Survey of the Bible - II Timothy

Text: II Timothy 2:1-7

 

I.         Background

            A.        Brief recap

                        1.         Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon were written by Paul while in prison in Rome and sent to these churches in the hands of Tychicus.

                        2.         Philippians, and likely Hebrews, were written just before Paul’s release

                        3.         I Timothy and Titus were written between Paul’s two imprisonments.

                        4.         II Timothy was written at the end of Paul’s life during his second imprisonment.

            B.        The book of II Timothy is, thus, the last book written by Paul

            C.        History

                        1.         Luke states how long Paul’s imprisonment was at the end of Acts - Acts 28:30

                        2.         Even more important is that Paul talks in II Timothy about his first defense and his deliverance - II Timothy 4:16-17

                        3.         Paul is back in prison in Rome again, but this time he doesn’t expect to be released - II Timothy 4:6

                        4.         Just prior to his arrest Paul had been in Miletus and Corinth - II Timothy 4:20

                        5.         He also was in Troas. Perhaps he was arrested there, which would explain the things he left behind - II Timothy 4:13

            D.        Some early Christian writers, such as Clement of Rome, while not inspired, do mention that Paul was released by Caesar, traveled two years in Spain, and was eventually arrested again.

                        1.         “By reason of jealousy and strife Paul by his example pointed out the prize of patient endurance. After that he had been seven times in bonds, had been driven into exile, had been stoned, had preached in the East and in the West, he won the noble renown which was the reward of his faith, having taught righteousness unto the whole world and having reached the farthest bounds of the West; and when he had borne his testimony before the rulers, so he departed from the world and went unto the holy place, having been found a notable pattern of patient endurance.” [I Clement 5:5-6]

                        2.         “Moreover, the acts of all the apostles were written in one book. For 'most excellent Theophilus' Luke compiled the individual events that took place in his presence — as he plainly shows by omitting the martyrdom of Peter as well as the departure of Paul from the city [of Rome] when he journeyed to Spain. As for the Epistles of Paul, they themselves make clear to those desiring to understand, which ones [they are], from what place, or for what reason they were sent.” [Muratorian Canon, 34-40]

                        3.         Such claims are certainly compatible with what the Scriptures state.

            E.        When Rome was burned in A.D. 64, Nero blamed Christians and the religion was made illegal.

                        1.         Paul had been released from prison the first time about A.D. 62

                        2.         But now it is about A.D. 67, Paul doesn’t expect to leave a live this time

                        3.         Believers in Asia did not support Paul, perhaps in fear of their own lives - II Timothy 1:15

                        4.         He was regarded as a evildoer - II Timothy 2:8-9

                        5.         Paul was abandoned by almost everyone - II Timothy 4:10-11, 16-18

II.        Purpose

            A.        Final words to Timothy about his duties before Paul’s departure

            B.        Tychicus delivered Paul’s letter - II Timothy 4:12

            C.        Timothy is in Ephesus - II Timothy 1:18. 4:19

                        1.         Paul asks him to stop at Troas on the way to Rome - II Timothy 4:13

                        2.         He wanted Mark and Timothy to come before winter

            D.        It is a letter of comfort, encouragement

                        1.         Almost ironic being penned by a man in jail facing a sure death sentence

                        2.         Paul tells Timothy:

                                    a.         Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus - II Timothy 2:1

                                    b.         Endure hardship - II Timothy 2:3; 4:5

                                    c.         Pass on the teachings he received - II Timothy 2:2, 14

                                    d.         Preach - II Timothy 4:1

III.       Outline

            A.        Salutations

                        1.         Paul’s thankfulness - II Timothy 1:1-5

            B.        The Past

                        1.         Don’t be ashamed because of what has happened - II Timothy 1:6-18

            C.        The Present - II Timothy 2

                        1.         Pass it on - II Timothy 2:1-2

                        2.         How preaching has traits like other professions - II Timothy 2:3-7

                        3.         Example of Paul’s endurance - II Timothy 2:8-13

                        4.         Dealing with false teachers - II Timothy 2:14-18

                        5.         There are all sorts in the church - II Timothy 2:19-21

                        6.         Teaching those caught up in sin - II Timothy 2:22-26

            D.        The Future - II Timothy 3-4:5

                        1.         The coming apostasy - II Timothy 3:1-9

                        2.         Paul as an example of facing persecution - II Timothy 3:10-13

                        3.         Continue in what you have learned - II Timothy 3:14-17

                        4.         Teach regardless of reception - II Timothy 4:1-5

            E.        Paul’s Imprisonment

                        1.         Paul is prepared for death - II Timothy 4:6-8

                        2.         Paul’s situation - II Timothy 4:9-18

            F.        Closing

                        1.         Greetings - II Timothy 4:19-21

                        2.         Benediction - II Timothy 4:22