Introduction to 2 Timothy

By: Scott Morton

2 Timothy 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

We will be starting to look at the final epistle written by the Apostle Paul. This is being written to provide some final instructions to the members of the Body of Christ and Timothy in particular. We will see the role Timothy was to have in making sure the message for this dispensation continues to be proclaimed. The Bible does make it clear this would have been the final thins being written in the Word of God:

Colossians 1:25-27

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

The key word in this is the word fulfil in verse 25. The meaning of this is accomplished, performed, completed (taken from Webster's 1828 Dictionary). It was the responsibility of the Apostle Paul to bring to completion the Word of God, as the mystery program (the Dispensation of Grace) was being revealed through his writings. Once he was done writing we would have all of the information needed.

Paul also knew his time was short based on his current circumstances:

2 Timothy 4:6-8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

He has been sitting in a prison cell and knows his death (departure) is at hand. This is the end of the road for him here on earth and why he is writing to provide the final information needed. Paul knows where he will be after his death, as his epistles speak of the hope we have, to be with the Lord Jesus Christ ruling with Him in the heavenly places for eternity. He speaks of how he has kept the faith, meaning he continues to understand this and knows God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

Paul has seen the number of people turning away from him and his message, which makes this something to motivate him to keep this going:

2 Timothy 1:15

This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

We see here Paul mentioning all which are in Asia having turned away from him. This is a big step in the rejection of what the Apostle Paul was proclaiming in this dispensation. The region of Asia is the Roman province as can be seen from the following definition from Easton's Bible Dictionary:

Asia

Is used to denote Proconsular Asia, a Roman province which embraced the western parts of Asia Minor, and of which Ephesus was the capital, in Act_2:9; Act_6:9; Act_16:6; Act_19:10, Act_19:22; Act_20:4, Act_20:16, Act_20:18, etc., and probably Asia Minor in Act_19:26, Act_19:27; Act_21:27; Act_24:18; Act_27:2.

Proconsular Asia contained the seven churches of the Apocalypse (Rev_1:11). The �chiefs of Asia� (Act_19:31) were certain wealthy citizens who were annually elected to preside over the games and religious festivals of the several cities to which they belonged. Some of these "Asiarchs" were Paul's friends.

These are places where Paul had been ministering and he had established several local assemblies in these areas. It is important to note this, as Paul was sending Timothy to this area knowing what was going on. He needed to make sure they were going to stay true to the doctrine and also that the message would continue to be proclaimed. Paul knew his responsibility (Ephesians 3:9) to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery. The only way this happens is for the message to continue to be proclaimed.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The message of this dispensation, which Paul calls here the preaching of the cross, is the power of God. This is the only way someone is going to have salvation today. This message needs to be held onto and it is why Paul is writing this final epistle to encourage Timothy, and us, to remain faithful to the doctrine which has been given to us today.

As we start looking at this epistle, we are going to spend some time talking about the Apostle Paul. We see from the book of Acts it is mentioned he had a purpose:

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 26:16-18

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

We see from these two passages how the Lord Jesus Christ communicated to the Apostle Paul, who was Saul at the time, what was going to transpire with him. Acts 9 speaks about being a chosen vessel for a particular purpose. This purpose is given in the recounting of the event in Acts 26. Paul speaks about how he was told he was going to be ministering the things which had been seen and things which were going to be revealed to him. There were things which were only going to be given to him and he was going to be responsible to share these. Paul speaks about this responsibility in the book of Romans:

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Paul states here how he was going to be minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. This was something which was not seen or heard about prior to the raising up of Paul as an Apostle (Romans 11:13). The ministry prior to Paul was to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and proclaim the promises which had been made to the fathers (Romans 15:8). The other apostles were to be sharing this message only with them and were told that many times during the gospel accounts and the early part of the book of Acts.

This is what makes what the Apostle Paul is doing different. He writes about this in Ephesians 2, showing the difference of how things were in time past (Ephesians 2:11-12) when he speaks about all of the things which were keeping the Gentiles away from God and when he speaks about now starting in verse 13. This is something which had been kept secret and was only now revealed through the ministry given unto Paul.

Paul speaks about the appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection and how this shows the position he had:

1 Corinthians 15:5-10

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. [8] And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. [9] For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Here we see Paul speaking about the various appearances and how there were many appearance for those who were ministering to Israel. He was giving them the information needed and confirming His resurrection and the hope given to Israel. It is only in the last appearance we see Him speaking to Paul, with Paul giving a description of how he should be viewed. This view is the Lord Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery and revolves around the doctrine which is being given to Paul.

Paul speaks about his past and how this could have been seen as a problem:

Galatians 1:11-14

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. [12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: [14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

As Paul confirms the fact of receiving this information directly from the Lord Jesus Christ and not having received this from any individual he identifies how they would have heard about who he was prior. Paul gives the information about how he was the one persecuting the church which was in existence prior to him (Israel's program) and the profit he would have had among individuals. The zeal he had doing this brought about fame and fortune, to where everyone would have known who he was and those who were following God's program would have feared him.

Acts 7:51-58

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. [52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: [53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. [54] When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. [55] But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. [57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, [58] And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Acts 8:1-3

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. [3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

These two passages show how Paul, known as Saul at the time, was living. He was doing the things which we read about in the book of Galatians and kept pursuing these things. Paul was not someone anyone would have said was following God if they knew the truth. He was actively working to destroy what God was doing and would have been creating fear in the eyes of the people following God's program.

Philippians 3:4-8

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: [5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. [7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. [8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Here we have the Apostle Paul speaking about who he was prior to salvation. He is listing out all of the qualifications which would have made him to be special according to the program going on. He was part of Israel, the chosen people, and specifically could name himself as part of one of the tribes which had been the most faithful to what God was doing with the nation. Paul was part of the religious leadership and could show the zeal he had in doing what he thought was God's program, even though he was wrong. He could state he was blameless related to the law as he would have been doing the sacrifices to try to cover the things. Paul also would have been trying to follow all of the traditions which they had set up, which would have added unto the perception of being righteous.

Even though he had all of these things going on, they were not enough to be part of what God was doing or to be seen as being righteous. Paul states he counted all of these things as loss in order to be part of the program of God and be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something that many people would struggle with, as they want to be able to say they have done certain things and that they have some sort of a righteous standing on their own in the eyes of God. This is why we see the clear separation between who he was and who be became. As the members of the Body of Christ we need to have this same thought process, which is why Paul wrote the following to Timothy:

1 Timothy 1:15-16

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Paul identifies himself as a pattern for those to have eternal life. This pattern is not related to the event of his salvation (which we will read coming up). The pattern Paul has laid out for us comes from the doctrine which he received which starts with the gospel message for today (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is found in the books of Romans through Philemon related to how we should be living our life. We are able to understand the proper application of doctrine and it is why Paul is writing this final letter to remind us of this.

The events of Acts 9:1-6 show t salvation of Paul. If this was going to be the pattern then we would all have o be waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ to appear to us in the heavenly places in order to receive salvation. This is not the case. His salvation was a special event and we see this from the Bible.

Paul also had to learn some things in order to be able to carry out the ministry which was being given to him:

Galatians 1:17

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Paul goes into Arabia in order to be able to learn some things related to this dispensation. We see from the first time he is speaking that there is a difference in what was being proclaimed and what we see him writing in his epistles:

Acts 9:19-21

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. [20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. [21] But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

We see from this Paul was preaching what he had been hunting down people for. The individuals who were hearing him were amazed at this, as they knew who he was and what he was doing. This demonstrated grace shown by God of showing mercy towards the individual who was against everything which God was doing. While this demonstration should have led to individuals accepting what was going on, they reject Paul and seek to kill him for preaching this message.

We can see this is a difference from what Paul goes on to tell us in his epistles:

Romans 16:25-26

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Paul speaks of how he is speaking of the revelation of the mystery. There was information which had been kept secret from the foundation of the world and is now being revealed through him to the world. This contrasts with things written before him, which speak about things proclaimed from the foundation of the world (Acts 3:19-21 is an example). The things from the foundation of the world are the prophecies which were given to Israel explaining their program and the hope they had of a kingdom being established on the earth.

Ephesians 2:11-17

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

As Paul wrote to the assembly in Ephesus, we see how he writes about the differences between time past and what is happening now during this dispensation. In the dispensation prior to now we see how there are a number of things which describe the Gentiles and how we were different from Israel. They had all of the advantages because this is who God was dealing with. The Gentile nations had no hope or any of the other things without having a relationship with Israel.

We can see how this is different now, as there is no separation. The message of this dispensation gets rid of all of the things which were separating us and it is only through what was given to Paul that we are able to understand these things. This is why it was important for God to raise up Paul to be our Apostle so we could be able to have the hope which is being offered.

It is important for us to be able to share this message with others so they are able to experience this same hope. This is why we read what Paul says is the responsibility we have:

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

We are to be his representatives here on the earth, which is why we are called ambassadors. This responsibility includes us declaring the word of reconciliation which has been given to us that we find in his writings. This is an important responsibility and we should not be taking this lightly.

As Paul speaks about his apostleship he states it is given to him by the will of God. This is where some of the confusion starts to come in for people as they first like to speak about how Paul was doing these things on his own. This clearly shows what he was doing was given to him by God and he was not doing these things to make himself popular, rich, or any of the other terms individuals want to throw out. We already have seen how he was those things prior to his salvation.

Another issue individuals want to bring up is that he should have been the 12^th apostle. It is clear from the book of Acts that this is not the case:

Acts 1:13-26

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. [14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. [15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) [16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. [17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. [18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. [19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. [20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. [21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. [26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

There were only two individuals who met the criteria of being an apostle at this time. They had to have been a witness of his resurrection, which Paul was not. This leads to the two candidates who actually were and Matthias being the one chosen. In Acts 2:14 we see Peter with the 11, meaning Matthias was the right individual at the time and he was chosen by God to be the one.

The will of God can not be thwarted:

Colossians 1:16-18

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

We see from this how Paul speaks of the creation. When looking at the events of creation we see how everything points back to God, with Him having preeminence over all things. There is nothing which can be done to prevent this from happening. Knowing this should be a comfort for us, as we know all things are going to work out for good (Romans 8:28).

As Paul concludes the first verse of this book we see how we brings up the promise of eternal life. This is something which we see him bring up several times throughout his epistles:

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

These two passages are examples of this being brought up. This is a promise which has been given to every member of the Body of Christ and becomes true for us the moment we believe the gospel message for today (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The Apostle Paul continues to bring this fact up because it is part of the hope we have and this was something which the Gentiles had been separated from prior to this dispensation.

When we look at Romans 6:23 we see how Paul speaks of sin leading to death. In order for us to be able to have eternal life the issue of sin needs to be taken care of. This is the message which has been given to us throughout his epistles. The issue of sin was a big issue, as this is what separates man from God. The Bible defines the issue of sin:

1 John 3:4

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Since this is the definition of sin that would lead to death and the separation from God we need to see the solution to this problem. In order to take care of this, the elements of what make up this definition of sin would have to be removed from having any impact on who we are. This is what we see as we read through the book of Romans and Paul explains this to us:

Romans 4:15

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Here the Apostle Paul shows what the purpose of the law was. It brings about wrath as it points out the transgressions of the individual. Because man is not able to keep the things of the law, it can only bring about the wrath of God. It is not because there is something wrong with the law, as there cannot be if it was put in place by God. The problem is the natural man goes against the things of God.

This is why it is an important element to understand that if the law is removed from the life of an individual it is impossible to transgress against something that does not exist. As Paul continues writing to the assembly in Rome we see the continued teachings which break down this issue.

Romans 5:12-13

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Here Paul points out that sin cannot be imputed to someone when the law has been taken away. The issue of imputation means for something to be put to the account of the individual. When the law is removed from the equation there cannot be an issue of sin, as defined by John.

Romans 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

The conclusion to the matter is how we are not under the law today. This is part of what has been removed when the Apostle Paul speaks about the middle wall of partition being broken down in Ephesians 2:13-17. With the law being removed today we cannot transgress against something which is not there. Because we cannot transgress this the sin defined by John cannot be put to our account and therefore we cannot face the wrath of God being spoken of. This is good news for individuals today.

Before moving on speaking about eternal life there is an issue of what sin is defined as today:

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

There are some things which we can do which go contrary to the faith which has been given to us today. Faith comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17) and there are some practical things which are given to us in the Word. Paul addresses these things throughout his epistles so individuals will know how their life should function. God does want us to live our lives in a certain manner:

Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

These two passages show how works are not part of salvation for today. We cannot do anything to inherit eternal life. It is also clear we should walk in good works, as Paul states in Ephesians 2:10. This is what God has ordained for us. We are to be allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to live in us and through us (Galatians 2:20) in order to be pleasing to God.

This is the message we are to be sharing with individuals. Our focus as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) is to be preaching this message of reconciliation so individuals can become part of the Body of Christ. This is what Paul is going to be focusing on in this epistle so that we can maintain the focus we are to have.