Reference: Timothy, The Second Epistle To
Fausets
SECOND EPISTLE. (See TIMOTHY, THE FIRST EPISTLE TO.)
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING. In Paul's prison at Rome, just before his martyrdom. Timothy was possibly still at Ephesus, for Priscilla and Aquila whom Paul salutes generally resided there (2Ti 4:19); also Onesiphorus, who ministered to Paul at Ephesus and therefore it is presumable resided there (2Ti 1:16-18). The Hymenaeus of 2Ti 2:17 is probably the Hymenaeus at Ephesus (1Ti 1:20); also "Alexander the coppersmith" (2Ti 4:14) seems to be the Alexander put forward by the Jews to clear themselves, not to befriend Paul, in the riot at Ephesus (Ac 19:33-34). Still, if Timothy was at Ephesus, why did he need to be told that Paul had sent Tychicus to Ephesus, or that Paul had left Trophimus, himself an Ephesian (Ac 21:29), sick at Miletus which was only 30 miles from Ephesus?
Probably Timothy's overseership extended beyond Ephesus to all the Pauline churches in Asia Minor; he combined with it the office of "evangelist," or itinerant missionary Ephesus was only his head quarters; and 2Ti 4:13 will accord with the theory of Ephesus or any other place in the N.W. of Asia Minor being Timothy's place of sojourn at the time. Paul at his first imprisonment lodged in his own hired house, guarded by a single soldier, and having liberty to receive all comers; but now he was so closely confined that Onesiphorus with difficulty found him; he was chained, forsaken by friends, and had narrowly escaped execution by the Roman emperor. The access however of Onesiphorus, Linus, Pudens, and Claudia to him proves he was not in the Mamertine or Tullianum prison, with Peter, as tradition represents; but under military custody, of a severer kind than at his first imprisonment (2Ti 1:16-18; 2:9; 4:6-8,16-17). (See PETER.) He was probably arraigned before the "rulers" (Clemens Rom., 1 Ep. Corinth. 5, epi ton heegoumenon), i.e. Helius the city prefect, on a double charge:
(1) of having conspired with the Christians, as Nero's partisans alleged, to set fire to Rome, A.D. 64; that event took place the year after his liberation from the first imprisonment, A.D. 63; some Christians were crucified, some arrayed in wild beasts' skins, and hunted to death by dogs, wrapped in pitch robes some were set on fire by night to illuminate the Vatican circus and Nero's gardens while that monster played the charioteer. (See PAUL.) But now three years had elapsed; and Paul as a Roman citizen was treated with greater respect for legal forms, and was acquitted on the "first" charge (2Ti 4:17) of instigating the Christians to incendiarism before his last departure from Rome; it was then that Alexander the coppersmith witnessed against him (2Ti 4:14); no patron dared to advocate his cause, though being probably a client of the Aemilian clan, from whence he derived his name Paul, he might naturally have looked for advocacy (2Ti 4:16-17). The place of trial was possibly one of the two Pauline basilicae, called from L. Aemil. Paulus, who built one and restored the other in the Ferrari.
(2) The second charge, of introducing a novel unlawful religion, he expected to be tried upon the following winter (2Ti 4:21); but if in Nero's reign his second trial cannot have taken place later than June. Luke alone stayed by him. Onesiphorus, undeterred by danger, sought out and visited him; Linus also, the future bishop of Rome, Pudens a senator's son and Claudia the British princess, and Tychicus before he was sent to Ephesus. (See LINUS; PUDENS; CLAUDIA Possibly Tychicus was bearer of the epistle as of epistles to Ephesians (Eph 6:21-22) and Colossians (Col 4:7-8), since "to thee" in 2Ti 4:12 is not needed for this view if Timothy was at the time not at Ephesus itself. Paul's leaving of his cloak and parchments at Troas (2Ti 4:13) cannot have been at his visit in Ac 20:5-7, for seven years elapsed between this visit and his first imprisonment. Again, when he wrote to the Colossians (Col 4:14) during his first imprisonment (Phm 1:24) Demas was with him; but when he is writing 2 Timothy (2Ti 4:10) Demas had forsaken him and gone to Thessalonica, all have deserted him (2Ti 1:15).
Not so in his first imprisonment (Ac 28:30), nor in writing from it epistles to Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon; in these he anticipates liberation, but in 2Ti 4:6-8,16, immediate death, having been once already tried. He is more closely confined than when writing even Philippians, which represents him, while more uncertain of life, yet cherishing hope of speedy deliverance (Php 2:24; contrast 2Ti 1:16-18; 2:9; 4:6-8,18). His leaving Trophimus sick at Miletum (2Ti 4:20) could not have been on the occasion of Ac 20:15, for he was with Paul at Jerusalem soon after (Ac 21:29). Besides, Paul would not mention as a recent occurrence one that took place six or seven years before.
Timothy was with Paul then at Miletum, and needed not to be informed of Trophimus' sickness there (Ac 20:4,17), if the occasion were the same. Paul now had shortly before been at Corinth and left Erastus there (2Ti 4:20), but Paul had not been at Corinth for several years before his first imprisonment, and in the interval Timothy had been with him; so Paul did not need to write to Timothy about that visit. The writer of Heb 13:23-24, doubtless Paul, was at liberty and in Italy; liberated from his first imprisonment at Rome, Paul must have resumed his apostolic journeyings, then was imprisoned at Rome again; thence just before his death he wrote 2 Timothy (See PAUL.) Shortly before his second imprisonment Paul visited Ephesus, where new elders governed the church (Ac 20:25, most of the old ones had passed away), say in the latter end of 66 or 67 A.D.
OBJECT. To beg Timothy to come and bring Mark with him (2Ti 1:4; 4:9,11-21). But, uncertain whether Timothy would arrive in time, he desired to give a last warning as to the heresies of which the germs were then being scattered. He exhorts him to faithful zeal for sound doctrine, patience under trials, and boldness in Christ's cause, a charge which Timothy's constitutional timidity needed (1Ti 5:22-23; 2:2-8; 4:1-5). (On Paul's and Peter's martyrdom, as to place and time, see both PAUL and PETER.)
STYLE AND CHARACTERISTICS. Paul shows an ever deepening sense of God's "mercy," as the end approaches. Hence, "mercy" is inserted between "grace" and "peace" in the pastoral epistles for the first time; in the former epistles he has" grace and peace" only. Compare 1Ti 1:13, "I obtained mercy," especially needed by ministers, whose office is the leading topic in then, (compare 1Co 7:25). The second epistle is abrupt, without plan, or methodical handling of subjects. Strong emotion, vivid remembrances of the past, and anxious thoughts for the future, characterize it, as was to be expected from one on the verge of eternity. The Old Testament is not quoted, as in his other epistles; still its inspiration and wisdom-giving, saving power is strongly alleged (2Ti 3:15-17). "Faithful sayings, "probably inspired utterances of church prophets, take the place of Old Testament quotations (compare 1-Timothy/4/1/type/acv'>1Ti 4:1,1 Corinthians 14).
Other characteristics of the pastoral epistles are solicitude for "sound" teaching, as opposed to the morbid subtleties of theosophists; the importance attached to church administration and organization; doxologies, as from one continually realizing God's presence, now especially when earthly things were about to pass from him so soon (1Ti 1:17; 6:15-16; 2Ti 4:18). As 1Ti 4:1-5 points to the mediaeval apostasy, "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith ... speaking lies in hypocrisy, forbidding to marry ... commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received," so 2Ti 3:1-9 to the age out of which shall spring the last antichrist. No longer is it "the latter times," but "the last days," characterized by self love, covetousness, boasting, pride, disobedience to parents, love of plea sure, formality without the power of godliness.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And they urged forward Alexander out of the multitude, having put him forward from the Jews. And Alexander having waved his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. But after recognizing that he was a Jew, one voice developed from them all, crying out for about two hours, The great Artemis of Ephesians.
And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater a Berean, and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius a Derbean, and Timothy, and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. These men, who went ahead, awaited us at Troas. read more. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them at Troas within five days, where we stayed seven days. And upon the first day of the week, the disciples having come together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow. And he prolonged his speech until midnight.
And having sailed from there on the next day, we arrived opposite Chios, and the next day we came near to Samos. And having remained in Trogyllium, on the following day we came to Miletus.
And from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the congregation.
And now behold, I have seen that ye will no longer see my face, ye all among whom I passed through preaching the kingdom of God.
For they were men who saw Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they supposed that Paul brought into the temple.
For they were men who saw Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they supposed that Paul brought into the temple.
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired lodging. And he received all who came in to him,
Now concerning the virgins I have no commandment of Lord, but I give an opinion, as having obtained mercy from Lord to be trustworthy.
But that ye also may know the things concerning me, what I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful helper in Lord, will make known all things to you. Whom I sent to you for this same thing, so that ye might know the things about us, and that he might encourage your hearts.
Tychicus will make known to you all things about me, the beloved brother and faithful helper and fellow bondman in Lord. Whom I sent to you for this same thing, so that he may know the things about you, and may encourage your hearts,
the man who was formerly blasphemous, and a persecutor, and an aggressor. But I obtained mercy because I did it being ignorant in unbelief.
Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, alone wise, to God is honor and glory into the ages of the ages. Truly.
of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan, so that they may be disciplined not to blaspheme.
for kings and all those who are in prominence, so that we may live a quiet and peaceful life in all piety and propriety. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, read more. who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony for their own times. For which I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie), a teacher of Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire therefore the men to pray in every place, lifting up devout hands, apart from anger and argument.
But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, their own conscience having been seared with a hot iron,
speaking lies in hypocrisy, their own conscience having been seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, to abstain from foods, which God created for partaking with thankfulness by those who believe and know the truth.
forbidding to marry, to abstain from foods, which God created for partaking with thankfulness by those who believe and know the truth. Because every creation of God is good, and nothing rejected that is received with thankfulness,
Because every creation of God is good, and nothing rejected that is received with thankfulness, for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
Lay hands hastily on no man, nor contribute to other sins. Keep thyself pure. No longer drink water, but use a little wine because of thy stomach and thy frequent weaknesses.
which he will show in his own times, the blessed and only Potentate, the King of those who are kings, and Lord of those who are lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in irreproachable light, whom no man has seen, nor can see, to whom is honor and eternal dominion. Truly.
longing to see thee, having remembered thy tears, so that I may be filled with joy,
This thou know, that all those in Asia turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain.
May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain.
May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he happened to be in Rome he sought me more diligently and found me
But when he happened to be in Rome he sought me more diligently and found me (may the Lord grant him to find mercy from Lord in that day), and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou know very well.
(may the Lord grant him to find mercy from Lord in that day), and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou know very well.
(may the Lord grant him to find mercy from Lord in that day), and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou know very well.
within which I suffer evil to the point of bonds as an evildoer, but the word of God is not bound.
within which I suffer evil to the point of bonds as an evildoer, but the word of God is not bound.
and their word will have a feeding field like gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, impious, read more. devoid of natural affection, irreconcilable, slanderous, without self-control, savage, no lovers of good, traitors, reckless, beclouded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of piety, but repudiating the power of it. Now turn away from these men, for from these are those who creep into houses, and take captive petty women laden with sins, being led away by various impulses, ever learning and never able to come to knowledge of truth. And by which way Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also do these oppose the truth. Men corrupted in mind, worthless about the faith. But they will not advance in much more, for their folly will be evident to all men, as also that of those men came to be.
And that from a babe thou have known the sacred writings, which are able to make thee wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for instruction, for reproof, for correction, for discipline in righteousness, read more. so that the man of God may be qualified, having been completed for every good work.
For I am already poured out a libation, and the time of my dissolution is imminent.
For I am already poured out a libation, and the time of my dissolution is imminent.
For I am already poured out a libation, and the time of my dissolution is imminent. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me in that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me in that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me in that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. Hurry to come to me quickly, read more. for Demas forsook me having loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with thee, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left behind at Troas with Carpus when thou come, and the books, especially the parchments.
Bring the cloak that I left behind at Troas with Carpus when thou come, and the books, especially the parchments.
Bring the cloak that I left behind at Troas with Carpus when thou come, and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did many evil things to me. May the Lord repay him according to his works,
Alexander the coppersmith did many evil things to me. May the Lord repay him according to his works,
Alexander the coppersmith did many evil things to me. May the Lord repay him according to his works, of whom thou also beware, for he extremely opposed our words. read more. At my first defense no man came with me, but all forsook me. May it not be reckoned to them.
At my first defense no man came with me, but all forsook me. May it not be reckoned to them.
At my first defense no man came with me, but all forsook me. May it not be reckoned to them.
At my first defense no man came with me, but all forsook me. May it not be reckoned to them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the sacred message might be brought to fullness, and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion.
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the sacred message might be brought to fullness, and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion.
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the sacred message might be brought to fullness, and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion.
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the sacred message might be brought to fullness, and all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil work, and will save me for his heavenly kingdom, to whom is the glory into the ages of the ages. Truly.
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil work, and will save me for his heavenly kingdom, to whom is the glory into the ages of the ages. Truly. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left being sick at Miletus.
Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left being sick at Miletus.
Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left being sick at Miletus. Hurry to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.
Hurry to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.
Know ye, brother Timothy who was set free is with whom I will see you, if he comes sooner. Salute all those who lead you, and all the sanctified. The men from Italy salute you.