2 TIMOTHY
2 TIMOTHY
Contents
This is a letter written at a time when Paul was contemplating his own death (2 Tim. 4:6-8), so it has the character of a testamentary charge. There is a special solemnity about a letter written in such circumstances. It begins with a normal form of greeting (1:1-2) and moves to thanksgiving and encouragement (1:3-7). This leads to an exhortation to Timothy not to be ashamed of Paul, because Paul is not ashamed of the gospel (1:8-14). After some historical reminiscences (1:15-18), Timothy is urged to be strong in Christ’s grace (2:1-7) and reminded of the essentials of the gospel (2:8-13). He is to be a workman who does not need to be ashamed, but one who teaches faithfully. With this is linked a warning about the false teachers and exhortations to upright living (2:14-26). Paul prophesies of troubles "in the last days,” when all manner of evil flourishes (3:1-9). He gratefully confesses that the Lord has protected him in his troubles (3:10-13) and exhorts Timothy to continue in the teaching he has had from infancy, specifically the teaching from the Scriptures, which are God-breathed and valuable (3:14-17). This leads to a charge to Timothy to preach the word steadfastly (4:1-5). Paul speaks of his impending death and preparedness for it (4:6-8). There follow a series of remarks about individuals (4:9-15) and the information that Paul had been forsaken at his first defense (4:16-18). The letter closes with greetings and the grace (4:19-22).