Page 106 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

2 Timothy: A Call to Perseverance

Background

Author, provenance

With clear internal evidence, Paul is the author of 2 Timothy (2 Tim
1:1). However, concerning the issue of modern debates about the
authorship of the Pastoral Letters, see the discussion on author of 1 Timothy. 2 Timothy indicates that
Paul wrote this letter from prison, apparently in Rome (2 Tim 1:8, 16–17; 2:9). This imprisonment seems
to be different from the one narrated in Acts (Acts 28:16–31). Tradition reveals that, Paul must have
been freed, at least for a time, giving him an opportunity to take another journey not recorded in Acts,
later on got rearrested and got martyred in Rome during the mid-60s AD. so the imprisonment
mentioned in 2 Timothy could have immediately preceded his anticipated death (2 Tim 4:6–8).

Recipient

The recipient is clearly Timothy. He is clearly mentioned in many Paulin letters including Acts as a close
associate of Paul. Paul found Timothy in Lystra where he was staying with his Christian mother and
grandmother (1:15), during Paul’s second missionary journey as recorded in Acts 16 (around AD 49–51).

Themes

The theme of how to deal with opposition if very clear. Paul uses three illustrations to encourages
Timothy to endure opposition like a soldier, athlete, or farmer would (2:3–6). Paul encourages Timothy
to avoid pointless arguments with false teachers who like to engage in foolish controversies, instead
Timothy is to stand firm in the truth (2:14–3:9). 149
Because of the nature of the toughness of spreading the gospel, it demands tough decisions which may
affect our relationships with unserious friends (4:10, 16). However, there is a reward at the end, and
Paul knew it very well (4:7–8). 150

In admonishing believers to turn away from evil, Paul encourages that we look to Christ as our
foundation (2:19). Another good theme to keep to mind as ministers of the gospel is this that we are
called to be ready in and out of season to proclaim the gospel, and this means passionately advocating
for the truth (4:1–4). 151
Occasion and Purpose

During Paul’s second imprisonment under Emperor Nero about 66–67, he wrote 2 Timothy. In contrast
to his first imprisonment, when he lived in a “rented house.” He now languished in a cold dungeon
(4:13), chained like a common criminal (1:16; 2:9). His friends even had a hard time finding out where he
was being kept (1:17). Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end (4:6–8).
Therefore, Paul wrote this letter because:

(1) he was lonely, “everyone in the province of Asia” (1:15) had deserted him, only Luke was with him
(4:11). Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him also. Paul longed for Timothy (1:4) and twice

149 Barry, J. D., et al.
150 Barry, J. D., et al.
151 Ibid

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