Second epistle to Timothy . Both this and the first letter to Timothy and the letter to Titus have been called “pastoral” letters, because they are addressed to people in charge of pastoral work at the head of some communities and for dealing with issues related to this office.
Summary
[ hide ]
- 1 timothy
- 2 Date and place of writing
- 3 Comment
- 4 Outline of content
- 5 Biography
- 6 Sources
Timothy
Timothy was one of Paul’s most faithful collaborators , and his name appears mentioned about twenty-four times, example Ro 16.21; 2Co 1.1; Flp 1.1.
He was from Lystra and his conversion to the Christian faith was probably during Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 14.19,20; 16.1-2). He was raised in teaching the word of God. In Acts 16.1-3 it is said that he was of a believing Jewish mother , that is, that he had become a Christian, and of a Greek father , that is, a pagan.
Pablo invites him to join his missionary team, made up of Silas, Pablo and Lucas , during his second trip. By classifying Acts 13.5, it can be said that being chosen took the place of John Mark, he was circumcised by Paul so that he was free to preach the Gospel in the various Jewish synagogues that he would visit (Acts 16.3; 1 Cor 9.20). He also suffered imprisonment (Heb 13.23). He ministered in at least five of the churches mentioned in the New Testament :
- Thessalonica (1 Thess 3.2,6)
- Corinth (1 Cor 4.17; 16.10; 2 Co 1.19)
- Philippi (Phil 2.19-23)
- Berea (Acts 17.14)
- Ephesus (1 Tim 1.3)
Apparently he was a reserved person and he did not enjoy good health. See also First Epistle to Timothy .
Date and place of writing
According to some interprets the testimonies that we find in the letter itself, its wording can be dated to the time of Nero , around 65-67 AD, when the apostle was imprisoned in Rome (2.9; cf. 1.8, 16–17).
Commentary
The second letter to Timothy is presented almost as the will of the apostle, already close to his death. In it some of the instructions given in the first letter are repeated and some new ones are added
In the introduction, after a brief greeting (1.1-2), there is a thanksgiving to God for Timothy’s faith and the love he has shown towards Paul (1.3-5).
The central part of the letter includes, above all, an exhortation not to be ashamed of the gospel, of that gospel to which Paul has given his life. Timothy must also be willing to suffer with courage “like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (1.6-2.13)
Following are some exhortations about the attitude that Timothy must assume towards those who teach erroneous doctrines. He is reminded that these errors are characteristic of a time of crisis, and new recommendations are made regarding his pastoral duties. Finally, there are some instructions and news of a personal nature (2.19-4.18).
The letter ends with a brief farewell (4.19-22)
In the perspective in which the letter is written, this would be the last of the apostle’s writings.
Content outline
I Salutation (1.1-2)
II Testified of Christ (1.3-18)
III A good soldier of Jesus Christ (2.1-13)
IV An approved worker (2.14-26)
V Character of men in the last days (3.1-17)
VI Preach the word (4.1-8)
VII Personal instructions (4.9-18)
VIII Greetings and final blessing (4.19-22)
