Introduction and summary of 2 Timothy

Sixteenth of 27 New Testament books, before Titus, the last letter we have from apostle Paul, it contains triumphant expressions of faith as he approaches death: "There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day . . ." (4:8).

Like the caring elder he is, Paul recalls earlier relations with Timothy and his family and reminds him of previous instruction (1:3-6; 2:1, 2; 3:14, 15). He asks Timothy to bring a coat: Winter is on the way (4:9, 13, 21).

The letter has many personal expressions (30 of 81 verses, concentrated in chs. 1, 4), several pastoral paragraphs (42 verses, especially ch. 2), and one major prophetic section (16 verses, mostly ch. 3).

Personal pairs

• Father, Son - God, Lord in heaven (1:1, 2; 4:1)
• Eunice, Lois - passed their faith to Timothy (1:5)
• Phygellus, Hermogenes - turned away from Paul (1:15)
• Hymenaeus, Philetus - false teachers (2:17, 18)
• Jannes, Jambres - resisted Moses (3:8)
• Demas, Alexander - forsook, resisted Paul (4:10, 14)
• Mark, Luke - servants with Paul (4:11)
• Priscilla, Aquila - old friends (4:19)
• Onesiphorus, household - zealous helpers (1:16-18; 4:19)
• Timothy, Titus; Tychicus, Trophimus - (4:10-13, 20)

Pastoral commands to disciples (ch. 2)

Be strong in grace (2:1).
Pass on the truth (2:2).
Stand the heat that comes (2:3, 9-13).
Be free to serve (2:4).
Play by the rules (2:5).
Remember the good news (2:8).
Be diligent with the Word (2:15).
Avoid empty debates (2:14, 16-18).
Clean the cup (2:20-22).
Correct, but don't quarrel (2:23-26).

Prophetic: In the last days . . .

• difficult problems will increase in the world (3:1-7, 13).
• doubting people will increase in the church (4:3, 4).

The gospel in 2 Timothy

• God has saved and called us by His grace (1:9).
• God has given us a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind (1:7).
• Jesus Christ abolished death (1:10).
• Christ brought life and immortality to light (1:10).
• Christ was raised from the dead (2:8).
• Scripture teaches salvation through faith in Christ (3:15).
• Salvation in Christ has eternal glory (2:10; 4:8).

Sound teaching: A major concern of Paul's is that Timothy avoid the traps others have fallen into and continue diligently teaching and preaching the word of truth (1:13; 2:2; 3:10-17; 4:2-4).

Affliction, hardship: On death row in his last prison, the old apostle recalls much suffering - with little bitterness or regret (1:8, 12, 15; 2:9-12; 3:10-12; 4:10, 14-18).

Admonitions, warnings: Don't be ashamed (1:8); hold fast (1:13); be strong (2:1); endure hardship (2:3; 4:5); remember (2:8); be diligent (2:15; 4:9); shun empty chatter (2:16); flee youthful lusts (2:22); avoid foolish disputes (2:23); be gentle (2:24); know this (3:1); continue (3:14); preach the Word (4:2); be watchful; do the work; fulfill your ministry (4:5).

Foundation and seal: God knows His children; those who say they are His should show it by forsaking sin (2:19).

Personal testimony

• I thank and serve God (1:3).
• I remember your faith and pray for you (1:3, 5).
• I was appointed a preacher-teacher- apostle (1:11).
• I suffer, but I am not ashamed (1:12; 2:9).
• I endure all things and was delivered from them all (2:10; 3:11, 12; 4:17).
• I'm being poured out; I've fought the fight, kept the faith, finished the course; there is laid up for me a crown . . . (4:6-8).
• I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed unto Him until that day (1:12).
• The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom! To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (4:18).

String of pearls

The Word: all inspired and profitable (3:14-17)
The job: preaching the Word, fulfilling ministry (4:1-5)
The goal: a crown of righteousness (4:6-8)

Second Timothy in a sentence: To his spiritual son, best student, and loyal friend, the old apostle writes his confidence in Scripture and the gospel of Christ, his commission to faithful ministry, and his caution and concern about apathy and apostasy all around.