Author:
2 Timothy 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of 2 Timothy as the
apostle Paul.
Date of Writing:
The Book of 2 Timothy was written in approximately A.D. 67,
shortly before the apostle Paul was put to death.
Purpose of Writing:
Imprisoned in Rome yet again, the apostle Paul felt lonely
and abandoned. Paul recognized that his earthly life was likely coming to an
end soon. The Book of 2 Timothy is essentially Paul’s “last words.” Paul looked
past his own circumstances to express concern for the churches and specifically
for Timothy. Paul wanted to use his last words to encourage Timothy, and all
other believers, to persevere in faith (2 Timothy 3:14) and proclaim the gospel
of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:2).
Key Verses:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so
that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and
out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful
instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for his
appearing.”
Brief Summary: Paul encourages Timothy to remain passionate for Christ and
to remain firm in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:1-2, 13-14). Paul reminds Timothy
to avoid ungodly beliefs and practices and to flee from anything immoral (2
Timothy 2:14-26). In the end times there will be both intense persecution and
apostasy from the Christian faith (2 Timothy 3:1-17). Paul closes with an
intense plea for believers to stand firm in the faith and to finish the race
strong (2 Timothy 4:1-8).
Connections: So concerned was Paul to warn Timothy and those he pastored
of the dangers of false teachers that he invoked the story of the Egyptian
magicians who opposed Moses (Exodus 7:11-22, 8:7, 18-19, 9:11). Although their
names are not mentioned in the Old Testament, tradition has it that these men
instigated the building of the golden calf and were killed with the rest of the
idolaters (Exodus 32). Paul predicts the same fate for those who resist the
truth of Christ, their folly eventually being made “clear to everyone” (2
Timothy 3:9).
Practical Application: It is easy to get side-tracked in the Christian life. We
have to keep our eyes on the prize—being rewarded in heaven by Jesus Christ (2
Timothy 4:8). We must strive to avoid both false doctrine and ungodly
practices. This can only be accomplished by being grounded in our knowledge of
God’s Word and firm in our refusal to accept anything that is unbiblical.
Ref: copyright: www.gotquestions.org
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