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/emb'>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
Howbeit, out of the multitude, they bare aloft one Alexander, the Jews thrusting him forward; Alexander, however, waving his hand, was wishing to make his defense unto the populace. But, recognizing that he was a Jew, one voice arose from all for about two hours, as they cried aloud - Great, is Diana of the Ephesians!
Now there were accompanying him, Sopater, son of Pyrrhus a Beroean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe and Timothy; and, of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. And, these, came and were waiting for us at Troas. read more. And, we, sailed forth, after the days of unleavened bread, from Philippi, and came unto them in Troas in five days, where we tarried seven days. And, on the first of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul went on to discourse with them, being about to depart on the morrow; and he prolonged his discourse until midnight.
and, from thence sailing away on the morrow, we came over against Chios, and, on the next day, we thrust aside into Samos, and, on the succeeding day, we came into Miletus.
But, from Miletus, he sent unto Ephesus, and called for the elders of the assembly.
And, now, lo! I, know that, no more, shall ye see my face, - ye all, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom.
For they had before seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, in the city along with him, whom they were supposing, Paul, had brought, into the temple.
For they had before seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, in the city along with him, whom they were supposing, Paul, had brought, into the temple.
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house, and made welcome all who were coming in unto him, -
But, concerning them who are virgin, injunction of the Lord, have I none; yet, a judgment, do I give, as one who hath obtained mercy from the Lord to be, faithful:
In order, however, that, ye also, may know the things which relate to me - what I am accomplishing, - all things, shall Tychicus make known unto you, he the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, Whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may get to know the things concerning us, and he may encourage your hearts.
All the things which relate unto myself, shall Tychicus make known unto you - the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord, Whom I have sent unto you, to this very end, - that ye may get to know the things which concern us, and he may encourage you hearts:
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, salute you.
Though, formerly, a defamer, and persecutor, and insulter; nevertheless mercy was shown me, because, without knowledge, I acted, in unbelief:
Now, unto the King of the ages, - incorruptible, invisible, alone God, be honour and glory, unto the ages of ages, Amen!
Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may be taught by discipline not to be defaming.
In behalf of kings, and all them who are, in eminent station; in order that, an undisturbed, and quiet life, we may lead, in all godliness and gravity: This, is comely and acceptable before our Saviour God, read more. Who willeth, all men, to be saved, and, unto a personal knowledge of truth, to come; For there is, one, God, one, mediator also, between God and men, - a man - Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom in behalf of all, - the testimony, in its own fit times: Unto which, I, have been appointed proclaimer and apostle - Truth I speak, I utter no falsehood - a teacher of nations, in faith and truth. I am minded, therefore, that - the men in every place be offering prayer, uplifting hands of lovingkindness, apart from anger and disputings;
Howbeit, the Spirit, expressly saith - that, in later seasons, some will revolt from the faith, giving heed unto seducing spirits, and unto teachings of demons -
Howbeit, the Spirit, expressly saith - that, in later seasons, some will revolt from the faith, giving heed unto seducing spirits, and unto teachings of demons -
Howbeit, the Spirit, expressly saith - that, in later seasons, some will revolt from the faith, giving heed unto seducing spirits, and unto teachings of demons -
Howbeit, the Spirit, expressly saith - that, in later seasons, some will revolt from the faith, giving heed unto seducing spirits, and unto teachings of demons - in hypocrisy, speaking falsehood, of demons cauterised in their own conscience, -
in hypocrisy, speaking falsehood, of demons cauterised in their own conscience, - Forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which, God, created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and personally know the truth;
Forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which, God, created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and personally know the truth; Because, every creature of God, is good, and nothing to be cast away, if, with thanksgiving, it be received, -
Because, every creature of God, is good, and nothing to be cast away, if, with thanksgiving, it be received, - For it is hallowed by the word of God and intercession,
For it is hallowed by the word of God and intercession,
Hands, suddenly, upon no one, lay, neither have fellowship with sins of strangers: thyself, keep, chaste: - No longer, be a water-drinker, but, of a little wine, make use, because of thy stomach and thy, frequent, sicknesses.
Which, in its own fit times, the happy and only Potentate will shew - the King of them that reign, and Lord of them that wield lordship, Who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, - Whom no man hath seen - nor can see: unto whom, be honour and might age-abiding. Amen.
longing to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, - in order that, with joy, I may be filled:
Thou knowest this - that all they who are in Asia have turned away from me, - of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. The Lord grant mercy unto the house, of Onesiphorus, in that, ofttimes, hath he refreshed me, and, as regardeth my chain, hath not been put to shame,
The Lord grant mercy unto the house, of Onesiphorus, in that, ofttimes, hath he refreshed me, and, as regardeth my chain, hath not been put to shame,
The Lord grant mercy unto the house, of Onesiphorus, in that, ofttimes, hath he refreshed me, and, as regardeth my chain, hath not been put to shame, But, happening to be in Rome, he diligently sought out and found me, -
But, happening to be in Rome, he diligently sought out and found me, -
But, happening to be in Rome, he diligently sought out and found me, - The Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in, that, day; - and, how many times, in Ephesus, he hath ministered, better art, thou, getting to know.
The Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in, that, day; - and, how many times, in Ephesus, he hath ministered, better art, thou, getting to know.
The Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in, that, day; - and, how many times, in Ephesus, he hath ministered, better art, thou, getting to know.
In which I am suffering hardship, even unto bonds, as an evil-doer; but, the word of God, is not bound.
In which I am suffering hardship, even unto bonds, as an evil-doer; but, the word of God, is not bound.
And, their discourse, as a gangrene, will eat its way; - of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
But, of this, be taking note - that, in last days, there will set in perilous seasons; For men will be - fond of themselves, fond of money, ostentatious, arrogant, defamers, to parents, unyielding, unthankful, unkind, read more. without natural affection, accepting no truce, given to intrigue, without self-control, uncivilized, unfriendly to good men, traitors, reckless, beclouded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but, the power thereof, denying! and, from these, turn away; For, of these, are they who enter into the houses, and captivate silly women, women laden with sins, led on by manifold covetings, Ever learning and never, unto a personal knowledge of truth, able to come; Moreover, like as, Jannes and Jambres, withstood Moses, so, these men also, withstand the truth, - men utterly corrupted in their mind, disapproved concerning their faith; But they shall not force their way further, for, their folly, shall be, fully evident, unto all, - as also, that of those men, became.
And that, from a babe, those sacred letters, thou hast known which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ Jesus: Every scripture, is God-breathed, and profitable - unto teaching, unto conviction, unto correction, unto the discipline that is in righteousness, - read more. In order that, ready, may be the man, of God, unto every good work, being well-prepared.
For, I, already, am being poured out as a drink-offering, and, the season of my release, is at hand, -
For, I, already, am being poured out as a drink-offering, and, the season of my release, is at hand, -
For, I, already, am being poured out as a drink-offering, and, the season of my release, is at hand, - The noble contest, have I contested, the race, have I finished, the faith, have I kept:
The noble contest, have I contested, the race, have I finished, the faith, have I kept:
The noble contest, have I contested, the race, have I finished, the faith, have I kept: Henceforth, lieth by for me - the crown, of righteousness, which the Lord will render unto me in that, day, - The righteous judge, - Ye, not alone unto me, but unto all them also who have loved his forthshining.
Henceforth, lieth by for me - the crown, of righteousness, which the Lord will render unto me in that, day, - The righteous judge, - Ye, not alone unto me, but unto all them also who have loved his forthshining.
Henceforth, lieth by for me - the crown, of righteousness, which the Lord will render unto me in that, day, - The righteous judge, - Ye, not alone unto me, but unto all them also who have loved his forthshining. Give diligence to come unto me speedily, read more. For, Demas, hath forsaken me, having loved the present age, and hath journeyed unto Thessalonica; Crescens unto Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia: Luke, alone is with me. Receiving, Mark, back, bring him with thyself, for he is very useful to me for ministering; and, Tychicus, have I sent unto Ephesus.
and, Tychicus, have I sent unto Ephesus. The cloak that I left in Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring; and the scrolls, especially, the parchments.
The cloak that I left in Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring; and the scrolls, especially, the parchments.
The cloak that I left in Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring; and the scrolls, especially, the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith, of much baseness towards me, hath given proof, - the Lord will render unto him according to his works. -
Alexander the coppersmith, of much baseness towards me, hath given proof, - the Lord will render unto him according to his works. -
Alexander the coppersmith, of much baseness towards me, hath given proof, - the Lord will render unto him according to his works. - Of whom, be, thou also, on thy guard, for he hath greatly withstood our words. read more. In my first defence, no man, came in to help me, but, all, forsook me, - unto them, may it not be reckoned! -
In my first defence, no man, came in to help me, but, all, forsook me, - unto them, may it not be reckoned! -
In my first defence, no man, came in to help me, but, all, forsook me, - unto them, may it not be reckoned! -
In my first defence, no man, came in to help me, but, all, forsook me, - unto them, may it not be reckoned! - But, the Lord, stood by me, and empowered me, in order that, through me, the proclamation, might be fully made, and, all the nations, might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of a lion: -
But, the Lord, stood by me, and empowered me, in order that, through me, the proclamation, might be fully made, and, all the nations, might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of a lion: -
But, the Lord, stood by me, and empowered me, in order that, through me, the proclamation, might be fully made, and, all the nations, might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of a lion: -
But, the Lord, stood by me, and empowered me, in order that, through me, the proclamation, might be fully made, and, all the nations, might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of a lion: - The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work, and will bring me safe into his heavenly kingdom: unto whom be the glory, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work, and will bring me safe into his heavenly kingdom: unto whom be the glory, unto the ages of ages. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila and the house of Onesiphorus.
Salute Prisca and Aquila and the house of Onesiphorus. Erastus, remained in Corinth; but, Trophimus, I left at Miletus, sick.
Erastus, remained in Corinth; but, Trophimus, I left at Miletus, sick.
Erastus, remained in Corinth; but, Trophimus, I left at Miletus, sick. Give diligence to come, before winter. There salute thee - Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and allthe brethren.
Give diligence to come, before winter. There salute thee - Eubulus, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and allthe brethren.
Know ye that our brother Timothy hath been set at liberty, - with whom, if more speedily he be coming, I will see you. Salute all them who are guiding you, and all the saints: they from Italy, salute you.