Paul writes to Timothy a second time

2 Timothy 1:1-2:26. The book 2nd Timothy was written by Paul about AD67, as a letter to a young pastor called Timothy whom Paul was mentoring.

Paul wanted to give Timothy more instructions about how to lead a church and be faithful to the true Christian teachings.

Paul also asks Timothy to come and visit him and to bring Mark with him and to please come before winter, because during the winter months travel was very difficult, owing to the bad weather.

This was Paul’s 13th letter and his last, unless we ascribe the book of Hebrews to him as well.

Background Reading:

The book of 2nd Timothy – Greetings

1:1 From: Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by God’s will in keeping with the promise of life that is in the Messiah Jesus.

2 To: Timothy, my dear child.

May grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Messiah Jesus our Lord be yours!

Paul’s Advice for Timothy
3 I constantly thank my God—whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 recalling your tears and longing to see you so that I can be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which firs6t existed in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that this faith also exists in you. 6 For this reason, I am reminding you to fan into flames the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 Therefore, never be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God’s power, join me in suffering for the sake of the gospel.

9 He saved us

and called us with a holy calling,

not according to our own accomplishments,

but according to his own purpose and the grace

that was given to us in the Messiah Jesus

before time began.

10 Now, however, that grace has been revealed

through the coming of our Savior the Messiah Jesus,

who has destroyed death

and through the gospel has brought life

and release from death into full view.

11 For the sake of this gospel I was appointed to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the gentiles. 12 That is why I suffer as I do. However, I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I’m convinced that he is able to protect what he has entrusted to me until the day that he comes. 13 Hold on to the pattern of healthy teachings that you have heard from me, along with the faith and love that are in the Messiah Jesus. 14 With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the good treasure that has been entrusted to you.

News about Paul’s Helpers
15 You know that everyone in Asia has abandoned me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, for he often took care of me and was not ashamed that I was a prisoner. 17 Instead, when he arrived in Rome he searched diligently for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he finds mercy on the day he comes again. You know very well how much he assisted me in Ephesus.

Remain Committed to the Messiah Jesus
1 As for you, my child, be strong by the grace that is in the Messiah Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. 3 Join me in suffering like a good soldier of the Messiah Jesus. 4 No one serving in the military gets mixed up in civilian matters, for his aim is to please his commanding officer. 5 Moreover, no one who is an athlete wins a prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 Furthermore, it is the hard working farmer who should have the first share of the crops. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you to understand all these things.

8 Meditate on Jesus, the Messiah, who was raised from the dead and is a descendant of David. This is the gospel I tell others. 9 Because of it I am experiencing trouble, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. However, God’s word is not chained. 10 For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive the salvation that is in the Messiah Jesus, along with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:

In dying with the Messiah,

true life we gain.

12 Enduring, we with him will reign.

Who him denies,

he will disclaim.

13 Our faith may fail,

his never wanes—

That’s who he is,

he cannot change!

14 Remind others about these things, and warn them before God not to argue over words. Arguing does not do any good but only destroys those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. 16 However, avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly, 17 and what they say will spread everywhere like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that. 18 They have abandoned the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place, and so they destroy the faith of others.

19 However, God’s solid foundation still stands. It has this inscription on it: “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.” 20 In a large house there are not only utensils made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some are for special use, while others are for ordinary use. 21 Therefore, if anyone stops associating with these people, he will become a special utensil, set apart for the owner’s use, prepared for every good action.

22 Flee from youthful passions. Instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace together with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 23 Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid discussions, because you know they breed arguments. 24 A servant of the Lord must not argue. Instead, he must be kind to everyone, teachable, willing to suffer wrong, 25 and gentle when refuting opponents. After all, maybe God will allow them to repent and to come to a full knowledge of the truth, 26 so that they might escape from the devil’s snare, even though they’ve been held captive by him to do his will.
2nd Timothy 1:1-2:26
Also read 2 Timothy chapters 3 and 4.


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