Bible Overview: 2 Timothy

Author: Paul

His final letter

2 Timothy 1:1 BSB

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

Recipient: Timothy

-probably still ministering in Ephesus

2 Timothy 1:2 BSB

2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Date: A.D. 66-67

This was Paul’s final letter, and he likely died sometime between A.D. 66-68 under emperor Nero

Purposes:

1. To request Timothy’s presence and help in his final moments.

2. To encourage Timothy to be faithful in his life and ministry amidst persecution.

Paul felt lonely and abandoned. Paul was in jail often, and many abandoned him believing that his suffering meant God was not blessing and approving of his ministry.

2 Timothy 1:15 BSB

15 You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2 Timothy 4:16 BSB

16 At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

Now he was on trial for his life and felt all alone. Humanly speaking he was alone, but he sensed the personal presence of the Lord Jesus strengthening him even when everyone else abandoned him.

2 Timothy 4:17 BSB

17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

He wanted Timothy to come visit him and bring him a few things.

2 Timothy 4:9–13 BSB

9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, 10 because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 1:4 BSB

4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

Other Key Passages:

Timothy’s roots of Faith

2 Timothy 1:5 BSB

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

2 Timothy 3:14–15 BSB

14 But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. 15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Suffering for faith and ministry

2 Timothy 1:8 BSB

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

2 Timothy 2:3 BSB

3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:10–12 BSB

10 You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance, 11 my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Paul’s Confident Faith and Hope in God

2 Timothy 1:12 BSB

12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

2 Timothy 4:8 BSB

8 From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Timothy’s need to be faithful in ministry

2 Timothy 1:13–14 BSB

13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Timothy 2:1–2 BSB

1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

2 Timothy 2:8 BSB

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,

2 Timothy 2:15 BSB

15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 BSB

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4:2 BSB

2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

2 Timothy 4:5 BSB

5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Application:

The Christian life is a life of suffering for our faith in the gospel and our faithfulness in serving Christ; but it is a rewarding life because of the promise of eternal life and glory that God has stored up for those who trust and love Him.