READ IT! - Introduction to 2nd Timothy 1

Introduction to 2nd Timothy 1 

Background 

The language and ideas of this epistle are notably different from the other two Pastoral letters yet similar to the later Pauline letters, especially the ones he wrote in captivity. This has led some scholars to conclude that the author of 2 Timothy is a different person from 1 Timothy and Titus. Some speculate that this letter was written by a follower of Paul who had knowledge of Paul's last days. 

Others, however, have argued that this epistle was written by Paul and that the other two pastoral epistles were written by someone else using this epistle as a model, and that it is the only still-extant letter written by Paul after Romans.

Portions of 2 Timothy parallel the Epistle to the Philippians, also believed to be written (with Timothy's help) near the time of Paul's death. 

Based on the traditional view that 2 Timothy was Paul's final epistle, chapter 4 mentions about how Demas, formerly considered a "fellow worker", had deserted him for Thessalonica, "having loved this present world". In sharp contrast to his dispute with Barnabas over Mark, which resulted in the two parting ways, Paul now considered Mark to be "profitable to the ministry". The chapter also features the only Biblical mention of Linus, who in Roman Catholic tradition is listed as Peter's immediate successor as Bishop of Rome. 

Chapter 1 

The letter opens by claiming to be written by “Paul, an apostle of Christ” to Timothy, “my dear son”. A blessing of “grace, mercy and peace” is given. Paul thanks God for Timothy and says he prays day and night for him. He says he remembers his tears and longs to see him again in joy. 

Paul says he remembers his sincere faith which began in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice. 

Paul reminds Timothy to fan the flame of God’s gift which he received when he laid hands on him. He says, “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 

He says, “Don’t be ashamed to talk about the Lord or me, his prisoner. Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 

He says: 

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.” 

Paul then points to his own example in trusting in Christ. He says, “That’s why I’m suffering, but I’m not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and at the end of the last day I trust him.” 

He instructs Timothy: 

“Teach what I taught you – guard what you received through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 

Paul then discusses standing in the face of rejection. Paul says that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted him, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 

Paul asks God to show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, on the last day, because he often refreshed him and was not ashamed of his chains. When he was in Rome, he even searched hard for Paul, and he was very helpful in Ephesus.