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2 Timothy
Introduction
THESE NOTES AWAIT COMPLETION
The Pastoral Epistles of I Timothy, Titus and II Timothy were probably written by Paul at a later stage in his ministry. Although it is not possible to be sure of what happened at the point where the book of Acts finishes, tradition has it that Paul was released around 60AD. He then continued with his ministry of building up his existing churches, and some believe he even journeyed to Spain to establish the Christian church there. Whether he did, or did not, visit Spain, it is most likely that he was able to continue his ministry for a further seven years before being executed during the reign of Nero, possible 67AD. I Timothy and Titus were written before his arrest and II Timothy while in prison for the last time.
So, although there is no firm evidence, it is generally argued that Paul was released from his imprisonment described in Acts 28 and was then later re-arrested and taken to Rome to stand trial. This letter, therefore, was probably written during his final stay in prison. Paul is alone, except for Luke, and he longs to see Timothy again. We would expect a sense of regret and self-pity, but instead Paul delivers a word of encouragement to his brother Timothy.
The purpose of these letters, known as the Pastoral Epistles, was to encourage two student ministers. Timothy was a Pastor at Ephesus, and it was to him that Paul penned two personal letters of encouragement. The letters do not have the same power as his earlier works, they are not as theological, rather they deal with church discipline, order and the role of ministry. None-the-less, behind this practical instruction there does lie an issue which faces Timothy, an issue which has constantly hounded Paul, namely "whether a program of Law observance such as that forwarded by the would-be teachers (1:7) is efficacious and appropriate", Johnson.
The authorship of these letters remains a matter of dispute. These notes proceed on the basis that they are composed by Paul the apostle, but such is by no means proven.
1. Introduction
i] Salutation and thanksgiving, 1:1-5
ii] An exhortation to boldness and faithfulness, 1:6-14
iii] Personal news, 1:15-18
2. Paul's charge to Timothy, 2:1-4:5
i] A call to dedication and faithfulness, 2:1-13
a) Serving with dedication, 2:1-7
b) The reasons for holding firm, 2:8-13
ii] Confronting the false teachers at Ephesus, 2:14-26
iii] An eschatological perspective of the heresy facing Timothy, 3:1-9
iv] Standing against the heresy in the example set by Paul, 3:10-17
v] The final charge - do the work of an evangelist, 4:1-5
3. Personal information, commission and greetings, 4:6-22
i] Paul's testimony, 4:6-8
ii] Personal instructions, 4:9-13
iii] A warning about Alexander the coppersmith, 4:14-15
iv] Paul's continuing confidence in the Lord despite his present difficulties, 4:16-18
v] Final greetings and blessing, 4:19-22
Barrett, New Clarendon, 1963. Bernard, CGTSC, 1899. Dibelius/Conzelmann, Hermeneia. Fee, NIBC. Gromacki, Baker, 1 Timothy, 1982. Guthrie, Tyndale, 1957. Hanson, NCB & CBC. Hendriksen, Banner of Truth. Houlden, Pelican, 1976, reprint TPI 1989. Johnson, Anchor. Kelly, Blacks / Harpers, 1963. Knight, NIGTC. Leaney, Torch. Leske, ChiRho. Lock, ICC, 1924/52. MacArthur, Moody. Marshall, ICC, 1999. Milne, FOB. Mounce, Word. Quinn, Titus, Anchor, 1995. Quinn & Wacker, ECC. Rolston, Layman's. Simpson, Tyndale Press, 1954. Smith, Know your Bible 10. Stott, BST. Towner, NICNT. Wilson, Banner of Truth.
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