Bible Commentaries
2 Timothy

INTRODUCTION TO THE

SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY.

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING.

The internal evidence of the Epistle points to Rome as the place where it was written. It is generally believed that the following refers to Nero: “But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2 Timothy 4:17), as indicating the place where he was at the time. The seat of judgment, the presence of the emperor, the concourse of the Gentiles, the names of the persons sending salutations, and the expressions of the near approach of death (2 Timothy 4:7-8) leave little doubt that Paul was now in Rome, and, if so, this certainly was the last of the three Epistles. This Epistle differs wholly from the first, caused by different circumstances. Its main purpose was to encourage Timothy under the new danger which had come upon the church through the persecution by Nero and Paul’s imprisonment under a capital charge. By his own example of faith and constancy, by cogent reasonings and exhortations, and by the strongest Christian motives, Paul strives to com­fort and sustain Timothy under the trying and perilous cir­cumstances in which he was placed, and adds some prophetic warnings concerning coming heresies and directions as to how Timothy was to meet them. A brief statement of the present conditions of affairs at Rome was a pressing entreaty twice repeated to hasten to him. (2 Timothy 4:9; 2 Timothy 4:21) A.D. 68.

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE.

After his first trial Paul was remanded to prison. The occasion of writing seems to have been his deep concern about Timothy. He was anxious that he should come to him at Rome, bringing with him Mark, at as early date as possible. (2 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:11.) But Paul was uncertain about his own condi­tion—whether he should live to see him or be executed before his arrival. He sends to him, therefore, not merely a message to come, but an Epistle full of fatherly exhortations and in­structions applicable to his present circumstances. And these seem to have been much needed. Many of Paul’s friends had forsaken him (2 Timothy 1:15; 2 Timothy 4:10), and Timothy needed much en­couragement. The Epistle, therefore, was calculated, in some measure, to apply what Paul by word of mouth would, if he were permitted to speak face to face, still more fervently urge upon him. And thus we possess an Epistle most important for the church in all ages. The affecting circumstances in which Paul himself was placed carry home to every devout heart his earnest and impassioned eloquence.

After his first trial, nothing is certainly known concerning him. But that he was executed by the sword is the constant tradition of antiquity and would agree with the fact of his Roman citizenship which would exempt him from death by torture. Of his last trial and death there is tradition, but no history.

LESSON 1

PREPARATION FOR A GREAT WORK

2 Timothy 1:1 to 2 Timothy 2:26.

1. Tell of Paul’s great love for Timothy. Ans. 2 Timothy 1:3-4.

2. What members of Timothy’s family were examples of faith? Ans. 2 Timothy 1:5.

3. By what means had Timothy received the gift of God? Ans. H Tim. 1: 6.

4. What kind of spirit was imparted by God? Ans. 2 Timothy 1:7.

5. God’s mercy to men through Christ, was shown by what? Ans. Il Tim. 1: 9, 10.

6. Why was Paul not ashamed of his sufferings? Ans. H Tim. 1: 12.

7. What was given to Timothy as a pattern? Ans. 2 Timothy 1:13.

8. What had Phygellus and Hermogenes done to Paul? Ans. 2 Timothy 1:15.

9. How had Onesiphorus treated him? Ans. 2 Timothy 1:16 -lb.

10. What should Timothy commit to faithful men? Why? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:2.

11. How may a soldier please his superior? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:4.

12. When is a contestant crowned? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:5.

13. What was Timothy to remember? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:8-9.

14. Why could Paul endure so much suffering? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:10.

15. In what saying could Paul find much comfort? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:11-13.

16. What charge was Timothy to commit to others? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:14.

17. How can a workman become approved by God? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:15.

18. Profane babblings had caused some to do what? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:16-18.

19. What seal does the firm foundation of God have? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:19.

20. What kind of vessels are there in a great house? Ans. 11 Tim. 2:20.

21. How can one become a vessel of honor? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:21.

22. What should all follow after? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:22.

23. Foolish questions cause what? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:23.

24. How must the Lord’s servant teach? Why? Ans. 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

LESSON 2

GRIEVOUS TIMES IMPENDING

2 Timothy 3:1 to 2 Timothy 4:22

1. What shall come to pass? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:1.

2. Describe the men who shall come later. Ans. 2 Timothy 3:2-5.

3. What shall these men do? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:6-7.

4. What shall their end be? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:9.

5. What did Timothy follow? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:10-11.

6. Who shall stiffer persecution? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:12.

7. Timothy was instructed to abide in what? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:14.

8. What are the sacred writings able to do? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:15.

9. The Scriptures are profitable for what? Ans. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

10. What was Paul’s charge to Timothy? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

11. How shall some react to sound doctrine? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:3.

12. Those with itching ears will do what? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

13. What had Paul done in his lifetime? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:7.

14. What reward did he expect for this? Ans. 11 Tim. 4: 8.

15. Demas had done what? Why? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:10.

16. Where was Titus at this time? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:10.

17. Who was with Paul? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:11.

18. Who was to come with Timothy? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:11.

19. What articles did Paul want Timothy to bring? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:13.

20. What is said about Alexander? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:14-15.

21. Who took Paul’s part in his first trial? Ans. 11 Tim. 4: 16.

22. The Lord did what for him? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:17.

23. Greetings were sent to whom? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:19.

24. Where did Paul leave Trophimus? Why? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:20.

Encouragement to Be Faithful

2 Timothy 1:1 to 2 Timothy 2:13

Open It

1. What is characteristic of the people you enjoy being around?

2. In what ways have your parents or grandparents significantly shaped your life?

Explore It

1.    What did Paul do night and day? (2 Timothy 1:3)

2.    Why did Paul long to see Timothy? (2 Timothy 1:4)

3.    Who were Lois and Eunice, and what did Paul say about them? (2 Timothy 1:5)

4.    What was Timothy reminded to do? (2 Timothy 1:6)

5.    What kind of spirit does God give to His people? (2 Timothy 1:7)

6.    In what way did Timothy need courage? (2 Timothy 1:8)

7.    Why has God called us to a holy life? (2 Timothy 1:9)

8.    What did Christ do? (2 Timothy 1:10)

9.     Of what was Paul appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher? (2 Timothy 1:11)

10.     Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel? (2 Timothy 1:12)

11.     What did Paul tell Timothy to do with his training? (2 Timothy 1:13)

12.     What was Timothy to guard? (2 Timothy 1:14)

13.     Where does the Holy Spirit live? (2 Timothy 1:14)

14.     Who had deserted Paul? (2 Timothy 1:16)

15.     What had Onesiphorus done for Paul? (1:16-17)

16.    What did Paul want the Lord to grant Onesiphorus? (2 Timothy 1:18)

17.     What did Paul encourage Timothy to do with what he had been taught? (2 Timothy 2:2)

18.    How was Timothy to endure hardship? (2 Timothy 2:3)

19.    How does a soldier limit himself? Why? (2 Timothy 2:4)

20.    What must an athlete do in order to win? (2 Timothy 2:5)

21.    What should a hardworking farmer receive? Why? (2 Timothy 2:6)

22.    What was Paul’s gospel? (2 Timothy 2:8)

23.    Why was Paul willing to endure anything? (2 Timothy 2:10)

24.    How did Paul encourage Timothy? (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

25.    What "trustworthy saying" did Paul leave with Timothy to encourage him? (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

Get It

1.    For whom do you pray on a regular basis?

2.    What family member or friend has had the biggest role in your spiritual growth and development?

3.    What gift has God given you?

4.     How is the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline shown in your life?

5.    When have you ever felt ashamed about something that you believe?

6.    When and how have you suffered for the gospel?

7.    What or whose pattern of sound teaching are you following?

8.    When have you felt abandoned by a friend?

9.    When have you been refreshed by another believer?

10.    What example do the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer set for us?

11.    How should God’s faithfulness affect our commitment to Christ?

Apply It

1.    How can you refresh another believer today?

2.    Who is someone for whom you can commit to pray on a regular basis?

3.     What person who has had a substantial impact on your spiritual life will you take the time to thank personally this week?

A Workman Approved by God

2 Timothy 2:14-26

Open It

1. Whose approval did you seek most as a teenager?

2. When was the last time you felt thoroughly embarrassed?

3. What was the last really stupid argument you had with someone?

Explore It

1.    What results from quarreling about words? (2 Timothy 2:14)

2.    How did Paul encourage Timothy to present himself before God? (2 Timothy 2:15)

3.    Why should we avoid godless chatter? (2 Timothy 2:16)

4.    What had Hymenaeus and Philetus done? (2 Timothy 2:17-18)

5.    What must everyone who confesses the name of the Lord do? (2 Timothy 2:19)

6.    What sort of articles are found in a large house? (2 Timothy 2:20)

7.    How could someone become an instrument used for noble purposes? (2 Timothy 2:21)

8.    What was Timothy encouraged to flee? (2 Timothy 2:22)

9.     What was Timothy encouraged to pursue? (2 Timothy 2:22)

10.     What produces quarrels? (2 Timothy 2:23)

11.     What must the Lord’s servant do and avoid? (2 Timothy 2:24)

12.     How should we deal with those who oppose the Lord’s servants? Why? (2 Timothy 2:25)

13.     What did Paul hope would happen to those who opposed the Lord’s servant? (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

Get It

1.     About what sorts of things do we get into senseless arguments with other Christians?

2.    What does it mean to be approved by God?

3.     How can we please God with our work?

4.    What circumstances make you feel ashamed or embarrassed?

5.     When are you tempted to engage in godless chatter or stupid arguments?

6.    What false doctrines have destroyed the faith of someone you know?

7.    How can we cleanse ourselves from insignificant pursuits?

8.    What evil desires of youth continually tempt us?

9.    How do we usually deal with people who oppose us?

10.    How should we deal with people who oppose us?

11.    In what way have people in society today been taken captive by the devil?

Apply It

1.    What can you do to present yourself as one approved to God?

2.    How do you need to change in your daily speech to weed out senseless and godless chatter?

3.    What can you do to flee temptation?

Godlessness in the Last Days

2 Timothy 3:1-9

Open It

1. What adjectives would you use to describe the world in which we live today?

2. What goals drive the people with whom you work and live?

Explore It

1.    What did Paul call to our attention? (2 Timothy 3:1)

2.    What will people be like in the last days? (2 Timothy 3:2)

3.    What will people in the last days lack? (2 Timothy 3:3)

4.    What will people in the last days love instead of God? (2 Timothy 3:4)

5.    What kind of "godliness" will people have in the last days? (2 Timothy 3:5)

6.    What should we do with the kind of people Paul described? (2 Timothy 3:5)

7.    How do godless people exploit others? (2 Timothy 3:6)

8.    What controls the kind of godless people Paul described? (2 Timothy 3:6)

9.     What are godless people always doing? (2 Timothy 3:7)

10.     Why do certain people oppose the truth? (2 Timothy 3:8)

11.     To what historical figures were these godless people compared? (2 Timothy 3:8)

12.     Why will godless people not get very far? (2 Timothy 3:9)

Get It

1.     Why do you think we are or are not living in the last days?

2.     Why are there people like the ones Paul described?

3.     Why is it so tempting to be a lover of pleasure rather than a lover of God?

4.    How can someone have a form of godliness yet deny its power?

5.     What relationship should we have with people who flaunt their ungodly behavior?

6.    In what way does our society encourage people to let themselves be controlled by evil desires?

7.     In what way is the folly of ungodly people clear and apparent to everyone?

8.    What do you think it means that godless people have depraved minds?

Apply It

1.    From what ungodly person or group do you need to encourage other believers to disassociate themselves?

2.    What specific sinful attitude or behavior will you ask God to help you overcome this week?

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

2 Timothy 3:10 to 2 Timothy 4:8

Open It

1. If the story of your life were made into a movie, what would the title be?

2. If you could be known for only one thing when you died, what would you want it to be?

3. Who is someone whose reputation you admire?

Explore It

1.    What did Timothy know about Paul? (2Ti 3:10-11)

2.    From what did Paul say the Lord rescued him? (2Ti 3:11)

3.    What will happen to everyone who wants to live a godly life? (2Ti 3:12)

4.    What will evil men and impostors do? (2Ti 3:13)

5.    What did Paul encourage Timothy to do? (2Ti 3:14)

6.    How long had Timothy known the holy Scriptures? (2Ti 3:15)

7.    What are the holy Scriptures able to do? (2Ti 3:15)

8.    What is true of all Scripture? (2Ti 3:16)

9.    For what is Scripture useful? (2Ti 3:16)

10.    For what good work does the Scripture equip the person of God? (2Ti 3:17)

11.    Who will Jesus Christ judge? (2Ti 4:1)

12.     For what did Paul want Timothy to be prepared? (2Ti 4:2)

13.     What time did Paul say was coming? (2Ti 4:3)

14.     What will people one day do with the truth? (2Ti 4:4)

15.     What did Paul instruct Timothy to do? (2Ti 4:5)

16.     Why was Paul ready for his impending death? (2Ti 4:6)

17.     What had Paul done? (2Ti 4:7)

18.    What was in store for Paul? (2Ti 4:8)

19.     To whom will God award a crown of righteousness? (2Ti 4:8)

Get It

1.    What sort of reputation do you want to have?

2.    What sort of reputation do you have at work, at school, and in your neighborhood?

3.    When and how have you been persecuted for living a godly life?

4.    What does it mean that the Bible is God-breathed?

5.    In what sorts of ways should we use the Bible?

6.    How equipped are you to do every good work?

7.    What type of doctrines do people today like to hear?

8.    In what way are all Christians able to be evangelists?

Apply It

1. How can you use the Bible in your own spiritual growth this week?

2. What can you do this week toward discharging all your duties?

Personal Remarks

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Open It

1. What person would you like to visit whom you haven’t seen in a while?

2. When have you felt abandoned by your friends?

3. For what cause would you be willing to suffer?

Explore It

1.    What did Paul want Timothy to do? (2 Timothy 4:9)

2.    What had Demas done? Why? (2 Timothy 4:10)

3.    Who was with Paul? (2 Timothy 4:11)

4.    Why did Paul want Timothy to bring Mark? (2 Timothy 4:11)

5.    Whom did Paul send to Ephesus? (2 Timothy 4:12)

6.    What did Paul want Timothy to bring with him? (2 Timothy 4:13)

7.    Who was Alexander? (2 Timothy 4:14)

8.    What did Paul say about Alexander? (2 Timothy 4:14)

9.     How did Paul instruct Timothy to deal with Alexander? (2 Timothy 4:15)

10.     What happened at Paul’s first defense? (2 Timothy 4:16)

11.     In what way did the Lord deliver Paul? Why? (2 Timothy 4:17)

12.     Of what was Paul convinced? (2 Timothy 4:18)

13.     Who was Timothy supposed to greet? (2 Timothy 4:19)

14.     What did Paul say about Erastus and Trophimus? (2 Timothy 4:20)

15.    When did Paul want Timothy to come? (2 Timothy 4:21)

Get It

1.     In what way are you tempted to love the world?

2.    Why is it sometimes more tempting to love the world than to love God?

3.     What about the world do we naturally tend to love?

4.    What keeps some Christians from holding on to their faith?

5.    What people today strongly oppose the Christian message? Why?

6.    When has the Lord delivered you from a hostile situation?

Apply It

1.    To what fellow Christian can you show support this week? How?

2.    How can you help a church leader with his or her ministry?

3.    What comfort or encouragement can you provide to a person who is battling for the faith in a hostile setting?