This epistle is of peculiar interest to the Christian, inasmuch as it shows us Paul, the devoted servant of the Lord, drawing near to his departure, and calmly reviewing his pilgrimage and service; but he had to lament that all in Asia (including even Ephesus) had turned away from him. He could see that the house (or professed church) of God was in disorder, past recovery as a whole, and could but leave instructions how to depart from evil and to walk with the godly. It is this that characterizes this epistle. Individual faithfulness was to reckon on God, and on the grace of Christ.
Paul writes from Rome, where he is again a prisoner, perhaps about A.D. 68.
2 Tim. 1:1-7.
Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ, by God's will, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy his dearly beloved child, grace, mercy, and peace.
He thanks God, whom he had served from his forefathers with a pure conscience (but not always according to knowledge, as when he persecuted the saints), for his remembrance of Timothy, whose weakness and sensitiveness he considered, and he calls to remembrance the unfeigned faith in Timothy from his maternal ancestors; and desires that he might rekindle the gift that he possessed by the imposition of Paul's own hands.
God had given them the things needed for a time of declension: the Spirit (1) of power, (2) of love, (3) of a wise discretion.
2 Tim. 1:8-12. Paul exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, nor of Paul His prisoner; but to be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.
Who hath saved us, and called us according to His own purpose and grace given us in Christ Jesus before the ages of time (a sure and immovable foundation for the soul); but now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior, who has annulled death, and brought life and incorruptibility (that condition, of eternal life which puts the soul and the body beyond death and its power) to light by the gospel, whereunto Paul was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher of the nations.
Paul knew whom he had believed, and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he had committed to Him (as his happiness) against that day (of manifestation).
2 Tim. 1:13-18. He exhorts Timothy to hold fast the outline of sound words which he had heard from Paul (an outline that embraces the various parts, now more complete since all the scripture has been given): and to keep by the Holy Spirit that deposit (of divine truth) committed to him.
All Asia had turned away from Paul (not necessarily from Christianity; but all had evinced sad spiritual decline: 1 Tim. 1:3,4; Rev. 2;3).
2 Tim. 2:1-6.
Timothy is exhorted to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
What he had heard from Paul, in the presence of others, he was to commit to faithful men, who could teach it to others. (This is not a succession of office or authority; but a handing down of truth; the whole of scripture was not then written.)
He must endure hardness (bear evils) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, being disentangled from the affairs of this life. And, as one that contends in the games, he must contend lawfully (spiritually, and not with fleshly energy).
The husbandman must labor before he partakes of the fruits (as Christ's servants labor now; full fruition awaits them).
2 Tim. 2:7-14. Timothy is exhorted to consider what Paul had taught; and remember Jesus Christ of the seed of David (a token that the promises were sure: cf. Isa. 55:3; Acts 13:34), raised from the dead according to Paul's gospel (the pivot of Christianity. The elementary but fundamental lesson of death and resurrection is put before him).
Paul speaks of his sufferings as an evildoer on account of this gospel founded on resurrection. Man will not have that which sets him aside. Hence it was for the elect Paul endured suffering that they might obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is now the time of suffering and death: rest and glory are to come.
The word is faithful. If we have died with Him, we shall live with Him. If we suffer, we shall reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
2 Tim. 2:15-18. Timothy is exhorted to present himself a workman approved to God, giving every truth its true application, and avoiding what led only to impiety.
False doctrine spreads as a gangrene; some were saying that the resurrection had already taken place (as those who spiritualized it and thus virtually denied it).
2 Tim. 2:19-26. But the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal (God's side), "The Lord knoweth them that are his;" and (man's side) "Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from iniquity" (even if the iniquity be in the house of God, as is further explained).
In a large house there are various vessels: some to honor, as of gold and silver and some to dishonor, as of wood and earth. If a man shall purify himself out from among these latter he shall he a vessel unto honor, and be fit for his master to use, and serviceable to every good work. (This is a resemblance of the ruined state of the church as responsible on earth, and points out that which the faithful should avoid in the house.)
Youthful lusts must be avoided, and righteousness, faith, love, peace be followed, in association with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (This is the only true association when iniquity is allowed in God's house)
Exhortations follow. The servant of the Lord should in meekness seek that some might awake up out of the snare of the devil, those who were taken by him for his will.
2 Tim. 3:1-9.
In the last days there will be perilous or difficult times because of the many evil workers mentioned, who have a form of piety but deny the power of it: they lead captive silly women, laden with sins, who are ever learning, but never able to come to a full knowledge of the truth.
As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, these evil workers withstand the truth. But they shall be stayed, and their folly be made manifest to all.
2 Tim. 3:10-13. Paul alludes to his doctrine, his own godly walk, and his sufferings, and adds, " All that desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." But evil men and impostors will advance in evil, leading and being led astray. (There is no hope for Christendom as a whole: what then is the resource in such a state of things?)
2 Tim. 3:14-17. Timothy was to abide in the things he had learned and been assured of, knowing of whom he had learned them (cf. verse 10), and he is reminded that from a child he had known the sacred letters, which were able to make him wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus: cf Acts 20:32.
Every scripture is divinely inspired and is profitable for teaching conviction, correction, instruction in righteousness (all that any one can need at every time and under all circumstances) that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work.
2 Tim. 4:1-12.
Timothy is charged before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, to preach the word, be urgent in season, out of season, to convict, rebuke, encourage, with all longsuffering and doctrine. (It is not the “coming” of the Lord for the saints, but the “appearing and kingdom” in this epistle, because of the evil, and also the responsibility of the saints.)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound teaching, but will turn from the truth unto fables, and will provide for themselves teachers who will gratify their itching ears.
Timothy is exhorted to fill up the full measure of his ministry, for Paul could no longer exercise his, he was already being poured forth (as a libation): his departure was at hand. He had fought the good fight, and had kept the faith. The crown of righteousness is laid up for him, and for all them that love Christ's appearing. (To love Christ's appearing, the time of manifestation and rewards, is a characteristic of Christianity: it will usher in universal blessing.)
Various details follow. Mark had been restored to confidence (cf. Acts 13:13;15. 36-40), and was now serviceable to Paul for the ministry.
2 Tim. 4:13-15. Paul wanted his cloak (before winter, ver. 21; God cares for our bodies), the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.
2 Tim. 4:16-22. Paul had made his first defense, but all had forsaken him (as all forsook his Lord), but he prays for them.
Yet the Lord stood by and strengthened him. For the present he was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and able still to make known the gospel. The Lord would deliver him from every evil, and preserve him for His heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory from the ages to the ages. Amen.
Salutations follow, and the benediction.