2 Timothy

In verses 2-4 Paul listed almost twenty different vices that will characterize people in the last days. Generally they all describe those who place self in the place of God as the center of their affections. These people are to be avoided, even though they have "a form of godliness."

Paul began the chapter by pointing out the characteristics of those who love money and pleasure. Then he focused on their depraved living and thinking. These false teachers preyed on "weak-willed women." Such women were apparently easy prey because they wanted to pose as learned people. They were "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." Paul compared the false teachers to "Jannes and Jambres." Neither of these men is mentioned in the Old Testament, but according to Jewish tradition they were the Egyptian court magicians who opposed Moses (see Exod. 7:11).

Paul again appealed to his own experience and exhorted Timothy to continue the work. Paul urged Timothy not to be led astray by these imposters. Instead, Timothy should continue in what he had learned and had "become convinced of." Timothy could be convinced of the truth taught in the Scriptures because (1) it had made him "wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus," and (2) the Scripture is "God-breathed." Paul affirmed God's active involvement in the writing of Scripture. The Lord's superintending work is so powerful and complete that what is written is God's truthful and authoritative word.

Paul's concluding charge stressed the need to preach the word (4:1-5). Like Timothy, all believers are to be prepared in any situation to speak a needed word, whether of correction, rebuke, or encouragement. Christian workers must be ready to endure hardship as Paul had done.

Paul viewed his approaching death as the pouring out of a "drink offering." A drink offering referred to the offering of wine poured around the base of the altar during the Old Testament sacrifices (see Num. 15:1-12; 28:7; Phil. 2:17).

Paul's plea to Timothy closed with personal requests and reference to his "first defense." An important lesson can be learned here about divine support in the midst of human opposition.

The letter concludes with greetings to Priscilla and Aquilla and the household of Onesiphorus. The household of Onesiphorus was mentioned with great appreciation in 1:16-18. But we know little about this devoted believer.

Paul then sent greetings from four members of the church at Rome and all the brothers. Paul pronounced a personal benediction on Timothy ("your spirit" in 4:22a is singular) before concluding with a corporate blessing "God be with you all" ("you" in 4:22 is plural).

Theological Significance. Second Timothy teaches us about the importance of our theological heritage (1:14). Paul had much to say about what God has done in Christ, our Savior. Jesus Christ has been revealed, destroyed death, and given us life and immortality (1:8-10). The foundation of the Christian life is what God has already done for us in Christ. We should live boldly, for we have received "a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (1:7). These truths about the gospel and Christian living are available to us in God's inspired Scripture (3:15-17). Now we, like Timothy, should pass on these truths to faithful men and women who can teach others also (2:2).

See Titus.