2 Timothy

By the time he wrote this second letter to Timothy (66 A.D.), much had changed in Paul's circumstances. No longer a comfortable prisoner under house arrest, allowed visitors, sending letters to the churches, and permitted to preach (as he had been when writing 1 Timothy), Paul was now in a dungeon, lacking sanitation, abandoned by all but Onesiphorus (vv.15-17), and awaiting execution. It is surprising that he was even able to send this final letter to Timothy, which some have called Paul's last will and testament. The situation in Ephesus had become more desperate. Christians were persecuted, corrupt theology persisted and ungodly behavior in the church grew. Paul knew that even church leaders like Timothy were vulnerable to losing the strength of their convictions. Paul wrote this letter with love and compassion to his "beloved" Timothy to urge him to persevere. But as divinely inspired commands, it is also a letter to all believers with a wider purpose. Today it calls for every believer to seek strength and faithfulness in our pursuits of service to God. Prayerfully consider it as such, as you read and allow God's Word to abide in you.

Here, Paul calls Timothy to expect the hardships of Christian service, acknowledging that there will be difficulties. A soldier is no longer woven into the affairs of daily life, an athlete must compete by the rules, and a farmer is hard-working, but God gives insight. In all these, we must endure if we are to reign with Christ. Because the issue of false teaching has remained, Paul not only names offenders (Hymenaeus had been mentioned previously as well) but cites how to respond. The key is in diligently handling the word of truth. Certainly, this would involve knowing scripture, but it would also mean knowing how to resolve issues of false teaching. There are doctrines not worthy of debate. The consequences of allowing disputes in these matters will lead others to ruin and further ungodliness. Instead, Paul affirms "sanctification," which means to be "set apart." We need to understand both meanings: 1) set apart "from" sin, and 2) set apart "for" God. As we grow, we learn the truths of God's Word and the Gospel. To deliver those truths, we cannot become so proud that we become obstacles to the delivery of truth. Verses 23-26 identify how we can avoid becoming the obstacle.

Many will use the opening verses of this chapter to assert that we are finally living in the last days before Christ returns to rapture His church at the Second Coming. Indeed, vv.1-9 is a prophetic narrative using a vice list (2-5) and application to the opponents of the church and the truth (6-9), which are quite evident in the world today. But as Paul instructs Timothy with the words "know this," (the Greek present tense imperative should be taken to mean "accept what I am about to tell you"), he is establishing the prophetic framework by reference to the times as "the last days" in a manner that had become traditional (cf. 1 Tim 4:1-2; 2 Pet 3:3). The term was widely used by New Testament writers such as Luke and Peter as the period beginning with the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. The writer of Hebrews also characterized "the last days" as when God sent His Son (Heb 1:2). So, while we may hear (read) a reference to the future and events that have not yet unfolded, Paul was writing prophetically of a time that was then (and is now) upon us. Therefore, yes, we are living in the last days before Christ returns. Nonetheless, Christ's words hold true of how long we will remain in these last days (Mt 24:36; Mk 13:32) “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." Paul's admonition closing this chapter is that much more significant in this context as a call to continue ministry with suffering (vv.10-17).

Paul is increasingly earnest as he closes his remarks to Timothy, beginning with a reminder that Jesus is the Judge of the living and the dead, Jesus is the Conqueror (by His appearing...preach the word), and Jesus is the King (by His kingdom...preach the word). Consider Paul's three words to direct Timothy's preaching: There is a progression from 1) Reprove - convincing people of their guilt and exposing sin, to 2) Rebuke - warning people to stop, or cease an action they need to turn away from, and finally, 3) Exhort - imploring, entreating, calling someone to your side. Two harsh words, followed by one soft, and directions to be patient and teach. It is no wonder that Paul warns Timothy they will not endure sound doctrine and look for teachers/preachers that say the things that make them happy with themselves (v.3). Isn't this just like today as people will attend whichever church is the most "fun" or has the most convenient service times to accommodate their personal schedules? For some, sound doctrine may be too challenging or leave the hearer feeling too guilty about their sin. That doesn't relieve us of the responsibility to fulfill our ministries (v.5). As we pursue the high calling of serving a Risen Savior and Returning King, aspire to have 2 Timothy 4:7 for your own epithet, knowing you did not compromise when hardship came. Rather you were ready, in season and out of season, enduring to achieve the purposes for which you were created.