The Strand Study Bible

II TIMOTHY

Author: Paul Theme: The Endurance of a Good Pastor

About the Author: Paul, whose name means “little,” was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin (Phil 3:5), and a native of Tarsus, a city of Cilicia (Acts 21:39 & 22:3). Also called Saul, Paul inherited the rights of Roman citizenship (Acts 22:28) because his father was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). At the age of perhaps thirteen (Acts 26:4-5), Paul was sent to Jerusalem and there became a student of orthodox Judaism under Gamaliel, a teacher of the law (Acts 22:3). Paul is first mentioned in Acts 7:58 where we find him consenting to the death of Stephen. His fanatical devotion to Judaism and his extreme hatred for Christianity made him the acknowledged leader of the Christian persecution. The spread of Christianity forced Paul to travel far and wide for his victims. Armed with authority from the High Priest, Paul journeyed toward Damascus where he had heard there were many Christians. It was while he was approaching that city that his wonderful conversion took place (c. AD 37 - Acts 9:3-6). For the next thirty years (from c. AD 37 to 67), until his death, Paul would go on three missionary journeys and face two Roman imprisonments. He would write thirteen epistles (fourteen, if you count Hebrews) and become known as the preacher to the Gentiles. About the Book: This was Paul’s last message before he was beheaded (II Tim 4:6-8). Though there is a slight note of sadness due to his impending death, there is even a greater note of triumph because he is finally “going home.” II Timothy was written from Rome (c. AD 67), during Paul’s Second Roman Imprisonment. Helpful Background: Of all Paul’s co-laborers, none seemed to have been so dear to him as Timothy (I Cor 4:17 & 16:10-11 and Phil 2:19-23). It seems Timothy’s conversion took place at Lystra, during Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 14:6-21). Approximately five years after Timothy’s conversion, Paul revisited Lystra (while on his Second Missionary Journey), and found the young Timothy well reported of. It was then that Paul decided to take Timothy with him (Acts 16:1-3). Time and again we find Paul sending Timothy on church business, trusting him completely to carry out the work of Christ (I Thess 3:1-2, Acts 19:22 and I Cor 4:17). II Timothy was written to Timothy, as he pastored the church of Ephesus. Paul was re-arrested somewhere in Macedonia and returned to Rome, where he penned II Timothy before being beheaded. Notes of Interest: 4. There are 4 different OT characters referred to in II Timothy : Moses, Jannes, Jambres, and David 5. There is 1 inset map used in the book of II Timothy . It is numbered chronologically (#73). Outline of II Timothy : 1. A charge to defend the Gospel (II Tim 1) 2. The characteristics of a committed soldier (II Tim 2) 3. Apostasy described and predicted (II Tim 3) 4. Paul’s last request (II Tim 4) II Timothy 1 A good pastor will learn to use and 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 1. There are no OT quotations found in II Timothy . 2. Prophecies are referred to 10 times in II Timothy . 3. Prophecies concerning CHRIST are referred to 8 of those 10 times.

1. Gal 3:16-29 & Rom 4:13-20 & Titus 1:2 2. I Tim 1:2 & Joel 2:13 3. Acts 16:1-2 & I Tim 1:5 4. II Pet 1:12-15 5. Acts 6:6-7 & 8:14- 25 & 9:17 & 13:1-5 & 19:6 6. Rom 8:15 & I Jn 4:18

exercise his best gift(s) Date Written - c. AD 67

5 3 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in 4 remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee 5 by the putting on of my hands. 7 6 For God hath not given us the spirit of 7 fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore 8 ashamed of the

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in 1 CHRIST JESUS , 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: 2 Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

7. Lk 12:22 8. Rom 1:16

1:6 a This word ( stir up ) is the Greek word DQD]ZSXUHLQ ( anazopurein ) and means “ to kindle afresh; to keep one’s God-given gifts in full flame. ” Anazopurein is in the present infinitive in the original Greek and indicates a continuous exercising of one’s gift(s). Paul reminded Pastor Timothy that a good pastor will work on his gift(s) continually . 1:6 b The “ gift of God ” here was probably the gift of teaching, which was given to Timothy when he was ordained by the presbytery (I Tim 4:14). Not to use the gift(s) God gave us is to cheat God out of His investment. Every investor demands a return on his investment. God is no exception. NOTE - Although some believers are given more than one gift (talent - Mt 25:14-30), according to I Corinthians 12:7-11, every believer receives at least one gift upon salvation from the HOLY SPIRIT (I Cor 12:7-11). The HOLY SPIRIT is in charge of distributing gifts to believers. 2036