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/godbey'>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 some from the crowd forced in Alexander, the Jews precipitating him forward; and Alexander, beckoning with his hand, wished to apologize to the people. But recognizing that he is a Jew, there was one voice from all crying out about two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And Sopater the (son) of Pyrrhus, the Berean, and Aristarchus, the Thessalonian, and Secundus; and Gaius the Derbean, and Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus the Asiatics, accompanied him; and these having gone in advance, awaited us in Troas; read more. and we, after the days of unleaven bread, sailed from Philippi, and came to them into Troas within five days; where we spent seven days. And on the first of the Sabbaths we being assembled to break bread, Paul spoke to them, being about to depart the following day, and continued his discourse till midnight:
And thence having sailed away on the following day we arrived opposite Chios; and on the following day we touched at Samos, and on the next day we came into Miletus.
And having sent from Miletus into Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I came preaching the gospel of the kingdom, shall see my face no more.
And he spent a whole biennium in his own hired house, and received all those coming to him,
But concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give knowledge, as one having obtained mercy from the Lord to be faithful.
But in order that you may also know the things concerning me, how I am doing, Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you: whom I sent to you unto this same thing, in order that you may know the affairs concerning us, and he may comfort your hearts.
Tychicus, my beloved brother, and faithful minister and fellow-laborer in the Lord, will make known to you all things which appertain to me: whom I sent unto you for this same thing, in order that you may know the things concerning us, and he may comfort your hearts;
being antecedently a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an insulter: but I obtained mercy, because I did it in unbelief being ignorant;
But to the King of the ages, the incorruptible, invisible, only God, be honor and glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
for kings and all who are in authority; in order that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty. This is beautiful and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; read more. who wishes all men to be saved, and to come to the perfect knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is also one mediator of God and men, the man, Christ Jesus, the one having given himself a ransom for all, a testimony in due time; in which I have been placed a herald and an apostle I speak the truth, I lie not, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and in truth. Therefore I wish that men in every place would all pray, holding up holy hands, without wrath and doubting:
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons,
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons,
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons,
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been cauterized as to their own conscience,
speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been cauterized as to their own conscience, forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats, which God created for reception with thanksgiving to the faithful and to those perfectly knowing the truth.
forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats, which God created for reception with thanksgiving to the faithful and to those perfectly knowing the truth. Because every creature of God is good, and nothing rejected, being received with thanksgiving:
Because every creature of God is good, and nothing rejected, being received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
for it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
Lay hands quickly on no one, and be not partaker of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure. No longer drink water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and on account of your frequent sickness.
which the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of the kings, and Lord of the lords, will manifest in his own due times; he alone having immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable; whom no one of men has seen, or is able to see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.
longing to see you, remembering your tears, in order that I may be filled with joy;
You know this, that all who are in Asia, of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes have turned away from me. May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because frequently he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because frequently he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because frequently he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, and, being in Rome, he diligently sought me, and found me.
and, being in Rome, he diligently sought me, and found me. May the Lord grant unto him to find mercy with the Lord in that day. And so many things as he ministered in Ephesus, you know better.
May the Lord grant unto him to find mercy with the Lord in that day. And so many things as he ministered in Ephesus, you know better.
May the Lord grant unto him to find mercy with the Lord in that day. And so many things as he ministered in Ephesus, you know better.
in whom I suffer affliction as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
in whom I suffer affliction as an evil-doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
and their word like gangrene will have eating. Of whom are Hymenaeus and Phyletus;
But know this, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men will be lovers of themselves, moneylovers, arrogant, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, read more. without natural affections, covenant breakers, devilish, intemperate, furious, opposed to good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power of the same: and from these turn away. For of these are those creeping into houses, and leading captive little, silly women laden with sins, being led by divers lusts, always learning, and never able to come into the perfect knowledge of the truth. In the manner in which Jannes and Jambres also resisted Moses, so these indeed resist the truth; men who are corrupt as to their mind, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their insanity will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
and that from an infant thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is God-breathed and profitable unto teaching, unto conviction, unto correction, unto instruction which is in righteousness: read more. in order that the man of God may be perfect, having been thoroughly perfected unto every good work.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: finally there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: not only to me, but to all those who with divine love, do love his appearing.
finally there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: not only to me, but to all those who with divine love, do love his appearing.
finally there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day: not only to me, but to all those who with divine love, do love his appearing. Hasten to come to me quickly. read more. For Demas has left me, having loved the present age, and is gone into Thessalonica; Crescents into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with you: for he is useful unto me for the ministry. But I sent Tychicus into Ephesus.
But I sent Tychicus into Ephesus. Coming, bring the cloak, which I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
Coming, bring the cloak, which I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
Coming, bring the cloak, which I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith showed to me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works.
Alexander the coppersmith showed to me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works.
Alexander the coppersmith showed to me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works. Whom you also watch for he resisted our words exceedingly. read more. In my first defence no one stood by me, but all left me: may it not be charged against them:
In my first defence no one stood by me, but all left me: may it not be charged against them:
In my first defence no one stood by me, but all left me: may it not be charged against them:
In my first defence no one stood by me, but all left me: may it not be charged against them: but the Lord stood by me, and impowered me; in order that the preaching through me might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
but the Lord stood by me, and impowered me; in order that the preaching through me might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
but the Lord stood by me, and impowered me; in order that the preaching through me might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
but the Lord stood by me, and impowered me; in order that the preaching through me might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and save me into his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and save me into his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained in Corinth: and I left Trophimus in Miletum sick.
Erastus remained in Corinth: and I left Trophimus in Miletum sick.
Erastus remained in Corinth: and I left Trophimus in Miletum sick. Hasten to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers salute you.
Hasten to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers salute you.
Know our brother Timothy has departed; with whom, if he may come the more speedily, I shall see you. Salute all your leaders, and all the saints. Those from Italy salute you.