When death nears, priorities change. In light of mortality, what used to seem significant may dim in comparison to one's ultimate fate. This is why we listen to a person's "last words." When all is said and done, everyone wants to know what gave that person hope in the face of death. Second Timothy is Paul's "last words." From a Roman prison the aged Apostle Paul wrote his final instructions to his protégé' Timothy. Paul knew that this letter might well be his final contact with Timothy; his execution was most likely imminent. He implored Timothy to come quickly to his side. But in case he did not make it, Paul imparted his last words of encouragement to his "son" in the faith.
Author and Date: The author of Second Timothy identifies himself as Paul (1:1). Other remarks
in the book are characteristic of Paul's ministry (3:10-11; 4:10-11,
19-20). Many of the early church fathers such as Polycarp, Justin Martyr, and
Irenaeus support Pauline authorship. For an explanation to the challenges of
Pauline authorship of Second Timothy, see
the introduction of First Timothy. Most of these challenges are based on
the erroneous assumption that the theology and Greek style of this letter can
on fit the context of the second century.
Many scholars believe that Second Timothy was written
during a second imprisonment of Paul in Rome (1:8, 16-17; 4:6-13). According to the fourth century
church historian Eusebius, Paul was martyred during Nero's regime, sometime
before A.D, 68. Since this letter was written immediately before Paul's death,
it was probably written around A.D 67.
Setting: The
Book of Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28). But many scholars believe that Paul was
acquitted, as he had expected (Philemon 1:9). From sporadic evidence in the
Pastoral Epistles, we can trace Paul's travels after his imprisonment. He
probably visited Crete (Titus 1:5), Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), Macedonia, and perhaps Colosse (Philemon 22) and Spain (Romans 15:24).
Timothy traveled with Paul to Ephesus and was left there to confront the false teachers
that were infiltrating the church in that city (1 Timothy 1:3).
Many believe that Paul was put in prison when Nero began
his campaign of persecution, shortly after Rome burned down in A.D. 64. Nero blamed the Christians
for starting the fire, and executed many of them with extreme cruelty. Soon
afterward, the Apostle Peter died for his faith by being crucified upside down,
according to the church father Origen. As Paul penned his second letter to
Timothy, he was aware of his coming death (4:6-8). A number of believers had
deserted him (4:16), and only Luke
was with him at the writing of this letter (4:11). At the end of the letter, one can sense Paul's
concern. He implores Timothy: "Be diligent to come to me quickly."
(4:9). Paul did not want to leave this earth without seeing Timothy and Mark to
give them some final words of wisdom (4:9-13).
Paul's concern for Timothy arose out of their long
relationship with each other. Ever since the beginning of the second missionary
journey Timothy had been close to Paul, assisting him in his ministry, acting
as his liaison, and learning from his godly example. Timothy's devout mother
Eunice and grandmother Lois had provided him with a grounding in the Hebrew
Scriptures on which Paul could build (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15). Although,
Timothy was slightly timid because of his young age (1:7; 1 Timothy 1:12), Paul developed his son in the faith by placing more
and more responsibility on his shoulders (1 Corinthians 4:17). But leaving Timothy at Ephesus was a major step for
Paul; as a concerned mentor, he wrote a letter to Timothy repeatedly charging
him to remain faithful to the essentials of the Christian faith (1 Timothy 1:8;
4:12-16; 5:21; 6:11-13). Paul had served as Timothy's spiritual mentor
throughout his life. Now, as he neared his death, Paul wanted to see him one
last time. And if that could not be, he wanted to at least give Timothy some
final words of encouragement.
Purpose: Paul's'
primary purpose for writing this letter was to offer final instructions to
Timothy regarding the Christian life. Second Timothy has an intensely personal
nature and tone. One sees Paul's strong love and concern for Timothy. Paul
encourages his close friend to use his spiritual gifts. He writes to strengthen
Timothy's loyalty to Christ in the face of suffering and persecution that would
come. The apostle challenges Timothy to handle the Word of God accurately,
faithfully instructing others in the truths of the faith. Warnings and
instructions are given concerning how a believer should relate to the world in
the times of apostasy. In the closing chapter, Paul offers Timothy his final
word of advice: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of
season." This was Paul's own mission, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles;
now he was passing it on to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy.
Paul's second purpose for writing this letter was to urge
Timothy to join him in Rome. Paul knew that he was soon to die. He longed to see
and have fellowship with his child in the faith one last time.
Theology:
Paul was well aware that hardships and conflict are part of Christian ministry.
One of the essential characteristics of the faithful servant of Christ is
endurance in the midst of difficulties. To encourage Timothy in this virtue,
the apostle reminds him that Jesus Christ is "of the seed of David" and
"was raised from the dead" (2:8). Mention of the seed of David links
Christ with the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:11-16), which states that a son of David will rule on
his throne forever. Furthermore, Christ has been resurrected; He is alive. The
promise of ruling and reigning with Him (2:11-13)
is set before Timothy as a motive for faithful endurance in ministry. A special
crown will be given to those who faithfully serve the Lord and wait for His
return (4:8).
Chapter 3 develops the theme of apostasy in the latter
days. Paul warns Timothy that difficulties are coming for believers, and he
instructs him about how Christians should respond and behave. Jesus had
predicted that such times would come (John 15:18-25; 16:33;
17:15-18), and Paul himself had referred previously to these
times (1 Thessalonians 3:1-8). although he would not live to see those dreadful
days, Paul still cared enough to urge Timothy to be bold in the work of the
Lord, even in the midst of troubling times.