2 Timothy 1
Timothy was heavily engaged in sorting out problems in the city of Ephesus when he
received the first letter from Paul. It was probably a year or more later that he received
the second letter. Although he was still grappling with the same problems, the situation
had changed dramatically. The first letter was about dealing with local problems. The
second letter was about taking on the role leading the spread of the gospel across the
Roman world. Paul put his succession plan into action because he realised that this
imprisonment would end in his death.
Read 2 Tim 1. 1-7
Paul’s thinking is reflected in the introduction to the letter, verse 1- the promise of life.
He did not use this expression in the first letter to Timothy or indeed in any of his other
letters. It is now a thought in the forefront of his mind.
V3- 4, Paul had had a very close relationship with Timothy for the past 13 years (since
AD52), but he needed to make sure that he would respond to the letter and visit him in
prison in Rome. Personally briefing Timothy on the role he wanted him to play when he
took over leadership of the church was probably the greatest thing that Paul wished for at
this time. Consequently Paul appealed to Timothy’s loyalty by explaining that he
constantly prays for him. He adds a reminder of the tears Timothy shed when they parted.
This was probably when Paul left Timothy in Ephesus on his departure to Macedonia.
V 4. Recalling your tears, shows closeness of the relationship between Paul and Timothy.
He longs to see Timothy because of a personal need for affection and support, but also
because he wants to hand over the leadership baton.
V 5.-6. In the 20 years since his first missionary journey, Paul had led the development of
Christianity in the west. He had been at the leading edge of phenomenal change. The task
of leading became increasingly challenging because of the enormous growth of the
church and because now the attitude of the establishment of the Roman Empire had
changed from indifference to hostility. Perhaps Paul felt that he had grown up with this
change and could handle it, but for his successor it would be a steep learning curve.
He urges Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. He does not mention the challenge,
but he tries to create a confidence in Timothy so that he will recognise that he is ‘up to it’.
Paul wants Timothy to recognise that there is a great potential for more growth and to set
about realising that potential. He wants him to recognise that the ability to succeed does
not lie within himself, but that God has given him the spirit of power love and selfcontrol.
He is not suggesting that Timothy has ‘eased off’ or that he has not been fully committed
to his work in Ephesus.
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Read 2 Tim 1. 8-14
Paul had previously served two terms of imprisonment, first in Caesarea and then in
Rome. In both cases he, in effect, was on remand awaiting a decision on whether a
prosecution would take place. He was in this situation because of a complaint lodged by
the Jewish authorities. There was no charge that he had committed an offence against
Roman law. The second term of imprisonment in Rome was quite different. It is likely
that Paul was charged by the Roman prosecutor with subversion. Following the
persecution by Nero, when the indifference of the Roman authorities to Christians
changed to hostility, it was possible to charge a follower of Jesus, without them having
committed any offence. Being a Christian was sufficient to warrant a charge, because
Christians spoke about a new kingdom and a new king. Paul was now out of favour with
Rome. He was an offence to the people in power.
Paul’s earlier imprisonments attracted no stigma, but now there was disgrace and
dishonour. Imprisonment, because of being out of favour with Rome was socially
unacceptable. Later in the chapter Pauls says that everyone in the province of Asia has
deserted him. Associating with a prisoner who had offended the State was something to
avoid. This attitude clearly hurt Paul and he was concerned that Timothy might take the
same view as the other believers who stayed away from the prison in Rome.
In these verses Paul explains how those who had distanced themselves from him had got
their values upside down. In this respect they were like non-believers relying on the
social power and prestige that came from being in favour with Rome. They placed the
power of Rome and the honour of being in favour with Rome above the power of God
and the honour of being in favour with God.
Paul contrasts the royal message from Rome with the royal message of the gospel.
Royal Messages
Rome
Caesar
Roman army
Visit of Caesar
Good government
Economic benefits
Ruler
Display of power
Royal appearance
Effect on world
Effect on lives
Gospel
Jesus
Resurrection
Birth of Jesus
Salvation
Transformed – holy life
V8 when it is recognised that the power of God is far superior to the power of Rome,
there is no shame in preaching about Jesus and no shame in being associated with
someone who is in prison for the sake of the gospel.
The privilege of being associated with God does not come about because of any
achievement, but because of God’s purpose and grace.
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V 10 The grace has been revealed through the appearing of Jesus. Because of his sacrifice
he destroyed death. The gospel had now revealed how immortality would be brought
about. In contrast the message from Rome offered immortality of the soul as described by
Plato.
V11 - 12 Paul uses his own life as an example for Timothy to follow – see v 8 – 10. He is
suffering in prison, but he is not ashamed, because he is confident in what he believes and
he has entrusted his life to God. He is convinced that God will be with him on the day of
judgement.
V 13- 14 The gospel, sound teaching, has been committed to Timothy and he should
guard it, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Read 2 Tim 1. 15-18
The province of Asia was the western part of modern Turkey and it included Ephesus.
One year had passed since the first letter was written to Timothy and Paul’s comment
implies that there had been an acceptance of false teaching since the first letter was
written, perhaps particularly in Ephesus. The imprisonment of Paul would have
strengthened the position of Paul’s opponents. Paul felt this desertion acutely and this
feeling resulted in an exaggeration of the situation by saying ‘all’ had deserted him.
Among the deserters were Phygelus and Hermogenes, believers who he expected to
remain loyal to him. Nothing else is known about them.
In contrast Onesiphorus had shown both loyalty and concern for Paul’s welfare.
He sought out Paul by searching hard. He was determined to help, despite the difficulty
of locating him. He refreshed Paul, not only by cheering him up but also probably by
bringing food. Inmates of Roman prisons had to provide their own food. His actions
showed that he was in no way ashamed of Paul the prisoner. His action was true to
character because Timothy knew how in many ways he had helped Paul in Ephesus.
Nothing else is known about Onesiphorus.
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