instructions for Timothy (2:1-26)
IV. Warning About the Last Days (3:1-17)
V. Paul's Charge, Requests and Greetings (4:1-22)
II. Paul's Situation (1:15-18)
III. Instructions for Timothy (2:1-26)
IV. Warning About the Last Days (3:1-17)
V. Paul's Charge, Requests and Greetings (4:1-22)
In chapters 1-2, Paul begins with thanksgivings and an announcement to remain faithful, strong and to “Join with me in suffering for the Gospel” (1:8). In contrast to his first imprisonment, when he lived in a rented house (Acts 28:30), he now languished in a cold dungeon (4:13), chained like a common criminal (1:16; 2:9). He also reiterates the important work of “entrusting the faithful men who will be able to teach others” (2:2); teaching believers not only the Gospel, but also to teach other believers.
In chapters 3-4, Paul tells Timothy to remain faithful and “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (4:2), because difficult times would be in the future. He challenges him to endurance reminding him that endurance is one of the main qualities essential for a successful preacher of the Gospel. Men would become just as they were in the time of Moses. He writes that, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (3:12). At the end of chapter 4, Paul writes about personal concerns, asking that some of his personal items be brought to him; it appears that his imprisonment was completely unexpected. Soon after this letter, probably the spring of 68 A.D., it is likely that Paul was beheaded as a Roman citizen.
continue to Titus...
continue to Titus...
