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/mnt'>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 brought Alexander out of the crowd, whom the Jews had pushed forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, would have made a defense to the people, but when they saw that he was a Jew they all, with one voice, for about two hours, shouted,
There accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. Now these had gone on, and were awaiting us at Troas; read more. but we ourselves set sail from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and joined them five days later at Troas. There we remained for a week. On the first day of the week we met for the breaking of bread, and Paul, who was going away the next morning, began preaching to them, and prolonged his discourse until midnight.
We sailed from thence, and arrived next day off Chios; and the day after we touched at Samos; and the following day we came to Mitylene.
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church to come to him;
And now I know that not one of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see my face again.
(For they had formerly seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
(For they had formerly seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
After this Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house, and used to receive all who came to see him.
I have no command from the Lord to give you concerning unmarried women; but I give you my opinion, and it is that of a man who, through the Lord's mercy, is deserving of your confidence.
But that you also may know my affairs and how I do, Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may cheer your hearts.
Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all that concerns me. I have sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, one of your own number, for this very purpose, to let you know how I am, and to cheer your hearts.
although I had formerly been a blasphemer and a persecutor and a doer of outrage. But I obtained mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be glory and honor forever and ever. Amen!
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given over to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and peaceful life in all godliness an gravity. For this is good and pleasing in the eyes of our Saviour God, read more. whose will it is that all men should be saved, and come into full knowledge of the truth. For God is one; and one is mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom in behalf of all, to be attested in due time. It was for this testimony that I myself was appointed a herald and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), to be a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. My wish, then, is that in every place the men should offer prayer, lifting up holy hands, free from anger and disputation;
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron,
speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron, who discourage marriage, and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thankfulness, by those who believe, and have a clear knowledge of the truth.
who discourage marriage, and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thankfulness, by those who believe, and have a clear knowledge of the truth. For everything that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if only it is received with thankfulness.
For everything that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if only it is received with thankfulness. For it is sanctified by the Word of God and by prayer.
For it is sanctified by the Word of God and by prayer.
Never ordain any one hastily, nor take part in the wrong-doing of others. Keep yourself pure. Do not continue to drink nothing but water, but take a little wine for your stomach's sake, and your frequent attacks of illness.
For in his own good time this will be brought about by that blessed and only potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality, who dwells in light that none can approach, whom no man has ever seen or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
Night and day when I recall your tears I am longing to see you, that my happiness may be complete.
You already know that all the Christians in Roman Asia forsook me, among them Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord show mercy to the house hold of Onesiphorus; for many a time he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
The Lord show mercy to the house hold of Onesiphorus; for many a time he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
The Lord show mercy to the house hold of Onesiphorus; for many a time he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he came to Rome he sought for me until he found me.
But when he came to Rome he sought for me until he found me. The Lord grant him to find mercy form the Lord in that Day! And you know better than I how many services he rendered in Ephesus.
The Lord grant him to find mercy form the Lord in that Day! And you know better than I how many services he rendered in Ephesus.
The Lord grant him to find mercy form the Lord in that Day! And you know better than I how many services he rendered in Ephesus.
For preaching it I am suffering, and am even put in chains as a malefactor.
For preaching it I am suffering, and am even put in chains as a malefactor.
and their teaching will spread like a gangrene.
But of this be sure. In the last days grievous times will come. For men will be selfish, mercenary, boastful, haughty, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, irreligious, read more. without natural affection, merciless, slanderous, dissolute, and brutal. They will hate goodness, they will be treacherous, reckless, blinded with pride, lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God. For although they keep up the outward form of religion, they deny its power. Turn away from all such. Some of them creep into private houses and lead captive silly women who, laden with sins, and led captive by ever-changing impulses, are always learning but never able to arrive at knowledge of truth. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also do these men withstand the truth; being corrupt in mind and worthless in all that concerns the faith. But they will not get on; for their folly will be made as openly manifest to all as was that of Jannes and Jambres.
and how from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture, seeing that it is God-breathed, is also profitable for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, read more. so that the man of God may himself be complete, and completely equipped for every good work.
I for my part am a libation already being poured in sacrifice; and the time of my unmooring is at hand.
I for my part am a libation already being poured in sacrifice; and the time of my unmooring is at hand.
I for my part am a libation already being poured in sacrifice; and the time of my unmooring is at hand. I have fought in the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have kept the faith.
I have fought in the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have kept the faith.
I have fought in the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the garland of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on 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 garland of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on 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 garland of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. Do your best to come to me speedily, read more. for Demas has deserted me for love of this present world, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens is gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. Luke only is with me. Pick up Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in my ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus; also my books, but especially my parchments.
When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus; also my books, but especially my parchments.
When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus; also my books, but especially my parchments. Alexander, the coppersmith, manifested bitter hostility toward me. The Lord will requite him according to his works.
Alexander, the coppersmith, manifested bitter hostility toward me. The Lord will requite him according to his works.
Alexander, the coppersmith, manifested bitter hostility toward me. The Lord will requite him according to his works. Be also on your guard against him, for he has violently opposed my arguments. read more. At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me??ay it not be laid to their charge!
At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me??ay it not be laid to their charge!
At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me??ay it not be laid to their charge!
At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me??ay it not be laid to their charge! Nevertheless the Lord Jesus stood by me, and strengthened my heart, that through me full proclamation of the gospel might be made, and the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
Nevertheless the Lord Jesus stood by me, and strengthened my heart, that through me full proclamation of the gospel might be made, and the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
Nevertheless the Lord Jesus stood by me, and strengthened my heart, that through me full proclamation of the gospel might be made, and the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
Nevertheless the Lord Jesus stood by me, and strengthened my heart, that through me full proclamation of the gospel might be made, and the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil assault, and will preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen!
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil assault, and will preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen! Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me ill at Miletus.
Erastus remained at Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me ill at Miletus.
Erastus remained at Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me ill at Miletus. Do try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brotherhood.
Do try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brotherhood.
You know that our brother Timothy has been set free. If he comes soon, I will see him with you. Salute all your leaders and the saints. The brothers from Italy send you greeting.