While searching for Paul, Onesiphorus would tread the broad streets of Rome, passing beneath the archways of its aqueducts and walking beside its grand colonnaded porticos. But the prison where Paul was held would be out of the way, along an alley or even in a cave, requiring all of Onesiphorus’s diligence to find his colleague.
The fact that Onesiphorus of Ephesus had to search earnestly to find Paul in prison at Rome (2Tm 1:16–17) tells us more about Paul’s circumstances at the end of his life. The Romans did not typically hold prisoners for long periods of time. But Paul’s case seems exceptional, since he received more than one hearing (4:16) and expected an extended stay in chains, requiring support from his fellow workers (4:9–13). With the Lord’s help, Paul successfully defended himself so that he “was rescued from the lion’s mouth” (4:17).
Paul could have little hope of ultimate acquittal from his detractors; he was at the end of his course. And he was virtually alone; only Luke was with him. He longed to see “his beloved child” Timothy once more and bade him come to Rome before the winter made travel by sea impossible (1:4; 4:9, 21). He had to reckon with the possibility that Timothy might not reach Rome in time; and so he put in writing all that he hoped to tell Timothy in person if and when he arrived.
The apostle Paul, a Jew from Tarsus who studied under the Rabbi Gamaliel at Jerusalem, was regarded as the author of the letter by early Christians.
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy in AD 68, not long before Paul was executed for ministering the Gospel.
The theme and mood of 2 Timothy are noticeably different from that of 1 Timothy. The letter is more concise and earnest. The writer has a single point to make, and he makes it simply and effectively. His advice is to beware of false teachers and to hold on to the simple Gospel. The second letter does not contain the many directions for congregational administration found in the first one. The writer limits this letter to the central thought almost exclusively.
The letter is, as Bengel has put it, Paul’s “last will and testament,” in which he bids Timothy preserve the apostolic Gospel pure and unchanged, guard it against the increasingly vicious attacks of false teachers, train men to transmit it faithfully, and be ready to take his own share of suffering in the propagation and defense of it. The most personal of the Pastoral Letters is therefore in a sense “official,” too, for Paul cannot separate his person from his office. The man who has been “set apart for the Gospel of God” (Rm 1:1) remains one with that Gospel in life and in death.
Since 2 Timothy is written as a letter, it does not have a storyline or plot. However, Paul does relate some personal history regarding Timothy and himself, especially in chs 1 and 4.
Paul writes this letter from personal history, the “pattern of the sound words” (1:13), and references to the movements of his colleagues and opponents (4:9–21).
The text of 2 Timothy is well established through a wealth of early manuscripts and from Early Church Fathers who cite the letter. As with Paul’s other letters, scholars discuss the possible influence of the early heretic Marcion on causing some of the textual variants.
2 Timothy 1: Paul addresses Timothy tenderly, referring to him as his “beloved child” and speaking God’s grace, mercy, and peace to him. Alone in prison and abandoned by many of his friends, Paul fondly remembers the encouragement he received from Timothy’s sincere faith. Exhorting Timothy never to be ashamed of the faith he has been given, Paul exults in the promise of Christ, for whose sake he is imprisoned.
2 Timothy 2:1–4:8 Using several comparisons (soldier, athlete, and farmer), Paul calls Timothy to find other faithful men who are able to share in the pastoral office. He reminds Timothy that he and his fellow pastors must remain focused on their task of proclaiming God’s Word. They must not get bogged down in quarrels or give in to the temptations of the flesh (such as temper), but be generous and kind to all. Although Paul writes these words specifically about temptations that attack the pastoral office, they clearly apply to all Christians. Men such as Jannes and Jambres allowed themselves to be enticed, and in so doing they disqualified themselves regarding the faith. Paul points to himself as an example for Timothy. He speaks about the great work the Gospel has produced within him. Faced with the thought of his imminent death, Paul impresses upon Timothy the importance of carrying on where Paul will leave off, preaching the Word faithfully.
2 Timothy 4:9–22 In closing, Paul requests that Timothy visit him at Rome, confident that his fellow Christian will prove faithful. Paul asks Timothy to greet the other Christians at Ephesus, whom Paul had earlier grown to love.
As Paul faces the possibility of public execution, he warns about the approach of Judgment Day and how all will face God’s justice. He reflects on what it is like to suffer for the Gospel, preparing Timothy for similar trials. He charges and commands Timothy regarding his duties before God and His people.
Paul rejoices that Jesus is returning as the Savior, to rescue His people. The message of Christ is “sound,” granting spiritual health and life. The Lord has prepared Timothy for the challenges ahead by giving him the Holy Spirit, who is a deposit or guarantee assuring the believer of God’s mercy.
This epistle is a farewell letter, in which St. Paul exhorts Timothy to go on propagating the gospel, even as he has begun. This is quite necessary, since there are many who fall away; and false spirits and teachers keep springing up all around. Therefore it is incumbent upon a bishop always to be alert and to work at the gospel.
But he prophesies especially, in chapters 3 and 4, concerning the perilous time at the end of the world. It is then that a false spiritual life will lead all the world astray, with an outward show, under which every sort of wickedness and wrong will have its fling. Sad to say! we now see this prophecy of St. Paul all too amply fulfilled in our clergy. (AE 35:389)
Scripture: ESV®.
The quotation marked AE in this blog is from Luther’s Works, American Edition, vol. 35 © 1960 by Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of the publisher.
Blog post adapted from Lutheran Bible Companion, Volume 2: Intertestamental Era, New Testament, and Bible Dictionary © 2014 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.