Introduction to 2 Timothy

The Second Epistle to Timothy is a sequel to Paul’s first letter to this “beloved son” in the faith. In his first letter, he was mainly giving instructions for Timothy to take care of matters in the church at Ephesus. There were the false teachers and their teachings that he had to deal with. He was also to administer the public worship, appoint right elders, handle needs of widows and help believers to cultivate a proper attitude and orientation toward money. These were Herculean tasks. Such pressing issues, plus his timid disposition and a body that was prone to illness, must have discouraged Timothy.

Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy to encourage him. The tone of its content tells us that it was a very personal letter. Through it, we learn that Paul himself was going through a very difficult time. Many of his associates had backslidden and left him. He said in 2 Timothy 1:15, “… all who are in Asia turned away from me.” He then spoke of Demas, a fellow worker, in 2 Timothy 4:10 as “… having loved this present world, had deserted me.” There was also Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14) who did him much harm. He could have been responsible for Paul’s arrest and imprisonment. In 2 Timothy 4:16, Paul remarked that all deserted him and no one supported him at his first defense. Besides, he was also troubled by the teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who had strayed from the truth and were promoting unhealthy doctrines (2 Timothy 2:17-18).

Paul then surmised that the day when men would not endure sound doctrines was fast approaching, and he was thus very concerned. But here, Paul was actually awaiting trial in a prison in Rome and its outcome appeared very bleak. If ever there was a candidate more susceptible to discouragement, it had to be Paul. But despite his own personal difficulties and challenges, he found the time to write to encourage his true son in the faith.

He urged Timothy to be faithful even as he indicated his soon departure (2 Timothy 4:6). Paul did not anticipate a positive outcome from his upcoming trial. So he asked Timothy to make a stop in Troas so as to see him quickly. This urgency suggests that Paul saw a possibility that he might not get to see his protégé again. However, his desire was for him to emulate his steps and complete the race faithfully. Together with his personal encouragement was also his call to Timothy to guard the Gospel that was entrusted to him. The main theme of this epistle is actually a call to Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel. Paul told him to fully exert himself by the grace that God had granted him. Timothy must be prepared to endure hardship as he sought to guard and advance the Gospel and its sound doctrines.

Hardship is part and parcel of working for the Lord, whether as a vocation or as a lay person. We must face this squarely and choose not to be discouraged. The call is to courageously face whatever circumstances we encounter, and remain faithful and committed to the course of the Gospel. As it was for Paul and Timothy, it must be for us also.