The Second Epistle To Timothy

by Chris Simmons

We learned from the study of 1st Timothy last week, that sometime after release from his first imprisonment, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus and then later wrote his first epistle to him. At some point, it becomes evident that Paul was once again arrested and imprisoned and it is equally evident that Paul wrote II Timothy while thus imprisoned. He exhorted Timothy in II Timothy 1:8, “do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.” At the close of the second letter, Paul makes reference to his “first defense” in which many deserted him, though the Lord stood with him (II Timothy 4:16-18). His first imprisonment was due to the objection of the Jews and his own appeal to Caesar, though no charges had ever formally been established under Roman law (Acts 28:17-19). In this second letter, Paul makes reference to his “imprisonment as a criminal,” indicating different circumstances from his first imprisonment where he had been allowed to “stay by himself” (Acts 28:16).

In Paul’s prison epistles, we read how that he expressed his hope and expectation of deliverance from his first imprisonment (Philippians 1:18-20; 2:24; Philemon 22). In II Timothy, in his second imprisonment, however, we read of no such hope or expectation. On the contrary, in II Timothy there is a sense of finality to his life. Paul now understood that the “time of my departure has come” (4:6) while he makes mention that he is “already being poured out as a drink offering.” Contrast this with his comments of his first imprisonment in which he said, “but even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith” (Philippians 2:17). Paul had great faith in God but in this letter, Paul’s confidence was expressed by the fact that he expected God’s deliverance to lead him “safely to His heavenly kingdom” (4:17) and not to his brethren in the churches he had labored in before.

There is a sense of urgency to this letter indicating his belief that his “departure” was imminent. Paul finished the letter by urging Timothy to “make every effort to come to me soon” (4:9) and later added that “soon” meant “before winter” (4:21). There is urgency to sound teaching and preaching. Paul emphasized this when he added that such needed to be done “in season and out of season.” Is there a sense of urgency in our service to God? Do we realize the need to take advantage of “today” (Hebrews 3:7-15) to make our lives right with God? As Ananias asked Saul in Acts 22:16, “why do you delay?”, so must we examine our hearts and lives for a lack of urgency. Time is fleeting and life indeed is but “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). As the Psalmist said, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom” (Psalms 90:12). May we make our preparations today for our own departure from this life while we have opportunity.

There is a tone of caution and warning in this letter. There will be those who “turn away” (1:15) and those who go “astray” whose influence will spread if it’s not checked (2:17-18). Paul was candid with Timothy when he warned him that “difficult times will come” caused by men who pursue the many paths of sin (3:1-9). Paul warned Timothy that some would forsake him just as men had forsaken Paul (4:10) and that there will be those who will seek to do “much harm” to those who faithfully preach the word (4:14). We’ve got to “be on guard” (4:15) and counter the efforts of those “who are in opposition” (2:24-25).

This is also a letter full of confidence, faith and hope. Paul had confidence that his service to God was not in vain. Paul said “I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (1:12). There was no doubt or wavering in Paul and he was sure that all of the hardships he suffered was worth the salvation that God has promised (2:8-10). Paul was confident, and had great faith in the word of God’s ability to fully equip us for all we need in life. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17). We are to have such confidence and surety of hope in our lives as well. In I John 5:13 we read “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.” Paul held this confidence firm until the end as he was able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (II Timothy 4:7-8). Through our faith and humble obedience, will we retain our confidence “firm until the end” (Hebrews 3:14; cf. Hebrews 3:6; 6:11; 10:35).

There is a theme of encouragement and exhortation in this letter as he urged Timothy to faithfully fulfill his responsibilities as a bond servant of Jesus Christ and a preacher of the word. Paul was concerned about Timothy’s mindset and prayed that he develop and maintain a spirit of “power and love and discipline” rather than a spirit of “timidity” (1:7). Timothy was called upon to be steadfast and “retain the standard (or pattern) of sound words” (1:13) which he had received from the inspired apostle Paul. He was exhorted to simply “be strong” and endure whatever hardship that may come his way for standing for the truth (2:3, 9). He was to be diligent in his study of God’s word and become adept in handling God’s word accurately (2:15). He was to seek to correct by teaching “those who are in opposition” with kindness and patience (2:24-26). May we have the boldness, diligence and patience to continue to proclaim the pattern of sound words.