THE PURPOSE: Paul's purposes in penning 2 Timothy are: (1) to call Timothy to come to Rome as soon as possible in view of Paul's impending death (cf. 4:9, 21 with 4:6-8), and (2) to admonish Timothy to endure in spite of so many defections and Paul's own imprisonment.
THE THEME: Persevere in protecting and proclaiming God's Word.
THE AUTHOR: Paul is the stated author of 2 Timothy (1:1). Other remarks in the letter are characteristic of Paul's ministry (3:10, 11; 4:10, 11, 19, 20). Many early church fathers such as Polycarp, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus support Pauline authorship. Though some scholars have questioned Paul's authorship, no argument has been brought against Pauline authorship that does not have a reasonable answer.
THE ADDRESSEES: Paul primarily writes to Timothy who was converted through Paul's ministry and had served under him (Phil 2:22) for about fifteen years as his right-hand man. Timothy was a gifted pastor, but was young and timid (4:12), suffered from frail health (5:23), and was prone to discouragement (1:7; 4:14). Secondarily, this letter was intended for the church of Ephesus.
DATE AND ORIGIN: The date of 2 Timothy is shortly before Paul's death (cf. 1:16; 2:9; 4:13), likely around A.D. 64. Paul describes his situation in terms that indicate that he is in a Roman prison facing the prospects of a speedy execution (1:8; 2:9; 4:9, 16).
KEY VERSES: 2 Timothy 1:7: ''For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.'' 2 Timothy 2:2: ''The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.'' 2 Timothy 2:15: ''Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.''
KEY TOPIC: Endurance in ministry.
KEY WORDS: ''But you [Greek: Su de] . . .'' (3:10, 14; 4:5).
KEY NOTES: 2 Timothy is Paul's last letter and testament to the church. It is his most personal and intimate letter where he provides stabilizing words for discouraged Christian workers. The letter provides the most important explanation of Scripture (3:16-17). The letter also includes the greatest clarity on exposition (4:2), the centrality of Scripture (2:15), perseverance in the gospel (3:14), the need to guard the gospel (1:14), and the responsibility to suffer for the sake of the gospel (1:8; 2:3).
CHRIST IN 2 TIMOTHY: Perseverance in our Christian lives and ministries depends upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hence, it is not surprising that in a letter emphasizing perseverance in ministry, the doctrine of Christ is prominent. Jesus is described as the One who ''abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel'' (1:10), as the One who rose from the dead (2:8), as the One who gives salvation and eternal glory (2:10), as the One with whom all believers have died, with whom they will live, and from whom they will be rewarded for faithful service (as in the crown of righteousness) and in the privilege of reigning with Him (2:11-13; 4:8).
NUTSHELL OUTLINE:
1. Persevere in present trials (1:1-2:26)
2. Persevere in future trials (3:1-4:22)
