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/auv'>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
[It appears that] Alexander was appointed out of the crowd by the Jews [i.e., to be their spokesman in defending them from the charges being made against Paul]. He motioned with his hand [to get attention] and attempted to speak to the assembly in defense [of the Jewish viewpoint]. But when the crowd realized that he was a Jew, they all joined together for about two hours shouting, "Great is [the goddess] Artemis, of the Ephesians."
The following men accompanied Paul as far as [the province of] Asia [where Troas was located]: Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, of Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, of Thessalonica; Gaius, of Derbe; Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from [the province of] Asia, [seven in all].
and 5], where we remained for seven days. These [men] had gone ahead and were waiting for us [when we arrived] in Troas [i.e., a seaport town across the Aegean Sea from Philippi]. [Note: The use of "us" begins here again, suggesting that the writer Luke rejoins the party at Philippi. See next verse]. read more. And we [ourselves] sailed away from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread [Note: This was the Jewish feast commemorating deliverance from Egyptian bondage], and five days later [we] joined them at Troas [i.e., the seven men mentioned in verses And on the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday], when we [disciples] had gathered together to break bread [i.e., the Lord's Supper. See I Cor. 11:20-24], Paul delivered a message that lasted until midnight, [since] he was planning to leave [Troas] the next day.
And after leaving there, the next day we sailed past Chios [i.e., another small island on the way], and the next day past Samos [i.e., another small island], until [finally] on the following day we arrived at Miletus [i.e., another seaport town near Ephesus].
And from Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, requesting that the elders of the church [there] come to him.
Now look, I know that none of you, among whom I traveled on preaching missions, will ever see my face again.
(For the Jews had previously seen him on a city street with Trophimus, the Ephesian, whom they assumed Paul had taken into the Temple [with him]).
(For the Jews had previously seen him on a city street with Trophimus, the Ephesian, whom they assumed Paul had taken into the Temple [with him]).
Then Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed everyone who visited him.
Now I have no command from the Lord concerning [what you wrote about] unmarried women. [Note: The word here is "virgins" but some think it includes both males and females]. But I give my advice as someone who has received the Lord's mercy to be counted trustworthy.
But, so that you people also can know how I am doing and what is going on with me, Tychicus, the dearly loved brother and faithful minister in [the service of] the Lord, will tell you everything. I have sent [i.e., am sending] him to you for this very purpose, so you can know our situation and that he can encourage your hearts.
But I am fully persuaded in [harmony with the wishes of] the Lord that I, myself, also will go to you soon. [Note: Paul here expresses the hope of being released from imprisonment, in spite of previous hints that he might be put to death. See 1:20; 2:17].
Tychicus will tell you all about my affairs. [Note: This man probably delivered this letter as well as the one to the Ephesians. See Eph. 6:21]. He is our dearly loved brother and faithful minister and fellow-slave in [the service of] the Lord. I have sent [i.e., am sending] him to you for this very purpose, so that you can know our situation and that he can encourage your hearts.
Luke, my dearly loved physician, and Demas [See II Tim. 4:10] send you their greetings.
[even] though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted [Christians] and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing [in Christ].
Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.
Among these people are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered over to Satan [Note: This probably refers to withdrawing fellowship from them. See I Cor. 5:1-5], so that they would learn not to speak against God [anymore].
[Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people]. This is good and acceptable [behavior] in the sight of God our Savior, read more. who wants all people to be saved and come to a [full] knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind --- the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom on behalf of all people [i.e., as a substitute in place of others]. The proper time for the testimony [of this event to be proclaimed] has arrived. [Note: The correct meaning of the foregoing sentence is very difficult to determine]. I was appointed to be a preacher [of this testimony] and an apostle and teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. (I am telling the truth and not lying). Therefore, I want the men to pray in every place [i.e., in all worship assemblies. See verses 1-2], lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative. [Note: This passage stresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayer].
Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: "Later times" in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.
Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: "Later times" in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.
Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: "Later times" in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.
Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: "Later times" in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits. [Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt].
[Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt]. They forbid people to get married and require them to avoid [eating] certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and [fully] know the truth.
They forbid people to get married and require them to avoid [eating] certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and [fully] know the truth. For everything created by God is permitted [to be eaten] and nothing should be refused, if it is received with gratitude,
For everything created by God is permitted [to be eaten] and nothing should be refused, if it is received with gratitude, for it is consecrated [i.e., made acceptable] by the word of God and prayer.
for it is consecrated [i.e., made acceptable] by the word of God and prayer.
Do not be in a hurry to lay hands on anyone [i.e., to appoint them to office. See 4:14], and do not participate in the sins of other people. [Note: If Timothy failed to carefully determine the qualifications of a prospective elder before appointing him, it would make him partially responsible for any wrongdoing by that elder]. Keep yourself pure [i.e., of involvement in anyone's sins]. Do not continue drinking water only, but use a little wine [i.e., for its medicinal value] for your stomach and for your frequent [other] ailments.
which God will bring about in its [or, "His"] own time. [For] He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He alone possesses immortality [Note: That is, only God possesses an eternal existence, with neither beginning nor ending. See John 5:26], and lives in unapproachable light. No one has seen Him, or can see Him. May there be honor and never ending power to Him. May it be so.
Remembering how you cried [Note: This was probably when Paul and Timothy last parted], I long to see you [again], so that I can be filled with joy.
You know that all those people in [the province of] Asia deserted me [i.e., those who could have helped me], including Phygelus and Hermogenes. [But], may the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus' family, for he cheered me up many times and was not ashamed of my [being in] chains.
[But], may the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus' family, for he cheered me up many times and was not ashamed of my [being in] chains.
[But], may the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus' family, for he cheered me up many times and was not ashamed of my [being in] chains. But, when he was in Rome, he looked for me diligently until he found me.
But, when he was in Rome, he looked for me diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus.
May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus.
May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus.
for which I am suffering difficulty [here] in prison, as [though I were] a criminal. But God's message is not "in prison."
for which I am suffering difficulty [here] in prison, as [though I were] a criminal. But God's message is not "in prison."
and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among these people are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
But you should know this: There will be terrible times in the last days [of the Christian age]. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive talkers, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, read more. lacking in natural affection, unwilling to be reconciled [to their enemies], slanderers, lacking self-control, brutal, haters of what is good, treacherous [i.e., betrayers], reckless, conceited, [and] lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. [These people] maintain an appearance of being godly, but they have denied its power; [you should] turn away from such people. They are the kind of people who enter homes and influence [morally] weak-willed women, loaded down with sins, [and] led on by all kinds of evil desires. They are constantly learning and [yet] never able to arrive at a [full] knowledge of the truth. These people oppose the truth just like Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have corrupt minds and are worthless as far as the faith is concerned. But they will not advance any farther [in their sin] because their foolish ways will become obvious to everyone, just as those of Jannes and Jambres were.
And [remember] that, from childhood, you have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise [enough] to be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God [Note: Literally, this word means "breathed out by God"] and is useful for teaching [truth], rebuking [wrongdoing], correcting [error] and for providing instruction [i.e., training] on how to live right, read more. so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for [doing] every good deed.
For I am already being "poured out like a drink offering," and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice].
For I am already being "poured out like a drink offering," and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice].
For I am already being "poured out like a drink offering," and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice]. I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].
I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].
I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment]. So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.
So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.
So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing. Hurry up and come to me as soon [as possible], read more. for Demas loved this world and [so] has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Luke is the only one [of my fellow-workers still] with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you for he [will be] helpful to me in [my] ministry. But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring my cloak that I left at Troas with Crispus, along with the scrolls and especially the parchments.
When you come, bring my cloak that I left at Troas with Crispus, along with the scrolls and especially the parchments.
When you come, bring my cloak that I left at Troas with Crispus, along with the scrolls and especially the parchments. Alexander the metal worker did me much harm; the Lord will repay him for what he did.
Alexander the metal worker did me much harm; the Lord will repay him for what he did.
Alexander the metal worker did me much harm; the Lord will repay him for what he did. You should beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message. read more. At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. [Note: This is probably a figure of speech indicating that Paul had escaped some immediate danger. See Psa. 22:20-21].
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. [Note: This is probably a figure of speech indicating that Paul had escaped some immediate danger. See Psa. 22:20-21].
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. [Note: This is probably a figure of speech indicating that Paul had escaped some immediate danger. See Psa. 22:20-21].
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. [Note: This is probably a figure of speech indicating that Paul had escaped some immediate danger. See Psa. 22:20-21]. The Lord will [continue to] rescue me from all harm and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. May He be praised forever and ever. May it be so.
The Lord will [continue to] rescue me from all harm and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. May He be praised forever and ever. May it be so. [I send] greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, and to the family of Onesiphorus.
[I send] greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, and to the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Erastus stayed on at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Hurry up and come [to me] before winter. Eubulus sends his greetings, along with Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia and all [the rest of] the brothers.
Hurry up and come [to me] before winter. Eubulus sends his greetings, along with Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia and all [the rest of] the brothers.
along with [John] Mark [Note: This shows that Mark was now back in the good graces of Paul. See Acts 15:36-40], Aristarchus, Demas [Note: This man later deserted Paul. See II Tim. 4:10] and Luke, who are [also] my fellow-workers. [Note: These men, unlike Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul, were free to minister for Christ there in Rome].
I want you people to know that our brother Timothy has been released [from prison ?]. If he comes [to me] soon, I will bring him with me when I visit you. Greet all of those who are your leaders, and all the saints [i.e., God's holy people]. Those [brothers] from Italy send you their greetings.