Similar to 1 Timothy, Timothy, a young Christian servant, was the recipient of the letter from 2 Timothy. Even though Paul, the letter’s author, asks Timothy to join him soon, there are other hints throughout the letter that indicate he does not anticipate seeing Timothy again. Paul is currently imprisoned in Rome. Knowing that he might have been a martyr by the time Timothy arrives in Rome, Paul carefully selects his words to reassure Timothy.
1. The importance of words
Paul could have opted for words of lamentation – complaining about his fate and expressing fear over what is to come. But he wants to provide Timothy with lasting encouragement. After confirming Timothy in his calling (2 Timothy 1:5-6), Paul reminds him to have courage, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). He makes a point of emphasizing that being imprisoned for spreading the Word of God was not unexpected (we know that Paul was arrested on at least three occasions, so it had happened before) and nothing to be ashamed of. Reading Paul’s words to Timothy, we, too, can draw strength from Paul’s confidence in Jesus Christ and his anticipation that he, Timothy, and we, will ultimately be in His safe hands (2 Timothy 1:12).
2. Words of wisdom
Similar to Paul, Christians may face persecution and incarceration in various parts of the world. By saying, “Participate in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus,” Paul is easing Timothy’s mind to the prospect (2 Timothy 2:3). In 2 Corinthians 2:10, Paul makes it abundantly evident that there is a purpose for the elect who will come to believe in Christ as a result of his ministry—that is, “that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” What Paul said to the Philippians several years earlier—”the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7)—is echoed in verses 2:11–12.
In addition to confronting his personal decisions, Timothy, the pastor of Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), is exhorted to distance himself from immorality (2:19) and replace his immature desires with “righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (2:22) in order to be of service to God. These are decisions that each of us must intentionally choose, and we can also think back on Paul’s models in verses 3:1–11.
3. False words
Paul warns about false teachers repeatedly, and his obedient obedience to God’s Word stands in stark contrast to their actions. Verse 2:17 he says, “Their talk will spread like gangrene.” False instructors cause disputes and “upset” other people’s beliefs (2:18–23).
It must have been very disturbing for Paul, sitting in his jail cell, to consider that false teachers may try to undermine the Good News among Christians, given everything he had gone through for the Gospel throughout his lifetime. “Because individuals will be more interested in themselves, money, power, and arrogance than in obeying their parents. They will also be ungrateful, unholy, coldhearted, unlikable, slanderous, violent, untrustworthy, and full of pride. Finally, they will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, appearing to be godly but rejecting its authority” (3:2-5). Timothy is to “avoid such people,” in addition to ministering to them in truth so that they may yet turn to God (2:25–26).
Paul certainly took this topic very seriously, as seen by his two letters to Timothy concerning false teachers. Timothy did not have the luxury that modern Christians enjoy, which is being able to pick up a Bible and read God’s Word in its entirety.
4. Words for the 21st century
God frequently forewarned the Israelites in the Old Testament not to mix with heathen countries that worshipped idols. This was done in order to keep the Israelites from straying from God’s will and adopting these idols (Exodus 23:24; 34:12; Deuteronomy 7:2-4; 12:2-3). Christians now must be on the lookout for a similar threat, but this time it comes from within: those who pose as Christians yet want to pervert God’s word according to their own interpretations.
Paul informs Timothy and us both to “keep up with what you have studied and firmly believed [..] and how you have been familiar with the sacred writings since childhood, which can enable you to be wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” The entire Bible is inspired by God and useful for training in righteousness, reproof, correction, and teaching so that the man of God is whole and ready for every good job (3:14-17).
Do we think it appropriate to accept erroneous instructors’ “version of the truth“? Paul responds, “No!” “Preach the word; be ready both in and out of season [that is, whether it is convenient for the people we are preaching to or not]; chastise, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and instruction” (4:2). “Because the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but […] they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” Paul warns, something that false teachers will not want to hear. (4:3).
However, after addressing these disquieting possibilities—which leads us back to the “importance of words” discussed earlier—Paul ends on a far more upbeat note: “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” Glory to Him for all eternity. Amen. 4:18). This is a lesson from Timothy’s letter that contemporary believers can also apply!
