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/williams'>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 crowd concluded that it was Alexander, since the Jews had pushed him to the front, and since Alexander had made a gesture of the hand as though he would make a defense before the people. But as soon as they saw that he was a Jew, a shout went up from them all as the shout of one man, lasting for two hours: "Great Artemis of Ephesus!"
He had as companions Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. They went on to Troas and waited there for us, read more. while we, after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, sailed from Philippi, and five days after joined them at Troas, where we spent a week. On the first day of the week when we had met to break bread, Paul addressed them, since he was leaving the next day, and prolonged his speech till midnight.
On the next day we sailed from there and arrived off Chios. On the next day we crossed to Samos, and the next we reached Miletus.
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
And now I know that none of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom will ever see my face again.
For they had previously seen Trophimus of Ephesus in the city with him, and so they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
For they had previously seen Trophimus of Ephesus in the city with him, and so they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
So Paul for two whole years lived in a rented house of his own; he continued to welcome everybody who came to see him;
About unmarried women I have no command from the Lord, but I will give you my opinion as of one who is trustworthy, since I have had mercy shown me by the Lord.
That you may also know how I am, Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and a faithful minister in the Lord's service, will give you all the information; that is the very reason I am sending him, to let you know how I am and to cheer your hearts.
My dearly loved Tychicus, a faithful minister and my fellow-servant in the Lord's work, will tell you all about me. I am sending him to you for the express purpose of letting you know my circumstances, and of cheering your hearts;
Our dearly loved Luke, the physician, and Demas, wish to be remembered to you.
though I once used to abuse, persecute, and insult Him. But mercy was shown me by Him, because I did it in ignorance and unbelief,
To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan to be so disciplined that they will stop their abusive speech.
for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead peaceful, quiet lives in perfect piety and seriousness. This is the right thing to do and it pleases God our Saviour, read more. who is ever willing for all mankind to be saved and to come to an increasing knowledge of the truth. For there is but one God and one intermediary between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all, a fact that was testified to at the proper time, and for which purpose I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am telling the truth, I am not lying, -- a teacher of the heathen in the realm of faith and truth. So I want the men everywhere to offer prayer, lifting to heaven holy hands which are kept unstained by anger and dissensions.
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, because they continuously give their attention to deceiving spirits and the things that demons teach
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, because they continuously give their attention to deceiving spirits and the things that demons teach
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, because they continuously give their attention to deceiving spirits and the things that demons teach
Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, because they continuously give their attention to deceiving spirits and the things that demons teach through the pretensions of false teachers, men with seared consciences,
through the pretensions of false teachers, men with seared consciences, who forbid people to marry and teach them to abstain from certain sorts of food which God created for the grateful enjoyment of those who have faith and a clear knowledge of the truth.
who forbid people to marry and teach them to abstain from certain sorts of food which God created for the grateful enjoyment of those who have faith and a clear knowledge of the truth. For everything in God's creation is good, and nothing is to be refused, provided it is accepted with thanksgiving;
For everything in God's creation is good, and nothing is to be refused, provided it is accepted with thanksgiving; for in this way it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
for in this way it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Make it a rule not to ordain anyone in haste, and not to be responsible for the sins of others; keep yourself pure. Stop drinking water only, but take a little wine to strengthen your stomach and relieve its frequent attacks.
which will be brought about in His own time by the blessed, only Sovereign, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
to see you again, that I may feel the fullest joy
You know that everyone here who belongs to the Roman province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often cheered me and was not ashamed of the chains I wore.
May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often cheered me and was not ashamed of the chains I wore.
May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often cheered me and was not ashamed of the chains I wore. Yes, when he got to Rome he took pains to look me up and finally found me.
Yes, when he got to Rome he took pains to look me up and finally found me. The Lord grant that he may find mercy at His hands on that day. And you very well know yourself how great were the services he rendered me at Ephesus.
The Lord grant that he may find mercy at His hands on that day. And you very well know yourself how great were the services he rendered me at Ephesus.
The Lord grant that he may find mercy at His hands on that day. And you very well know yourself how great were the services he rendered me at Ephesus.
for the sake of which I am suffering hardships even to the extent of wearing chains as though I were a criminal. But God's message is not in chains.
for the sake of which I am suffering hardships even to the extent of wearing chains as though I were a criminal. But God's message is not in chains.
and their message will spread like a cancer; men like Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Now you must know that in the last days there are going to be hard times. For people will be selfish, avaricious, boastful, haughty, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, irreverent, read more. lacking in love for kinsmen, irreconcilable, slanderers, having no self-control, savage, lacking in love for the good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure more than God, keeping up the forms of religion but not giving expression to its power. Avoid such people. For some of them practice going into people's houses and capturing weak and silly women who are overwhelmed with the weight of their sins, who are easily led about by all sorts of evil impulses, who are always trying to learn but never able to come to a full knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, these people resist the truth, for they are depraved in mind and so counterfeits in the faith. But they will not make any more progress, for their folly will be evident to everybody, as theirs was.
and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures which can give you wisdom that leads to salvation through the faith that leans on Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God, and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in doing what is right, read more. so that the man of God may be perfectly fit, thoroughly equipped for every good enterprise.
My life, indeed, is already ebbing out, and the time has come for me to sail away.
My life, indeed, is already ebbing out, and the time has come for me to sail away.
My life, indeed, is already ebbing out, and the time has come for me to sail away. I have fought the fight for the good, I have run my race, I have kept faith.
I have fought the fight for the good, I have run my race, I have kept faith.
I have fought the fight for the good, I have run my race, I have kept faith. Now the crown for doing right awaits me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only me but also all who have loved His appearing.
Now the crown for doing right awaits me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only me but also all who have loved His appearing.
Now the crown for doing right awaits me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only me but also all who have loved His appearing. Do your best to come to me soon, read more. for Demas has forsaken me because he loved the present world, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia; Luke is the only one who is now with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is of great service to me, and I have sent Tychicus off to Ephesus.
and I have sent Tychicus off to Ephesus. When you come, bring the coat which I left with Carpus at Troas; bring the books, too, especially the parchments.
When you come, bring the coat which I left with Carpus at Troas; bring the books, too, especially the parchments.
When you come, bring the coat which I left with Carpus at Troas; bring the books, too, especially the parchments. Alexander, a worker in metal, did me ever so much harm. The Lord will repay him for what he did.
Alexander, a worker in metal, did me ever so much harm. The Lord will repay him for what he did.
Alexander, a worker in metal, did me ever so much harm. The Lord will repay him for what he did. You too must be on your guard against him, for he has vigorously opposed my teaching. read more. When I first defended myself at court, nobody came to help me, but everybody deserted me. May it never be charged to their account.
When I first defended myself at court, nobody came to help me, but everybody deserted me. May it never be charged to their account.
When I first defended myself at court, nobody came to help me, but everybody deserted me. May it never be charged to their account.
When I first defended myself at court, nobody came to help me, but everybody deserted me. May it never be charged to their account. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws. The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work and save me to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work and save me to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen. Remember me to Prisca and Aquila, and to the family of Onesiphorus.
Remember me to Prisca and Aquila, and to the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Erastus stayed in Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Erastus stayed in Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus wishes to be remembered to you, and so do Prudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus wishes to be remembered to you, and so do Prudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
You must know that our brother Timothy has been released from prison. If he comes soon, he and I will see you together. Remember us to all your leaders and to all the Christians. The Christians from Italy wish to be remembered to you.