Get Ready
Near the end of his ministry (and his life) Paul wrote to two of his closest associates Timothy and Titus, encouraging them to continue spreading the Gospel and providing encouragement and advice about organizing and leading the developing church.
Author
The church has acknowledged the Apostle Paul as the author of the two letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus since they were first circulated.
However, some inconsistencies between these letters and Paul’s other letters, as well as the chronology in Acts, has led some scholars to argue that Paul is not the author. The primary difficulty comes from Paul’s references to being in the eastern Mediterranean region after his imprisonment in Rome [Acts 28]. But Luke describes a very loose arrangement in which Paul continues to preach, so it is very possible that Paul traveled to Crete and Ephesus after the original “imprisonment,” and before the actual trial for his life.
The other objections are based on narrow interpretations of phrases or the absence of linguistic or rhetorical elements that do appear in Paul’s other work.
Context
Timothy (his name means “honoring God”) joined Paul during his second missionary journey. His Jewish mother and grandmother had become believers during or shortly after Pauls first visit to Lystra [Acts 16:1]. His father was Greek. When Timothy joined the missionaries, Paul had him undergo circumcision to forestall any objections from Jewish Christians. Timothy’s responsibilities increased to the point where he, along with Silas, was representing Paul to the churches in Asia Minor and Greece [check 1 Cor 4:17, 16:10-11, Phil 2:19-22 or 1 These3:1-6]. His role grew as the number of churches grew.
Most authorities believe Paul wrote the first letter to Timothy during a period of freedom between his first incarceration in Rome and the final one prior to his death – probably 66 or 67. Paul is evidently visiting some of his Asian and Greek churches.
The second letter comes about a year after the first. Paul clearly is a prisoner in Rome from the references in this letter: he asks Timothy to come to him before winter and to bring a cloak he had left at Troas [2 Tim 4:13].
Structure
Both letters have the same basic structure:
- Paul begins with comments about Timothy and himself and their relationship.
- Then Paul offers guidance and admonitions on a variety of subjects dealing with the church and leadership.
In the first letter this advice includes: prayer, qualifications for bishops and deacons, dealing with false piety and false teachings, and the responsibilities of a church leader.
The second letter deals with characteristics of a good “soldier” of Christ and a “worker approved by God,” as well as some comments about the “last days.” Paul also gives Timothy specific directions as a church leader.
Major Themes
These letters to Timothy, as well as the one to Titus, come at the end of Paul’s missionary work. In 2 Timothy it is especially clear that the Apostle knows his life is close to its end in this world: I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come, 2 Tim 4:6}.
He actually states his purpose midway through the letter: I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth, [1 Tim 3:14-15]. Paul is giving Timothy the rationale behind the choices he has been making in organizing the churches and identifying leaders – because he knows Timothy will now have to assume these responsibilities.
Paul is reinforcing – in writing – what he has been teaching Timothy for the past ten or more years during his missionary travels. He wants to ensure that his protegé has the knowledge and courage to continue to spread the Gospel and build up churches. This also explains why (as some critics complain) the letters do not contain Paul’s usual explanations of Christian theology and arguments refuting false doctrine. Timothy has fully absorbed Paul’s teachings about faith and the Gospel; Paul does not need to repeat himself on these issues.
He does, however, feel the need to encourage Timothy to persevere in the faith. He warns him that people will fall away from their beliefs and be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [2 Tim 3:2-4]. Paul encourages Timothy to avoid such people and make sure they are not appointed as leaders. He also charges Timothy to always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry, [2 Tim 4:5].
Get into the Word
1. What makes these books different from the other New Testament letters?
2. Who wrote these books? Who supports this belief? Why do some scholars question this conclusion? How do scholars answer this discrepancy? How do you feel about this conclusion?
3. Who is the recipient of these letters? What is his relationship with Paul? How did these two first meet? What is unusual about Timothy’s background? How did his role and responsibilities change during his time with Paul?
4. When did Paul write these two letters? What was his personal situation at this time? Where was he when he wrote the letters? What is different about the context of the second letter? Why is this important?
5. How are the letters organized? What are the primary sections of the letters? What subjects does Paul deal with in each of the letters? Why do you suppose he discussed these issues and not others?
6. What is Paul’s primary purpose in writing these letters? What is significant about the timing of the letters? Why did Paul feel it was necessary to deal with these topics in writing? What is Paul’s ultimate objective with these letters?
7. Why do these letters not deal with Paul’s theology and beliefs about Jesus and the Gospel (a major criticism of some scholars)? How would Timothy have become well-grounded in these subjects?
Bible Trivia:
Paul on women . . .
Even though Paul was supported by several generous women, he had some very one-sided ideas about their role in the church: Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor, [1 Tim 2:11-14].
And on Timothy . . .
No longer drink only water, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments, [1 Tim 5:22].
72: A good minister, approved by God –
1 Tim 4:6-16; 2 Tim 2:1-26
Get Ready
Do you have a set of the “good dishes” in your family that you use on special occasions? When do you use them? Who determines when? Do they get special storage and special treatment when they are used? Who is responsible for cleaning and putting them away after they are used?
The Word
4 6 If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, 8 for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 These are the things you must insist on and teach. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
2 Timothy
2You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; 2 and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. 3 Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. 5 And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. 6 It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 The saying is sure:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful –
for he cannot deny himself.
14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. 16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. 21 All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. 22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. NRSV
Get into the Word
1. Who is Paul addressing in this letter? What is Paul discussing here? What is the end result of following him? What advice is he offering? What images does he use? Why is this image appropriate in such a letter? What “struggle” is he talking about?
2. What directions does he give Timothy? What is his primary role in this church? What about his age? How is Timothy qualified for what Paul wants him to do? What will happen if he follows the directions? Why is this important for Timothy? For the church?
3. What does Paul tell him in the second letter? Where does Timothy’s strength come from? Why does he need to pass Paul’s teachings to others? What happens next? What images does Paul use to make his point? Which image speaks to you? Why?
4. How does Paul summarize his gospel? How does it affect his life? How does he underscore his point to Timothy? How does this affect a believer? How do you react to Paul’s teaching? How does God protect believers?
5. What warning does Paul give Timothy? What should he and the believers avoid? Why should we avoid this type of behavior?
6. What metaphor does Paul use for the church? How does this help explain the importance of “cleanliness” for believers?
Get Personal
What type of “utensil” are you at this time? What type do you want to become? How does God help you “pursue righteousness?”
Notes . . .
4:6. These instructions — Paul’s teachings against false piety and other heresy; he also warns Timothy about “profane myths and old wives’ tales.”
4:7. Train yourself — Paul uses the image of athletic training, which was very important in Greek culture.
4:12. Your youth — Timothy was younger than many of the believers in his church and may have been less assertive than Paul thought appropriate, [check 1 Cor 16:10-11].
4:13. Give attention to — the public ministry consisted of reading (“Scriptures” would have been the Old Testament); teaching: helping believers understand the scriptures; and exhorting: applying the scriptures to their lives.
2:1. Be strong — the key is: in the grace that is in Christ Jesus – we use his strength, not our own. And we use it to entrust to faithful people – this is Paul’s legacy for Timothy.
2:3. Good soldier — Paul used the image of a soldier several times [check 1 Cor 9:7; Eph 6:11-18; Phil 2:25].
2:11-13. Saying — probably an early hymn or chant, summarizing Paul’s rationale for suffering.
2:14. Avoid wrangling over words — Paul doesn’t have time for arguing over “the small stuff,” Timothy knows the Gospel, he needs to proclaim “the word of truth.”
2:17. Hymenaeus and Philetus — two men spreading false teaching in the church.
Memory Verse
All scripture is inspiredby God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [2 Tim 3:16].
Next Lesson
Titus: Sound doctrine
