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/mace'>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
at last Alexander was disengag'd from the croud, and accus'd by the Jews. then he waved his hand, desiring to make his defence before them all. but when they knew he was a Jew, they cry'd out one and all for the space of two hours, "great is Diana of the Ephesians."
Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derby and Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus both Asiatics, all accompanied him to Asia, and then advanc'd before and waited for us at Troas. read more. after the feast of unleaven'd bread we sail'd from Philippi, and in five days we join'd them at Troas, where we stay'd seven. on the first day of the week we assembled to break bread, when Paul, who was to depart on the morrow, gave them a sermon, which lasted till midnight.
from thence we bore away: the next day we came off Chios, and the day after we pass'd by Samos, landing at Trogyllium, and arrived at Miletus the next day.
At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:
and now I am persuaded you will none of you see my face any more: whilst I have been among you, I have proclaim'd the kingdom of the Messias:
(for having seen Trophimus an Ephesian with him in the city, they imagin'd Paul had conducted him into the temple.)
(for having seen Trophimus an Ephesian with him in the city, they imagin'd Paul had conducted him into the temple.)
After this, Paul staid two whole years in a house he had hired, and gave access to all that visited him,
As to the case of celibacy, I have no positive instructions: yet my advice deserves to be regarded, as coming from one the divine favour has distinguished.
As to the state of my affairs, and health, Tychicus our dear brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, will very particularly acquaint you with them. I have sent him to you on purpose to acquaint you with our concerns, and to comfort your hearts.
As to what relates to me, you will be inform'd of it by Tychicus my dear brother, who is a faithful minister of the Lord, and serves him with me. I sent him on purpose to acquaint you with my circumstances, and give you matter of comfort.
who was before a blasphemer, and a violent persecutor; but I obtained mercy, because I acted thro' ignorance in incrudelity.
to the king of the world, the immortal, invisible, and the only God be honour and glory to endless ages. amen.
Hymeneus and Alexander are of that number, whom I have deliver'd to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in the practice of all piety and virtue; for such offices are commendable, and agreeable to God our saviour, read more. who wills that all men be saved, by embracing the truth. for there is but one God, and but one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself for the redemption of all mankind: this is what was to be promulg'd in due time: for this I was establish'd a herald and an apostle, I speak the truth without disguise, a doctor to instruct the Gentiles in the true faith. I direct therefore that the men pray in publick and private, lifting up their hands to heaven with innocence, charity, and composure.
Now the spirit says expresly, that in the latter times some shall abandon the faith, by giving credit to seducing spirits, and the doctrine concerning demons;
Now the spirit says expresly, that in the latter times some shall abandon the faith, by giving credit to seducing spirits, and the doctrine concerning demons;
Now the spirit says expresly, that in the latter times some shall abandon the faith, by giving credit to seducing spirits, and the doctrine concerning demons;
Now the spirit says expresly, that in the latter times some shall abandon the faith, by giving credit to seducing spirits, and the doctrine concerning demons; broach'd by hypocrititical impostors, whose consciences are cauteriz'd,
broach'd by hypocrititical impostors, whose consciences are cauteriz'd, interdicting marriage; and the use of animal food; which God created for the repast of the faithful, who embrace the truth with thankfulness.
interdicting marriage; and the use of animal food; which God created for the repast of the faithful, who embrace the truth with thankfulness. for all that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it be receiv'd with thanksgiving:
for all that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it be receiv'd with thanksgiving: since it is sanctified by the divine permission, and by prayer.
since it is sanctified by the divine permission, and by prayer.
Don't be hasty to ordain any man: and be not accessory to the faults of others: preserve your own integrity. Discontinue the drinking of bare water, take a litle wine out of regard to your weak stomach, and your frequent indispositions.
whose advent HE will in his own time display, WHO is perfectly happy, who alone is omnipotent, the king of kings, and the lord of all that bear rule; who alone is essentially immortal, dwelling in that inaccessible light, which no mortal ever saw, or can see: to whom belongs everlasting honour and empire. amen.
when I call to mind your affliction, it makes me ardently desire the exceeding pleasure I shall have in seeing you:
You know that I have been abandon'd by all the Asiatics, by Phygellus and Hermogenes among the rest. the Lord be favourable to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often reliev'd me, and was not asham'd of my chains:
the Lord be favourable to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often reliev'd me, and was not asham'd of my chains:
the Lord be favourable to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often reliev'd me, and was not asham'd of my chains: but when he was at Rome, he enquired for me very diligently, and found me.
but when he was at Rome, he enquired for me very diligently, and found me. the Lord grant he may obtain mercy from him in that day, for you know very well what services de did me at Ephesus.
the Lord grant he may obtain mercy from him in that day, for you know very well what services de did me at Ephesus.
the Lord grant he may obtain mercy from him in that day, for you know very well what services de did me at Ephesus.
for which I suffer even the chains of a malefactor: but the word of God is not so confin'd.
for which I suffer even the chains of a malefactor: but the word of God is not so confin'd.
and their doctrine will spread like the gangrene. Hymeneus and Philetus are such:
Take notice that in the latter days difficult incidents will arise; for men will be selfish, avaricious, vain, proud, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, read more. villainous, unnatural, perfidious, defamers, debauchees, cruel, enemies to virtue, traitors, insolent, conceited, and more devoted to pleasure than to piety: of which they wear the appearance, but disclaim its influence. have no intercourse with such. Of this number are they, who insinuate themselves into families, to make a prey of the weaker sex, who are inveigled by their vitious suggestions, abetted by their own subtle passions, and by lending an assiduous ear to such lessons, render it impossible they should ever be acquainted with the truth. Moses did not meet with greater opposition from Jannes and Jambres, than truth does from men so corrupted in their mind, and so adulterated in their faith. but they will be stop'd in their career; for they shall be expos'd to the world for impostors, as those magicians were.
and that from your infancy you were acquainted with the sacred writings, which point you the way to salvation, by believing in Christ Jesus: for all divinely inspired writings are conducive to instruction, to conviction, to reformation, and the practice of virtue; read more. that the minister of God may be perfectly accomplished for every office of religion.
as for me, my blood will soon be pour'd out, and the time of my departure draws nigh:
as for me, my blood will soon be pour'd out, and the time of my departure draws nigh:
as for me, my blood will soon be pour'd out, and the time of my departure draws nigh: I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith:
I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith:
I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith: I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.
I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.
I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance. Endeavour to come to me very soon: read more. for Damas, out of love to this world has abandon'd me, and is gone to Thessalonica: Crescens, to Galatia: and Titus, to Dalmatia. only Luke is with me. take Mark and bring him with you; because he will be useful to me in the ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. when you come, bring the cloke and books, but especially the roll, which I left with Carpus at Troas.
when you come, bring the cloke and books, but especially the roll, which I left with Carpus at Troas.
when you come, bring the cloke and books, but especially the roll, which I left with Carpus at Troas. Alexander the copper-smith did me many injuries: the Lord may reward him according to his actions.
Alexander the copper-smith did me many injuries: the Lord may reward him according to his actions.
Alexander the copper-smith did me many injuries: the Lord may reward him according to his actions. beware of him, for he violently opposed our doctrine. read more. At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.
At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.
At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.
At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge. however the Lord assisted and strengthen'd me, that the gospel might be confirm'd by my remonstrance, and all the nations might hear it; so that I was deliver'd out of the mouth of the lion:
however the Lord assisted and strengthen'd me, that the gospel might be confirm'd by my remonstrance, and all the nations might hear it; so that I was deliver'd out of the mouth of the lion:
however the Lord assisted and strengthen'd me, that the gospel might be confirm'd by my remonstrance, and all the nations might hear it; so that I was deliver'd out of the mouth of the lion:
however the Lord assisted and strengthen'd me, that the gospel might be confirm'd by my remonstrance, and all the nations might hear it; so that I was deliver'd out of the mouth of the lion: and the Lord will deliver me from every malicious design, and preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. to him be glory to endless ages. amen.
and the Lord will deliver me from every malicious design, and preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. to him be glory to endless ages. amen. Salute Prisca, and Aquila, and the family of Onesiphorus.
Salute Prisca, and Aquila, and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus staid at Corinth: but Trophimus I left sick at Miletum.
Erastus staid at Corinth: but Trophimus I left sick at Miletum.
Erastus staid at Corinth: but Trophimus I left sick at Miletum. endeavour to come before winter. Eubulus, Prudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren salute you.
endeavour to come before winter. Eubulus, Prudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren salute you.
know, that our brother Timothy is set at liberty. if he comes quickly, I shall make YOU a visit with him. salute those who conduct you, and all the christians. they of Italy salute you.