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/mstc'>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
Some of the company drew forth Alexander, the Jews thrusting him forwards. Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have given the people an answer. When they knew that he was a Jew, there arose a shout almost for the space of two hours of all men crying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."
There accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Beroea: And of Thessalonica, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy: And out of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These went before, and tarried us at Troas. read more. And we sailed away from Philippi after the holy days, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days. And on the morrow after the Sabbath day the disciples came together for to break bread, and Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued the preaching unto midnight.
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios. And the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.
Wherefore from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all, through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
For they saw one Trophimus, an Ephesian, with him in the city: Him they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.
For they saw one Trophimus, an Ephesian, with him in the city: Him they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.
And Paul dwelt full two years in his lodging. And received all that came to him,
As concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord: yet give I counsel as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do, Tychicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose: that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
The dear brother Tychicus shall tell you of all my business, which is a faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how ye do, and might comfort your hearts,
when before I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a tyrant. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly, through unbelief:
So then unto God, King everlasting, immortal, invisible, and wise only, be honour and praise for ever and ever. Amen.
Of whose number is Hymenaeus, and Alexander, which I have delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
for kings, and for all that are in authority that we may live a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. For that is good and accepted in the sight of god our saviour, read more. which will have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be testified at his time; whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle - I tell the truth in Christ and lie not - being the teacher of the gentiles in faith and verity. I will, therefore, that the men pray every where, lifting up pure hands without wrath, or doubting.
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error,
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error,
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error,
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron,
and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth.
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth. For all the creatures of God are good: and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
For all the creatures of God are good: and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer.
For it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer.
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: Keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine, for thy stomach's sake, and thine often diseases.
which appearing, when the time is come, he shall show that is blessed and mighty only, King of Kings, and Lord of lords, which only hath immortality, and dwelleth in light that no man can attain, whom never man saw, neither can see: unto whom be honour and rule everlasting. Amen.
desiring to see thee, mindful of thy tears: so that I am filled with joy,
This thou knowest, how that all they which are in Asia be turned from me; Of which sort are Phygelus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
but when he was at Rome he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well.
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well.
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well.
wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds. But the word of God was not bound.
wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds. But the word of God was not bound.
and their words shall fret even as doth a canker: of whose number is Hymenaeus and Philetus,
This understand, that in the last days shall come perilous times: For the men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to father and mother, unthankful, unholy, read more. unkind, trucebreakers, stubborn, false accusers, rioters, fierce, despisers of them which are good, traitors, heady, high minded, greedy upon voluptuousness more than the lovers of God, having a similitude of godly living, but have denied the power thereof. Such abhor. For of this sort are they which enter into houses, and bring into bondage women laden with sin, which women are led of divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come unto the knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, even so do these resist the truth, men they are of corrupt minds, and lewd as concerning the faith: but they shall prevail no longer. For their madness shall be uttered unto all men as theirs was.
And forasmuch also as thou hast known holy scripture of a child, which is able to make thee wise unto salvation through the faith, which is in Christ Jesus. For all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable to teach, to improve, to amend, and to instruct in righteousness, read more. that the man of God may be perfect, and prepared unto all good works.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand. I have fought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, and have kept the faith.
I have fought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, and have kept the faith.
I have fought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, and have kept the faith. From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord that is a righteous judge shall give me at that day: not to me only: but unto all them that love his coming.
From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord that is a righteous judge shall give me at that day: not to me only: but unto all them that love his coming.
From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord that is a righteous judge shall give me at that day: not to me only: but unto all them that love his coming. Make speed to come unto me at once. read more. For Demas hath left me, and hath loved this present world, and is departed into Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, and Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is necessary unto me for to minister. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when thou comest bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchment.
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when thou comest bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchment.
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when thou comest bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchment. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the Lord reward him according to his deeds,
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the Lord reward him according to his deeds,
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the Lord reward him according to his deeds, of whom be thou ware also. For he withstood our preaching, sore. read more. At my first answering for myself, no man assisted me, but all forsook me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges:
At my first answering for myself, no man assisted me, but all forsook me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges:
At my first answering for myself, no man assisted me, but all forsook me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges:
At my first answering for myself, no man assisted me, but all forsook me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges: notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthed me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthed me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthed me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and strengthed me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from all evil doing, and shall keep me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be praise for ever and ever. Amen.
And the Lord shall deliver me from all evil doing, and shall keep me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be praise for ever and ever. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth. Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
Erastus abode at Corinth. Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
Erastus abode at Corinth. Trophimus I left at Miletus sick. Make speed to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Make speed to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Know the brother Timothy, whom we have sent from us, with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute them that have the oversight of you, and all the saints. They of Italy, salute you.