2 Timothy chapter 1
1:1-5 An apostle [one sent with a commission] of Jesus Christ (lit., "from Jesus Christ"): Paul was not one of Jesus'
earthly disciples; he received his apostleship by direct appointment of the risen Christ.
1:6-10 Paul urges Timothy to stir up [keep in full flame] the gift of God (the "grace gift" which came from God). By the
putting on of my hands: This refers to Timothy's ordination. The gift was given by God at Timothy's conversion and
officially recognized at his ordination. Power (Gr dunamis) is the ability to accomplish whatever He wills us to
accomplish. Love (Greek agape) is volitional love. A sound mind is a disciplined mind. The testimony of our Lord
refers to the gospel Paul preached. Me his prisoner indicates that although Paul is actually a prisoner in a dungeon
cell in the city of Rome, he regards himself there in the directive will of God. Hence, he is really God's prisoner, and
Rome is merely God's agent to put him where God wants him. Who hath saved us refers to the ultimate effect: our
salvation. And called us with a holy calling looks at the means by which our salvation was effected. His own purpose
and grace...was given us indicates that our salvation was totally unmerited. Abolished death ("having rendered
death ineffective"): By His vicarious death, Christ reversed the curse of sin and brought life [eternal union of the soul
with God] and immortality ("incorruption") which is guaranteed by His resurrection.
1:12 Persuaded (Greek peitho): The perfect tense indicates that "I was persuaded in the past and remain so now."
That he is able to keep refers to the assurance of salvation which is committed...against that day, when we will stand
before the judgment seat of Christ.
1:15-18 Asia refers to the Roman province of Asia Minor of which Ephesus was the chief city. Phygellus and
Hermogenes: Nothing is known of these men besides this citation, although they were well known to Timothy.
Onesiphorus is mentioned here and in 4:19. He frequently helped Paul in Ephesus and evidently made a special
effort to visit him in Rome.
2 Timothy chapter 2
2:1 Paul warns Timothy of the difficulties of the ministry and urges him to be strong, in contrast to those who
defected. Faithful men were to be selected and trained to be leaders and teachers. Thus, personal discipleship was
to be a vital part of Timothy's leadership. Endure hardness (lit., "suffer affliction"): Paul illustrates this truth by a
soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, all of whom suffer privation in order to be rewarded. Strive lawfully means to play
according to the rules.
2:8-10 Paul cites two examples of endurance: the supreme example of One who endured such hardship--Jesus
Christ--and the human example of one who endured such hardship--Paul himself.
2:11-13 The principles of endurance are enumerated on the basis of the assurance of salvation.
2:14-15 The command to put them in remembrance means to remind them of these truths. The command to study
means "give diligence and be zealous." It involves a total error of mind, emotion, and will. Rightly dividing [lit., "cutting
straight"] the word of truth. The apostle appeals for effort to be made to properly interpret the Word of God.
2:16-21 shun profane and vain babblings refers to useless disputes about genealogical histories and hair-splitting
debates over the law. Eat as doth a canker ("like gangrene"): Useless bickering is a dangerous cancer that destroys
the church. Hymeneus is the one whom Paul delivered to Satan (1 Timothy 1:20), and Philetus is unknown apart
from this mention. Hymeneus and Philetus were false teachers who denied the literal resurrection of Christ. The
foundation of God standeth sure refers to the permanence of the church. , which is built on the foundation of the
apostles. This seal guarantees the security of the body of Christ.
2:22 Youthful lusts are deep-seated desires that are particularly perilous to those who are youthful and
inexperienced. Follow [lit., "pursue with intensity"] righteousness, those things that are consistent with the character
of God. Faith is belief in God's Word. Charity is volitional love, given regardless of its recipient's worthiness.
2:25 Repentance (Greek metanoia, lit., "change of mind") refers to the conviction that precedes genuine faith in
Christ, The preaching of repentance clearly ought to accompany the proclamation of the gospel (Acts 20:21).
2 Timothy chapter 3
3:1-4 The last days began with the birth of Christ and will culminate in Christ's return to the earth to set up His
kingdom. The prediction of perilous times indicates that apostasy will characterize the final days of the church age.
3:5-9 A form of godliness is mere religion without power or spiritual life. Paul commands Timothy to turn away from
these false teachers who prey upon silly women laden with sin, who are especially susceptible to false teachers.
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth condemns not intense study but some esoteric
quest for truth apart from God's Word. Jannes and Jambres, according to Jewish tradition, were the two magicians in
Pharaoh's court who attempted to duplicate Moses' miracles (Ex 7:11; 9:11).
3:14-17 Continue literally means "remain." The things which thous hast learned were his oral instruction in the holy
scriptures (the Old Testament, here) by his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois). Inspiration of God (Greek
theopneustos, lit., "God-breathed") describes the unique character of Scripture. It is not only written by men, but
authored by God. For doctrine means to tell one what to believe. For reproof means to tell one what is wrong. For
correction means to tell one how to correct wrong. For instruction in righteousness means to tell one how to live.
Perfect (Greek artios, "proficient, capable") is having everything needed to do what God wants. Thoroughly
furnished means "thoroughly equipped." God's inspired Word, property used and applied, provides all we need for
life and ministry.
2 Timothy chapter 4
4:1-4 Preach the word: Preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth. Teachers who
appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. Thus, both shall be turned
unto fables (myths or legends).
4:5-8 Do the work of an evangelist: Paul commands Timothy to full discharge his evangelistic ministry by preaching
the gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ. Evangelism is viewed by the New Testament writers as an essential task of
the New Testament church.
4:9-13 Paul makes three personal requests. He asks Timothy (1) to come soon; (2) to bring along Mark because he
is profitable (which lets us know that the disagreement between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark had been
rectified, Acts 15:36-41); and (3) to bring his cloak. Apparently Paul had been arrested suddenly without a chance to
take his personal belongings with him. Books and parchments probably refer to Paul's personal copies of the Old
Testament books and the New Testament manuscripts.
4:16-18 No man stood with me, but all men forsook me does not mean that no one cared for the apostle, but that in
his final hours he realized that only the Lord stood with him. Despite his impending execution, Paul was convinced
that the Lord...will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.