2 Timothy — Introduction & Outline

The author's claim (1:1) and the circumstances inferred by the letter lead only to the conclusion that Paul wrote this epistle. No objection has stood against the external and internal evidence for Pauline authorship for this or the other pastoral epistles.

Paul is in a Roman prison as he writes (1:8,16-17; 2:9). This is obviously not his earlier imprisonment recorded in Acts 28, because there he lived in a rented dwelling with many companions, but now appears alone and in seclusion (1:16-17; 4:11). Neither does he expect a quick release as before (Phil. 1:25-26; 2:24), but expects death (4:6-8). This second imprisonment came under the persecution initiated by Nero in A.D. 64 to divert suspicion about the burning of Rome from himself to the Christians. When Paul returned to Asia from Spain about A.D. 66 he was a prime target for accusations by his enemies. The letter appears to have been written shortly before his death in A.D. 68. Therefore, Paul wrote from Rome most likely in A.D. 67.

The destination of the letter is not so clear as it is in the other pastorals, but there is good reason to think it was sent to Timothy (1:2) in Ephesus, just as 1 Timothy. Some reasons for this conclusion include the reference to Onesiphorus (4:19) who evidently resided in Ephesus (1:16-18), the reference to Hymenaeus (2:17) who was mentioned in connection to the false teaching in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:19-20), and Paul's assumption that Timothy would pass through Troas on his way to Rome (4:13). Troas lay on the Egnatian Way directly en route from Ephesus to Rome.

As Paul faced the end of his life and ministry in a Roman prison cell, he desired to communicate to his close associate, Timothy, some final words of encouragement and instruction. The occasion for the writing of this letter thus grew out of Paul's circumstances and his fatherly concern for Timothy. Timothy was alone in a dangerous time for the church. Paul was also alone and desired Timothy's company in Rome. The letter encourages Timothy in the ministry and summons him to Rome to be with Paul.

The first purpose of the letter is to encourage Timothy in his ministry. Paul encourages him to endure hardship (1:8; 2:3; 4:5) and to be bold in his gospel witness (1:8-12; 4:1-5) as he faithfully discharges his ministerial duties in increasingly evil times. A second purpose born of his desire to see Timothy (1:4), is to summon the associate to his side (4:9,21). At the same time, Paul wants Timothy to bring Mark also (4:11), as well as some personal items (4:13).

Paul's introduction (1:1-5) expresses his genuine gratitude and affection for Timothy. He makes it clear from the beginning that he wants to see him again (1:4). The rest of the letter is composed largely of exhortations related to Timothy's ministry and some final personal remarks.

The first part of the letter exhorts Timothy to remain steadfast in the ministry (1:6- 2:13). This section begins with the qualities of a steadfast minister (1:6-18). Paul tells Timothy to make the most of his spiritual gift (1:6-7) and to have the same courage in the face of adversity that Paul has demonstrated in himself (1:8-12). In contrast to those who deserted the apostle, except for Onesiphorus, Timothy must remain faithful to the truth entrusted to him (1:13-18). Timothy is also exhorted to remain steadfast in his duties as a gospel minister (2:1- 13). He must be strong (2:1) and continue to teach others the truth he learned from Paul (2:2). He must also be prepared to endure suffering (2:3-13) after the example of endurance seen in the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer (2:4-7). The motivation for faithful enduring is the assurance from Christ's resurrection, the example of Paul's suffering, and the certainty of a future reward (2:8-13).

Paul not only encourages Timothy to remain faithful in ministry, he further exhorts him to be faithful to sound doctrine (2:14-4:8). This second part of the letter begins with the proper reactions a minister of the gospel should have toward doctrinal error (2:14-26).

When confronted with error, Timothy should shun it while being diligent in his personal handling of God's Word (2:14-16). The false teaching Timothy encountered was cancerous in its spread and damaging in its denial of the future resurrection (2:17-18). As a servant of God, Timothy must also be diligent in personal purity (2:20-22). When he must confront false teaching, Paul exhorts Timothy not to be quarrelsome, but to be humble in correcting its adherents (2:23-26).

Paul also wants to prepare Timothy for ministry in the dark times of increasing apostasy, so he exhorts him concerning his conduct in the midst of this coming situation (3:1- 4:8). Paul warns him about the coming apostasy and describes the apostates (3:1-9). But Timothy is also apprised of his advantages in such a time (3:10-17). He has Paul's example of suffering for the gospel and subsequent deliverance (3:10-13), and his own personal experience with the Scriptures which will equip him "for every good work" (3:14-17). Paul's summary charge to Timothy is to faithfully and diligently perform his gospel ministry (4:1-8). This involves preaching the Word and doing the the work of an evangelist in the face of growing apostasy (4:1-5). Finally, Paul explains the basis for his urgent charge; he expects to die soon and his ministry is finished (4:6-8).

The personal remarks of Paul form a third part of the letter (4:9-18). He indicates his need for assistance and asks for Timothy to come to him promptly (4:9-13). His need is compounded by the companions who have deserted him (4:10-11). He also desires to see Mark and to have his cloak and books (4:11-13). Paul includes a warning to Timothy about the dangerous Alexander (4:14-15) and a brief account of his first trial (4:16-18). It appears that Paul was able to capably defend himself after all had forsook him. However, the deliverance he expects is not release from prison, but a vindication of his ministry.

Paul concludes the letter with final greetings, information about some brothers, and a final appeal for Timothy to come before the winter freeze prohibits travel (4:19-21). He closes with his final benediction (4:22).

Paul's last letter is an expression of love and concern for his friend, Timothy. His affection brings encouragement to Timothy to continue faithfully in the gospel ministry and brings a personal summons to join him a last time in Rome.

1. The Introduction 1:1-5

   1. Paul's salutation 1:1-3

      1. The author 1:1
      2. The reader 1:2a
      3. The greeting 1:2b
   2. Paul's thanksgiving for Timothy 1:3-5

      1. His frequency of thanksgiving 1:3
      2. His desire to see Timothy 1:4
      3. His remembrance of Timothy's faith 1:5
2. Paul's Exhortations to Steadfastness in the Ministry 1:6-2:13

   1. In relation to the qualities of the steadfast minister 1:6-18

      1. He exhorts Timothy to make the most of his gift. 1:6-7

         1. The appeal to stir up his gift 1:6
         2. The incentive to stir up his gift 1:7
      2. He exhorts Timothy to have courage. 1:8-12

         1. The appeal to not be ashamed 1:8
         2. The incentive to not be ashamed 1:9-12
         1. The truth of the gospel 1:9-10
         2. The position and attitude of Paul 1:11-12
      3. He exhorts Timothy to be faithful. 1:13-18

         1. The appeal to maintain the true doctrine 1:13-14
         2. The incentive to maintain the true doctrine 1:15-18
         1. The desertion of those in Asia 1:15
         2. The faithful example of Onesiphorus 1:16-18
   2. In relation to the duties of the steadfast minister 2:1-13

      1. He exhorts Timothy to be strong in Christ's grace. 2:1
      2. He exhorts Timothy to transmit the truth to others. 2:2
      3. He exhorts Timothy to endure suffering. 2:3-13
      1. The appeal to endure hardship as a soldier 2:3
      2. The examples of faithful endurance 2:4-7
      1. The example of the soldier 2:4
      2. The example of the athlete 2:5
      3. The example of the farmer 2:6
      3. The appeal to consider and understand these things 2:7
      4. The motivation for faithful endurance 2:8-13
      1. The remembrance of Christ's resurrection 2:8
      2. The suffering of Paul for the gospel 2:9-10
      3. The certainty of a future reward 2:11-13
3. Paul's Exhortations to Soundness in Doctrine 2:14-4:8

   1. The reaction of the minister to doctrinal error 2:14-26

      1. He exhorts Timothy to shun doctrinal error. 2:14-19

         1. The exhortations concerning doctrinal error 2:14-16
         1. He must warn others not to argue over error. 2:14
         2. He must be proficient in handling the Word. 2:15
         3. He must shun profane babblings. 2:16
         2. The results of doctrinal error 2:17-18
         3. The recognition of those who are of the truth 2:19
      2. He exhorts Timothy to pursue personal purity. 2:20-22

         1. The comparison to different vessels in a house 2:20-21
         2. The exhortation to pursue personal purity 2:22
      3. He exhorts Timothy to correct those who oppose. 2:23-26

         1. The exhortation to avoid foolish disputes 2:23
         2. The manner of correcting those who oppose 2:24-25a
         3. The result of correcting those who oppose 2:25b-26
   2. The conduct of the minister amid the coming apostasy 3:1-4:8

      1. He warns Timothy of the coming apostasy. 3:1-9

         1. The announcement of grievous times to come 3:1
         2. The description of the coming apostates 3:2-8
         1. Their sinful character 3:2-5
         2. Their sinful activity 3:6-7
         3. Their sinful attitude 3:8
         3. The limitation on the progress of the apostates 3:9
      2. He apprises Timothy of his advantages. 3:10-17

         1. Timothy's knowledge of Paul in his suffering 3:10-13
         1. The remembrance of Paul in suffering 3:10-11
         2. The inevitability of future suffering 3:12-13
         2. Timothy's knowledge of the Scriptures 3:14-17
         1. His past experience with the Scriptures 3:14-15
         2. The applicability of the Scriptures 3:16-17
      3. He charges Timothy to perform his gospel ministry. 4:1-8

         1. The charge to preach the Word 4:1-4
         1. The statement of the charge 4:1-2
         2. The reason for the charge 4:3-4
         2. The charge to fulfill his ministry 4:5
         3. The basis of these charges 4:6-8
         1. Paul's expectation of death 4:6
         2. Paul's completion of his ministry 4:7
         3. Paul's expectation of reward 4:8
4. Paul's Personal Message 4:9-18

   1. His need for assistance 4:9-13

      1. He asks Timothy to come quickly. 4:9
      2. He explains about his companions. 4:10-11a
      3. He asks Timothy to bring Mark. 4:11b
      4. He explains about sending Tychicus. 4:12
      5. He asks for Timothy to bring his cloak and his books. 4:13
   2. His warning about Alexander 4:14-15
   3. His account of his first trial 4:16-18

      1. His friends forsook him. 4:16
      2. The Lord strengthened him. 4:17
      3. The Lord will deliver him. 4:18
5. The Conclusion 4:19-22

   1. The final greetings and remarks 4:19-21
   2. The benediction 4:22