The Book of 2nd Timothy

2nd Timothy Outline

Chapters & Genres

The second letter to Timothy, commonly referred to as 2nd Timothy, is one of the pastoral epistles written by the apostle Paul to his protégé and fellow minister, Timothy. The letter is believed to have been written during Paul's second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his execution. It is a personal letter of encouragement, instruction, and exhortation to Timothy, whom Paul refers to as his "beloved son" in the faith.

The letter begins with Paul expressing his gratitude to God for Timothy's faith and his sincere and unfeigned love. Paul then reminds Timothy of his calling to the ministry, which he received through the laying on of Paul's hands. He urges Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in him, and to not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, nor of Paul, who is now a prisoner for the sake of the gospel. Instead, Timothy is encouraged to join in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life.

Paul then warns Timothy of the dangers of false teachers, who have infiltrated the church and are leading people astray with their false teachings. He instructs Timothy to hold fast to the sound doctrine that he has been taught, and to guard the deposit entrusted to him. Paul encourages Timothy to be a good soldier of Christ, and to endure hardship, like a good athlete who competes according to the rules. He reminds Timothy that the Lord will reward those who are faithful to him, and that he will judge those who have turned away from him.

Paul then speaks of his own situation, expressing his confidence in the Lord, who has delivered him from every evil deed, and will bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom. He urges Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, and to bring with him certain items that Paul left behind in Troas. He also mentions some people who have abandoned him, including Phygelus and Hermogenes, and others who have been faithful to him, including Onesiphorus, who refreshed him while he was in prison.

The letter concludes with Paul's final greetings and blessings. He mentions some of his fellow workers, including Priscilla and Aquila, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia. He also warns Timothy of Alexander the coppersmith, who did him much harm, and urges him to beware of him. Paul ends the letter with a prayer for grace, mercy, and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ, and a final benediction.

In summary, 2nd Timothy is a personal letter of encouragement and instruction from Paul to Timothy, urging him to remain faithful to the gospel and to guard the sound doctrine that he has been taught. It also warns against false teachers and reminds Timothy of the reward that awaits those who endure hardship for the sake of Christ. Paul's own situation as a prisoner for the gospel is also discussed, and he urges Timothy to come to him as soon as possible. The letter concludes with Paul's final greetings and blessings, along with a prayer for grace, mercy, and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.