II Timothy

Author: the apostle Paul
Place of writing: Rome
Time of writing: 66 or 67 A.D.

A few years after Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he ended up in a Roman prison once again (2:8-9); this time, he would not be released, but would soon die in bonds, at the hands of Emperor Nero. Paul recognized that his life was almost over (4:6-8), and so he wrote this second letter to Timothy, encouraging him to stand fast in the truth, and not to be ashamed to testify about Jesus, even when persecution is the result (1:8). Another reason that he wrote was to ask Timothy to come visit him, along with Mark, and to bring copies of the scriptures, as well as a cloak to fight off the cold of the damp Roman dungeon; everyone but Luke had forsaken him, and he longed for more fellowship in the gospel (4:9-15). But in spite of everything, he was filled with hope as he considered the heveanly Kingdom, and the power of the Lord to keep him until the end (4:18).

The theme of this letter is the need for faithfulness in a believer’s life, no matter what persecutions or false teachings may arise to oppose him. Paul has suffered all conceivable hindrances; but he has been faithful, and is now able to rejoice in the crown of righteousness which awaits him. He exhorts Timothy to be faithful as well; and, moreover, to teach those who come after him to be faithful, so that the church would continue to cling to the pure gospel of God’s grace, throughout its generations (2:1-2).

Paul begins with a reminder of Timothy’s heritage of faith, and exhorts him to cling to the truth, even though persecution would result. He reminds him that God had chosen us to receive his grace in Christ Jesus before the world began, and encourages him not to turn aside, but to endure hardships like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. If he is faithful, enduring sufferings for Christ’s sake, then he will also live and reign together with Christ. Paul warns Timothy once again of the false teachings and meaningless disputes that will always plague the church, and admonishes him to follow after right doctrine and personal purity in every aspect of his life. Although everyone who lives a life which is pleasing to Christ will be persecuted, he reminds Timothy that Jesus will soon judge the living and the dead; and so Timothy must faithfully proclaim the word of God, which alone is able to give the wisdom that leads to salvation, no matter how unpopular this teaching may become.

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