Second Timothy - Chapter 1
THEME: AFFLICTIONS OF THE GOSPEL
It is accepted that Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy in 67 A.D., the same year he was arrested again by Rome. The theme and tone of this second letter are arranged by two verses:
2nd Timothy 2:15:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2nd Timothy 4:2:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
What brings significance to this second letter is that it was the final communication of Paul. Because this was his last letter, Paul was very personal in it. In these four short chapters, there are 25 references to individuals. In this small book is seen a dark cloud coming over the spiritual horizon, apostasy. This renouncing of faith is not due to ignorance. It is heresy. It is a deliberate departure from the faith by those who know the truths of the gospel but have repudiated them.
Because of apostasy, Paul emphasizes the Word of God here more than in any other letter. The gospel rests upon a major fact which is that man is a depraved creature by natural birth, a lost sinner, unable on his own to overcome that lostness.
Man cannot be saved by perfect obedience for he cannot give it. Neither can he be saved by imperfect obedience, because God will not have it.
Therefore, the only solution is the gospel of the grace of God which reaches down and saves the sinner on the basis of the death and resurrection of Christ, the Messiah sent to bring the lost into the Kingdom. The true gospel brings all saved into the body of Christ as brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul knew and taught that God creates out of nothing. Until a man is broken into spiritual nothingness, God can make nothing of him. This is the point of this second letter and is why it is so important for our study.
1:1-4
Paul introduces himself once more by saying he is the apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the promise of eternal life. That life is implemented in us when we believe in Jesus as our Savior after we have been drawn to the Lord by the Holy Spirit. This is a gift, not earned nor deserved. He directs this letter to Timothy, his dearly beloved spiritual son, with mercy and peace from the Lord.
God is thanked for His allowing Paul to serve and Paul indicates his prayers are constant for the young pastor. Paul longs to see Timothy and knows that Timothy has tears for Paul after his arrest. Paul wishes to see Timothy so that he himself may be joyful.
1:5-6
Paul comments on the purity of the faith of Timothy which has been placed within Timothy by both his mother and grandmother. While Paul came out of Judaism to serve the Lord, Timothy was raised in a Christian home. We recall that Timothy’s father was Greek and we have no scripture teaching us whether the father was a follower of the Lord. Paul had made Timothy a partner in Christ by laying on him his own hands. Paul reminds Timothy to stir up his gift meaning he is to be strong in extending the gospel in Ephesus, a city of much idolatry.
1:7
Paul further reminds Timothy that this gift from God is not one of fear, but of power, love, and a strong mind. This particular word used for fear actually means “cowardice”. Timothy is to not retreat in the spiritual battle for souls.
1:8
Timothy is not to be ashamed of the testimony he has nor be ashamed of Paul himself who is the prisoner of God. Timothy is instructed to share the affliction of the gospel using the power God has extended.
1:9-11
A reminder appears to refresh the memory of Timothy that the calling of God is holy and not of works. It is only from the purpose of God in grace to accomplish His will and was prepared for us in Christ before the world began. We see in Revelation the vision of John is of a lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Here Paul previews that vision that will be written thirty years later. Paul again writes of the light and immortality of Jesus arranged for us to see in our Savior through the gospel message. Once more, Paul states his true purpose which is to teach the gentiles.
1:12
For that cause just stated, Paul now suffers but is not ashamed himself because he knows that Jesus is able to keep Paul’s life as a deposit of his faith in Christ until the day of judgment. All we are and all we have in the Christian life is held in His holy hands.
1:13-14
Timothy is told to hold fast the words Paul has taught him in the faith and love of Christ Jesus. What has been given by Paul to Timothy is a good thing and is sustained within Timothy by the Holy Ghost.
1:15-18
Certain men have turned away from Paul and others have remained in faith with Paul not forsaking him, but seeking him out even as Paul was in chains. Those who abandoned Paul are named and are examples of the apostasy warned earlier by Paul. They knew the faith and the truth and left it.
