Second Timothy Analysis

Introduction A letter written from a loved one is something that is held as a prized possession. This is especially true if the letter contains encouragement or sound life advice from someone who is no longer living. Such a document contains a connection to the past and words of inspiration for the future. The reader of Second Timothy discovers, rather quickly, that this is the case for this body of work. In Paul’s final letter to Timothy, one will find an imprisoned mentor writing to his protege encouraging him to continue the good work and to instill confidence in his Savior. Paul stresses in this letter, and particularly in 3:10-17, for Timothy to remain secure in his faith and look to the Word of God for every issue that might arise.
64 and A.D. 67, likely occurring after the events of Acts. Paul writes this letter while enduring his second Roman imprisonment, realizing that his death was imminent. Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, writes to his son in the faith one final time to warn against false teaching and to provide instruction to the church at Ephesus through Timothy’s conduct and church life. Even though false teaching is addressed, Second Timothy differs slightly from the other two pastoral epistles in that this letter is written on a much more personal level than the others. Timothy, the intended recipient of Paul’s letter, served as one of Paul’s inner circle and accompanied him on his second and third missionary journeys. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he provides encouragement in his role as minister and addresses his responsibilities for that office. He also warns against false teachings and exhorts Christians concerning their conduct. The encouragement provided to Timothy in the second letter implores him to suffer alongside the apostle (2 Tim. 1:8), hold firm and guard the faith, faithfully pass the Gospel message along, handle the Word correctly and to allow it to guide his teaching and life. Included in the closing chapter of Second Timothy, Paul also makes requests concerning travel and personal effects. As a final letter to a friend and co-laborer in ministry, Paul seeks to inspire steadfastness in
In verses ten through seventeen, as a response to these evil men, Paul gives Timothy two vital resources to help him defend against any kind of attack. The first resource being Paul’s personal lifestyle example, and the second being the Word of God. Paul begins unpacking Timothy’s arsenal of resources by bringing into remembrance nine specific qualities that the young minister had observed in the life of the apostle, and that stand in contrast to the list in the preceding verses. Heading the list are teaching (doctrine) and conduct, both of which are at the root of the problems faced in Ephesus and as a result are “the most significant aspects of Paul’s ministry relative to Timothy’s historical situation.” It is also important to note that the remainder of the list: purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions and suffering, are an outflowing of these two and make up a complete package of Paul’s character. It is not with pride, but excessive humility, that Paul offers his life as an example to Timothy and wishes him to emulate it. By pursuing a godly lifestyle, Timothy will be able to stand against any assault on his character. Paul follows this by noting locations where he had received harsh treatment for proclaiming the