2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:1–2 Opening. Paul begins this letter in his standard way. As he awaits death, he reminds Timothy that the purpose of his work as an apostle has been to proclaim the gospel, the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:3–2:13 Enduring for the Gospel. Paul’s thanksgiving (1:3–5) leads to encouraging Timothy (1:6–14; 2:1–13). In between, he provides positive and negative examples of faithfulness in gospel service (1:15–18). Facing his own death, Paul urges Timothy to continue in faithfulness in spite of hardship.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:3–5 Paul thanks God for Timothy. Paul notes that both he (my ancestors) and Timothy (your grandmother . . . your mother) have a heritage of faith.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:6–14 Paul challenges Timothy to continue following in his footsteps (compare 3:10–11).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:6 fan into flame the gift of God. Paul does not explain what this gift is (see note on 1 Tim. 4:14), but Timothy is to grow and strengthen it. The laying on of my hands may refer to Timothy’s ordination. Paul was probably part of “the council of elders” mentioned in 1 Tim. 4:14.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:7 spirit. Probably the Holy Spirit.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:8–10 These verses summarize the gospel for which God’s servants suffer. Paul clearly believes that such a glorious message is worthy of their suffering. God, who saved us . . . our Savior Christ Jesus. Paul often describes both God the Father and God the Son as Saviors of their people (compare 1 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:3–4; 2:13 [and note]).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:12 Paul suffers because of his current imprisonment and approaching death. what has been entrusted to me. Either the gospel, which God entrusted to Paul, or Paul’s life (“what I have entrusted to him,” see esv footnote). Either way, this confidence in God prevents Paul from being ashamed. See note on v. 14. until that Day. See v. 18; 4:8; Heb. 10:25; and notes on Amos 5:18–20; 1 Thess. 5:2–3.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:13 sound words. Jesus’ teaching and work direct Paul’s understanding and application of the gospel.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:14 the good deposit entrusted to you. The gospel in the fullest sense, that is, the entire content of the Christian faith.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:15 Asia was the Roman province in which Ephesus, Timothy’s current place of service, was located. all . . . turned away from me. Key people who could have supported Paul failed to do so. It seemed as if “all” had deserted him (compare 4:16). There is no further information about Phygelus and Hermogenes. These details of Paul’s situation help explain why Timothy, the faithful one, was such a source of joy for Paul (see 1:3–5).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:18 that Day. See note on v. 12.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:2 what you have heard from me. Throughout this letter, Paul emphasizes the message Timothy received from him (see 1:13; 2:8).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:4 This verse has at times been misinterpreted as a call away from “secular,” civilian pursuits. The Bible, however, does not separate life into “spiritual” and “secular” areas. All of life is to be lived in obedience to the Spirit according to the Word of God. Paul is warning Timothy not to allow anything to distract him from his task.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:7 Think . . . for the Lord will give you understanding. The believer’s efforts and God’s empowering work together.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ. Paul certainly doesn’t think that Timothy is in danger of forgetting Jesus! Rather, this is a call to remain mindful of the gospel message.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:10 endure everything. Paul suffered persecution, hunger, and prison to preach the gospel. for the sake of the elect. For those God saves. See notes on Rom. 8:29; 8:30; Eph. 1:11.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:11–13 In this context, to deny Christ means a final rejection of him. This is not merely a temporary lapse in one’s faith (if we are faithless).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:14–3:9 Dealing with False Teachers. These verses divide into two sections. In 2:14–26 Paul introduces the false teaching (2:16) and explains how Timothy should respond to it. In 3:1–9 he describes the false teachers in more detail. Having called Timothy to continued endurance (1:3–2:13), Paul addresses the problem of false teaching directly.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:14 Remind them. To this point Timothy has been the one who must “remember” (v. 8). Now Paul shifts to Timothy’s role in reminding the people under his care. not to quarrel about words. Paul is clearly willing to argue when the gospel is at stake (e.g., Gal. 2:11). What he prohibits here is pointless argument that has no positive, practical impact on people (see 2 Tim. 2:16–17).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:15 Do your best. Timothy must consistently and happily carry out the work God has given him to do. One way to do this is to make sure he is rightly handling Scripture. This contrasts with the meaningless disputes the false teachers engage in.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:17 spread like gangrene. This phrase pictures the false teaching killing as it spreads. This is in contrast to the “healthy” or “sound” teaching of Paul (see note on 1 Tim. 1:10; also 2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9). Hymenaeus was mentioned as a false teacher in 1 Tim. 1:20. Philetus is not mentioned elsewhere.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:18 The idea that the resurrection has already happened seems similar to some errors Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 15 (see especially 1 Cor. 15:12–20). Apparently some were teaching that believers had already entered the glorified post-resurrection state.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:19 God’s firm foundation. Probably the elect members of the church; see v. 10. bearing this seal. See note on John 6:27. The twofold inscription that follows emphasizes (1) divine sovereignty (preserving) and (2) human responsibility (persevering).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:20–21 Paul illustrates his call to “depart from iniquity” (v. 19). What is dishonorable includes both doctrinal and moral error, since Paul discusses both in this letter.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:22 youthful passions. Not only sinful sexual desire but sinful desires in general, especially those characteristic of youth. One of these might be the tendency to quarrel or be hotheaded (vv. 23–25). Christians need not fight such battles alone, but along with other believers.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:24–26 This is a key passage on how pastors should handle people who make trouble in the church.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:24 Servant is the common word for “slave” or “bondservant.” Paul also uses it to refer to those who, like himself, preach the gospel (Rom. 1:1).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:25 Most interpreters see these opponents as unbelievers who do not have a knowledge of the truth (that is, salvation; see note on 1 Tim. 2:4). Paul advises correcting the opponents in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1; Eph. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:15). This verse further emphasizes the sovereignty of God in granting repentance.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:26 come to their senses. Sin has a destructive effect on human reason. Salvation restores the ability to see reality. the snare of the devil. Paul often describes humanity as enslaved by the devil and in need of rescue (see 2 Cor. 4:4).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:1 last days. As Acts 2:17 indicates, “the last days” began with the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost (see note on 1 Tim. 4:1). Thus Paul’s prediction of times of difficulty that will occur in “the last days” is already beginning to be fulfilled.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:2–5 This list of vices vividly describes the negative impact of those who were opposing Paul and Timothy. The list begins and ends with references to misplaced love.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:5 Avoid such people. Do not allow them to be part of the church or support their ministries. Unlike those discussed in 2:25–26, the people described here (3:2–5) remain stubborn in their sin.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:6 women, burdened with sins. These women carry guilt from their past. Some seek self-cleansing. They are vulnerable to false teaching about self-denial (see 1 Tim. 4:3). Others seek to justify their behavior. They are vulnerable to false teaching that says that sin is acceptable (see 2 Tim. 3:2–4).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:8 Jannes and Jambres are the names given in early extrabiblical Jewish writings to the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in Ex. 7:8–13. In these writings, these men symbolize opposition to God’s truth. corrupted in mind. Again false teaching is considered bad thinking (see note on 2 Tim. 2:26). disqualified regarding the faith. In spite of their claims, these people do not have saving faith. They oppose the gospel in their teaching and in their living (see Titus 1:16).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:10–4:8 Contrasting Timothy with False Teachers. Paul tells Timothy how to resist the false teachers and remain faithful to the gospel.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:10–17 This paragraph opens with a clear, strong contrast: “You, however.” The false teachers live and teach one way (vv. 1–9). Paul gives Timothy a totally different pattern to follow. See note on Phil. 3:17.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:11 Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra are cities Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 13–14). Timothy joined him during his second journey (Acts 16:1). Lystra was Timothy’s hometown (Acts 16:1–2), so he probably knew of the sufferings that Paul had experienced there on this first journey. From them all the Lord rescued me does not mean that God kept Paul from experiencing any harm. In Lystra he was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19–20). Paul probably means that the Lord preserved him from death and kept him faithful even in suffering. See 2 Tim. 4:18.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:14 from whom you learned. This could refer to Paul. It may also refer back to Timothy’s mother and grandmother (1:5; see esv footnote on 3:14).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:15 to make you wise for salvation. Scripture can lead to the “knowledge of the truth” (2:25; 1 Tim. 2:4). It has the power to bring its readers to faith (see James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23). False teaching leads only to useless arguments and ungodliness.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 3:16 All Scripture, as Paul uses the term here, would include all of the OT and at least some NT writings, which by this time were already considered Scripture (see 1 Tim. 5:18 and note; 2 Pet. 3:15–16 and note). Breathed out by God translates a Greek word that does not occur in any known Greek text (biblical or otherwise) prior to this letter. Some suggest that Paul invented this term from words meaning “God” and “breathed.” This is certainly possible. The term stresses the divine origin and thus the authority of Scripture. Paul says that the writings themselves are the words spoken (“breathed out”) by God. The opponents of Paul and Timothy stressed certain aspects or portions of Scripture (such as genealogies, 1 Tim. 1:4; see Titus 3:9). Paul stresses the authority of all Scripture. The divine origin of Scripture is the reason for its power to convert (2 Tim. 3:15) and its usefulness in training (v. 17).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:1 Paul reminds Timothy that Christ is the one who will judge him, and that Christ will certainly return (his appearing). Christ’s kingdom is the ultimate reality with which Timothy should be concerned.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:2 Preach the word refers back to “Scripture” (3:16). The gospel is proclaimed by explaining the Scriptures. in season and out of season. When it is convenient and when it is inconvenient. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort means communicating all that Scripture includes—doctrine, instruction, correction, and encouragement.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:3 the time is coming. Paul is not referring to some time in the distant future. He means a situation he expects Timothy to face or to be already facing (see 3:1; 1 Tim. 4:1–3). Itching ears indicates a desire for unusual teaching. People with “itching ears” seek teachers who will tell them what they want to hear (to suit their own passions).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:4 myths. See note on 1 Tim. 1:4.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:5 The role of evangelist is not clearly explained in Scripture. Paul instructs Timothy in terms of the “gospel” (see 1:8, 10; 2:8). This certainly includes preaching to the unconverted. However, Paul does not typically distinguish between evangelism and discipling.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:6 a drink offering. Paul describes his death in OT sacrificial language (compare Gen. 35:14; Ex. 29:40–41). This suggests he sees himself as laying down his life for the sake of the gospel. However, the use of the passive voice (I am . . . being poured out) stresses that it is God who is acting here.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:7 I have fought the good fight. Using athletic imagery (as is typical of Paul; see 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 3:14), he states that he has dedicated himself to the one thing worth dying for, the gospel mission. There is no claim of personal glory here. Paul is grateful that he has finally completed the course God set for him (see Acts 20:24). By God’s grace, he has done what he encourages Timothy to do (2 Tim. 4:5).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:8 crown of righteousness. One interpretation is that this means “the crown that consists of righteousness,” referring to the final righteous state of believers. Another interpretation is “the crown that is the reward for righteousness,” that is, a victory crown. This agrees with Matt. 5:12; 10:41–42; 1 Cor. 3:14; Heb. 11:26; 2 John 8. all who have loved his appearing. All true believers, who eagerly await Christ’s return (see Titus 2:13; contrast Demas, 2 Tim. 4:10).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:9–22 Conclusion. Paul closes with some final comments concerning travel, and greetings. The key themes of the letter continue even here.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:10 Paul is persevering despite suffering (1:11–12; 2:8–13) because he has an eternal perspective (4:6–8). Demas (see Col. 4:14; Philem. 24) abandoned Paul because he loved this present world.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:11 Despite his earlier problem with Mark (Acts 15:36–40), Paul now desires Mark’s presence and considers him useful . . . for ministry. Clearly, Mark has become a faithful and effective pioneer missionary.
John Mark was probably Barnabas’s cousin (Col. 4:10). The early church at Jerusalem met at the home of his mother, Mary (Acts 12:12). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but then chose to leave them. As a result, Paul refused to take him along on his second expedition. However, it seems that Mark eventually regained Paul’s favor (2 Tim. 4:11). He ultimately demonstrated his effectiveness and commitment as a missionary pioneer and as the author of the Gospel of Mark. He was closely associated with the apostle Peter, who refers to Mark as his “son” (1 Pet. 5:13). (2 Timothy 4:11)
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:13 cloak. A heavy coat that would be especially important in the winter (see v. 21). books. Scrolls made of papyrus. The papyrus scrolls may have included writing materials, official documents, or Paul’s personal correspondence. parchments. Vellum sheets made of animal skins. The parchments probably would have been books of some kind.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:14 Alexander. It is unclear whether this is the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Tim. 1:20. If he is the same person, he may still have been in Ephesus causing trouble. However, Alexander is identified as a coppersmith. There is evidence of coppersmiths in Troas, so this may be a different man living in Troas. This would explain his mention here after Paul has asked Timothy to collect his cloak in Troas (2 Tim. 4:13).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:16 first defense. Paul’s preliminary hearing before Caesar during his second imprisonment. May it not be charged against them! Paul forgives those who abandoned him.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:17 Deliverance from the lion’s mouth was a common biblical metaphor for rescue from great danger (see Ps. 22:21; Dan. 6:22; Heb. 11:33). For Paul it means that he was not put to death at that time (2 Tim. 4:16).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:18 will rescue me. An assurance of ultimate well-being, not an assurance of release from his present danger (compare Luke 21:16–19). Paul expects execution, but even through death God will bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:19 Prisca (a variant of Priscilla) and Aquila are often mentioned in connection with Paul (Acts 18:2, 18, 26).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:21 Travel in the Mediterranean basically stopped during winter due to dangerous conditions by land and sea. If his trip to Rome was not completed before then, Timothy would not be able to come “soon” (v. 9).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 4:22 be with your spirit. Paul uses this language also in Gal. 6:18; Phil. 4:23; and Philem. 25. He uses “be with you” in Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 16:23; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Thess. 5:28. The meaning is the same.