2 Timothy 1:1-7

Time and Place of Writing Paul released from first imprisonment possibly as early as A.D. 61, likely NLT Summer of A.D. 63. Paul resumed his preaching efforts soon after release. Some details of Paul’s activities can be pieced together with a few assumptions. (Likely) places he visited included Crete, Ephesus, Colosse, Macedonia, and Nicopolis. He had expressed a desire to preach in Spain. No Bible record of this, but tradition says that he did.

Time and Place of Writing 2 Timothy 1:16-17 shows that the book was written from Rome and that he was again in prison. 2 Timothy 4:16-17: Paul mentions his first defense and that he was delivered. Implies that a 2nd defense is coming. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 indicates that he did not expect to be released and that his death was near. Paul mentions several times in chapter 4 his desire for Timothy to come. According to tradition, he was executed sometime around AD 66/67 at the direction of Nero. Therefore, 2 Timothy was written from Rome, likely around AD 65. 2 Timothy was Paul’s last letter that we know of.

Outline of 2 Timothy I. Salutation (1:1-2) II. Thanksgiving (1:3-5) III. Exhortations (1:6-12) IV. Solemn Charge (1:13-14) V. Paul’s Associates (1:15-18) VI. Different Aspects of Strength Illustrated (2:1-6) VII. The Cross Before the Crown (2:7-13) continued Source: Truth Commentary on 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon (Marshall Patton)

Outline of 2 Timothy VIII. A Workman Approved of God (2:14-19) IX. A Vessel unto Honor (2:20-26) X. A Warning of Perilous Times (3:1-9) XI. Paul-an Example of Endurance XII. The Scriptures-Our Safeguard XIII. Paul’s Final Charge (4:1-5) XIV. Paul’s Triumph XV. Personal Matters (4:9-22) Source: Truth Commentary on 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon (Marshall Patton)

2 Timothy 1:1-2 Salutation Paul was an Apostle by the will of God. The Promise of Life in Christ Jesus. As Paul nears death, he is thinking about the eternal life awaiting him. 2 Cor. 4

2 Timothy 1:3-5 Thanksgiving Paul was thankful to God and notes that he had served Him with a good conscience. Compare Acts 22:3; 23:1; Phil. 3:5; 1 Timothy 1:13. Paul prayed for Timothy night and day!

2 Timothy 1:3-5 Paul had a great desire to see Timothy. He mentions an experience from the past in which Timothy had shed tears. He wanted to see him again. This would likely have been their last meeting.

2 Timothy 1:3-5 Paul remembers Timothy’s genuine, sincere faith. Faith first dwelled in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice. Father was a greek. Acts 16:1. Parents can greatly influence their children’s faithfulness; genuine, sincere? weak or shallow complete unfaithfulness. Are we influencing our children toward a genuine, sincere faith?

2 Timothy 1:6-7 Paul reminds Timothy to stir up the spiritual gift he had received by laying on of his hands. Even Timothy had to be reminded and stirred up! This gift was imparted by the laying on of Paul’s hands. I Timothy 4:14 says that Timothy had a gift that was given by the laying on of hands by the Elder’s hands. At first glance, there seems to be a conflict. Since only Apostles could impart spiritual gifts (see Acts 8), there are at least two possible explanations.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 Possible explanation: The gift was actually imparted by Paul, and the Elders’ laying on of hands was the act of endorsing the gift and position in which he would use it. Another explanation is the the gift Paul imparted was a spiritual gift and that the gift mentioned in 1 Timothy was a particular talent, rather than a spiritual gift. Note that 1 Tim. mentions it was “given by prophecy ‘with’ the laying on of the hands of the eldership”. Why is it important to discuss and resolve questions like these?

2 Timothy 1:6-7 For God has not given us a Spirit of Fear. i.e. a fearful disposition of mind. Rev. 21:8: fearful (or cowardly) listed among the list of other sins. Matt. 25:25: One talent man was afraid. It’s possible God inspired Paul to write this in view of the widespread, severe persecution from the Roman government about to start . But rather God has given us a Spirit of Power, love and sound mind.