Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

2 Timothy

By Joseph Benson

Introduction

He was a native of Lycaonia. His father was a Greek, but his mother and grandmother were Jews, 2 Tim. 1:5. He was taught the scriptures from his very youth, 2 Tim. 3:15, and was probably converted during Paul's first visit to Lystra, Acts 14:8-20. He was ordained as an evangelist 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6, and, after Paul's second visit to Lystra. he spent most of his time with Paul, Acts 16:1. He did much valuable service for Paul, and was greatly esteemed by him. Acts 17:14; 18:5; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10. His name is associated with Paul in writing a number of letters, 2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1. He was pastor at Ephesus and while there received these letters, 1 Tim. 1:3-4. Paul desired to have him with him when death came, 2 Tim. 4:9; 13, 21.

Second Timothy.

This letter was written from Rome just before his martyrdom A. D. 67. It was written to further instruct Timothy and to explain his own personal affairs. It is the last letter written by Paul, a sort of last will and testimony and is of great importance as it tells as how he fared just before his death. It is more personal in tone than First Timothy and shows us how very pitiable was his plight in these last days.

Analysis.

     Introduction, 1:1-5.

I. Exhortations to Timothy. 1:6-2 end.

  1. To steadfastness in the gospel. 1:6 end.
  2. To patient endurance of suffering, 2:1-13.
  3. To faithfulness as a pastor, 2:14-26 end.

II. Warnings to Timothy. 3:1-4:5.

  1. Concerning the perilous, 3:1-13.
  2. Concerning his duties in such times, 3:14-4:5.

III. Paul's View of Death, 4:6-18.

  1. His satisfaction and hope at its approach, 6-8.
  2. His hope during this loneliness and need, 9-18.

     Conclusion, 4:19 end.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's condition when he wrote,1:17; 4:7, 13-16; 6:20. (2) The desire or appeal of 1:4; 3:8; 4:5, 9, 13, 21. (3) The exhortations to Timothy, 1:6, 7, 13, 14; 2:1-6, 15, 23; 3:14; 4:5. (4) perilous times to come, Ch. 3. (5) Paul's view of death, 4:5-22.