Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(honoring God). Son of Eunice, a Jewess, by a Gentile father. Born in Derbe or Lystra, Lycaonia (Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. 1:5). Converted by Paul and became a close friend and valuable assistant (Rom. 16:21; Heb. 13:23). Recipient of two of Paul’s epistles, 15th and 16th N. T. books. The first was written to him while at Ephesus, probably from Macedonia, and about A. D. 65. The second seems to have been written from Rome some three years later. They are called pastoral epistles, because devoted to description of church work and earnest exhortation to faithfulness.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
These epistles are generally believed to have been written by Paul after his two years’ imprisonment at Rome, recorded at the end of the Acts: the First Epistle during the time he was at liberty, and the Second Epistle when he was a prisoner a second time, and was looking for a speedy martyrdom. The First Epistle was probably written from Macedonia about A.D. 64, and the Second Epistle two years later.
First Timothy has the character of a charge to an apostolic delegate as to the maintenance of sound doctrine in the assembly, and as to the provision for the due care of saints. Hence we find the character of the men suitable for bishops and deacons. They must be such as maintained faith and piety. The epistle recognizes the church in its normal condition—the church of God in order—differing from the Second Epistle, in which the house is regarded as in disorder. The house of God stands in contrast to the Jewish temple, and God is presented in the character of a Savior-God with regard to man.
1 Timothy 1. After the benediction Paul states that Timothy had been besought to remain at Ephesus to enjoin some not to teach strange doctrine, nor give heed to fables and useless genealogies, which ministered questions rather than the dispensation of God, which was in faith. The end of what was enjoined was love out of
1, a pure heart;
2, a good conscience; and
3, unfeigned faith.
Instead of this some were seeking to be law-teachers. The law had its use, but applied, not to the righteous, but to the lawless and to the wicked of every kind, and to anything opposed to sound teaching, according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which Paul had been entrusted, he who had formerly been the chief of sinners. His salvation was a delineation of the Lord’s longsuffering to all others. The mention of it calls forth a burst of praise from Paul. The charge in 1 Timothy 1:3-4 was committed to Timothy that he might carry on the work in Paul’s absence. Some had made shipwreck of faith, two of whom are named, and these had been delivered unto Satan (compare 1 Cor. 5:5), that they might learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2. Prayers were to be made for all men, that the saints might lead quiet and tranquil lives in all piety, in view of liberty for God’s testimony. God desires all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Here it is no question of God’s counsels, but of His attitude toward men in grace as the Savior-God (compare 2 Cor. 5:20). Christ is the one Mediator between God and men, and He gave His life a ransom for all, to be testified of in these days of grace. Paul had been appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. Hence he willed that men should pray, holding up holy hands; that women should adorn themselves modestly and with good works; they were to learn in silence, and not to teach or usurp authority over man. The original order in creation and the history of the fall are cited in support of these injunctions.
1 Timothy 3. The qualification of a bishop, or overseer, and of a deacon, or minister, are shown to be, not so much those of specific gift as of piety and good moral character. Paul hoped to go shortly to Timothy, but wrote these things that Timothy might know how one ought to behave himself in the house of God, which is
1, the assembly of the living God, and
2, the pillar and base of the truth—namely, that which is established to maintain the truth on the earth.
Confessedly the mystery of piety is great. God has been manifested in flesh; justified in the Spirit (in the power of Christ by the Holy Spirit: Compare Romans 1:4); has appeared to angels (they saw God in Christ); has been preached among the nations; has been believed on in the world; and has been received up into glory—an epitome of God’s ways in grace outside of all connected with promises to Israel, and in contrast to law.
1 Timothy 4. The Spirit foretells that in the latter times there would be apostasy, and that people would give their mind to the teaching of demons; practicing asceticism and false holiness. Timothy was to be a good minister of Jesus Christ in teaching the right use of things which God in His beneficence has given to man. The word is faithful and worthy of all acceptation. The living God is the Saviour (preserver, Matt. 5:45) of all men, and especially of those that believe. Timothy was to teach these things and to live them; and not to neglect the gift that was given him by prophecy (compare 1 Tim. 1:18) and with (not by here, compare 2 Tim. 1:6) the imposition of the hands of the elderhood.
1 Timothy 5. Paul gives personal instruction to Timothy as to carrying out his mission, especially as regards the treatment of elders and widows. He was to take a little wine because of his frequent ill-health.
1 Timothy 6. Instruction is given as to those under servitude (slaves), and their behavior towards their masters. The dangers of independence coming in in connection with those who desire to be rich, are pointed out; and Timothy, as a man of God, is exhorted to flee these things; to strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith; to lay hold on eternal life. He is again charged before God and before Jesus Christ, that he keep the command spotless until the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ: which the blessed and only ruler shall show in its own time, the King of kings and Lord of lords: who only hath immortality; dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man hath seen or can see: to whom be honor and eternal might. Amen. We have here the inaccessible majesty of God in His essential being. In Revelation 19 the Lord Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords: here He, who will manifest the Lord Jesus as such, is so designated. Exhortations are added. A final word to Timothy and a benediction close the epistle.
Second Timothy. The fact that the apostle when writing this epistle was at the close of his ministry, gives it a peculiar interest. He reviews his service, and has to lament that all in Asia (that is, Asia Minor including Ephesus) had turned away from him. The house of God as a profession was in disorder, past recovery as a whole, and the apostle could but leave instructions to the servant how to act in such a state of things. This characterizes the epistle.
2 Timothy 1. After a salutation in which he desires mercy for Timothy, as well as grace and peace, Paul thanks God, whom he had served from his forefathers with pure (not always enlightened) conscience, having Timothy in unceasing remembrance in prayer, calling to mind his unfeigned faith and that of his maternal ancestors; and he desires that Timothy would rekindle the gift that he had received by the imposition of Paul’s hands, for God had given, not a spirit of cowardice, but of power, of love, and of a wise discretion. Timothy is exhorted not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, nor of Paul His prisoner.
God’s salvation and calling according to His purpose and grace in Christ Jesus before the ages of time, has been made manifest by the appearing of the Savior, who has annulled death, and brought life and incorruptibility to light by the gospel—a revelation which puts the soul beyond death and its power. Timothy is exhorted to hold fast the outline of sound words heard from Paul, 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 profession of Christ, but from the practical bearing of His death and resurrection (compare 1 Tim. 1:3-4; Rev. 2-3).
2 Timothy 2. Timothy was to commit to faithful men what he had heard from Paul—provision is thus made for the transmission of the truth. Timothy was exhorted to endure hardness as a good soldier, illustration being given by the conduct pursued by those called to war, of such too as contend for mastery in the games, and of husbandmen. He is charged to remember Christ Jesus raised from the dead according to Paul’s gospel; the application of which truth called forth the opposition of man after the flesh. False doctrine, which would eat as a gangrene into the very vitals of Christianity, was abroad as to the resurrection, but the foundation of God stood 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 [as the Editors read here] depart from iniquity.” Evil alas! had arisen in the scene of christian profession, which is compared to a great house, in which are vessels to honor and to dishonor, and the path for the servant in such case is marked out, namely, to purge himself from the latter, to be a vessel fit for the Master’s use. Exhortations follow.
2 Timothy 3. It is foretold that in the last days there would be perilous or difficult times, arising from the introduction of counterfeits of the truth allied with priestcraft. Such wicked workings would be met only by the power of divine life in souls, and hence Paul alludes to his doctrine, his godly walk, and his sufferings, and adds, All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Evil men and seducers would advance in evil. Timothy was to abide in the things which he had learned, and been assured of, knowing of whom he had learned them (compare 2 Tim. 3:10); he had known the holy scriptures from a child. The important testimony is added that every scripture is divinely inspired, and is profitable for teaching, conviction, correction, instruction in righteousness (supplying what is needed for every time), that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work.
2 Timothy 4. Paul charges Timothy before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, to fulfill his mission. (It is not here the coming of the Lord for His own, but His appearing and kingdom that are spoken of, in view of the responsibility of the saints.) It was the more needful for Timothy to fill up the measure of his ministry, for Paul was about to depart. He had finished his course, had fought the good fight, and kept the faith. The crown of righteousness was laid up for him, and for all them that love the appearing of Christ. (To love the appearing of Christ, the time of His glory, is characteristic of Christianity.)
Various details follow. Mark had been restored to the apostle’s confidence: (compare Acts 13:13; Acts 15:36-40). Paul requests Timothy to bring his cloak (before winter, 2 Tim. 4:21; the body is the Lord’s), the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments. Paul had made his first defense before Nero, and all had forsaken him (he prays for them), but the Lord stood by and strengthened him Thus far he had been delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and was able still to make known the gospel. The Lord would preserve him from every evil work for His heavenly kingdom, to whom he gives glory. Salutations and the benediction close the epistle.
“First Timothy” From Bible Handbook:
This epistle is generally held to have been written by Paul after his two years’ imprisonment at Rome, recorded at the end of the Acts. That record implies that at the end of the two years Paul was liberated, and in the two epistles to Timothy and in the one to Titus there are certain statements that do not coincide with any of the travels of the apostle as given in the Acts: such as begging Timothy to remain at Ephesus while Paul went to Macedonia (ch. 1:3); directions to Timothy to bring a cloak and some books which Paul had left at Troas. Paul had left Trophimus at Miletus sick (2 Tim. 4:13,20). Titus was left at Crete (Titus 1:5).
The release of Paul after his first imprisonment is confirmed by the fact that in the 1St Timothy and in Titus nothing is said of his being a prisoner; but in 2nd Timothy he is again a prisoner, and looking for his speedy martyrdom.
We may probably place the 1St Timothy (from Macedonia) and Titus about A.D. 67; and 2nd Timothy perhaps a year later.
This epistle has the character of a charge to an apostolic delegate as to the sound doctrine to be maintained in the assembly, and may be said to recognize the church in its normal condition — the church, as the house of God, in order. In the second epistle the church is regarded as in disorder.
In this epistle the assembly being the house of God in contrast to the Jewish temple, the character in which God is represented is the Saviour-God with regard to men, His creatures.
Chapter 1
Verses 1-4. Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ according to the command of God our Saviour, and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timotheus, Paul’s true child in faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. ‘Mercy’ is added because written to an individual: as such we always need mercy.
Paul had besought Timothy to remain at Ephesus, that he might enjoin some not to teach strange doctrine, nor give heed to fables and useless genealogies (Jewish fables and pedigrees, though Gnosticism seems to be alluded to in ch. 6:20).
Verses 5-17. But the end of what was enjoined to Timothy was love out of, (1) a pure heart; (2) a good conscience; and, (3) unfeigned faith: from which some had swerved, desiring to be law-teachers, but without intelligence.
The law has its use, if used lawfully. It was made for and has its application, not to the righteous, but to the wicked of every character, anything opposed to sound teaching according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God committed to Paul.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul was first (or chief). The Jews had persecuted Christ as a man, before the cross: Paul persecuted Christ after the cross, when He was in the glory. Mercy was shown him that his salvation might be a delineation of the Lord’s great long-suffering to those who should afterward believe on Christ to eternal life. It calls forth a burst of praise from Paul.
Verses 18-20. The above-named charge (verses 3-4) was committed by Paul to his son Timothy, who had been pointed out by prophecy to Paul (ch. 4:14), that he might war the good warfare, and maintain faith, and a good conscience. Some had put away the latter, and had made shipwreck of faith: of these two are named who had been delivered unto Satan (see 1 Cor. 5:5) that they might learn not to blaspheme.
Chapter 2
Verses 1-4. Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings were to be made for all men, that the saints might be able to live quiet and tranquil lives in all piety and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Saviour-God, who desires that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. (It is not the counsels of God here, but His dealings with men under the gospel, for Christianity presents a Saviour-God to men: see 2 Cor. 5:20.)
Verses 5-6. There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, the testimony to be rendered in its own times (namely, in this bright gospel day).
Verses 7-15. Whereunto Paul was appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and in truth.
He wills that men should pray, lifting up holy hands.
That women should adorn themselves with becoming apparel and with good works.
Women were to learn in silence and not to teach, nor usurp authority over man. (Our earthly relationships must be sought for at the beginning of creation.)
For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression (brought it in, though Adam was equally guilty in following Eve: in other connections it is all charged on Adam).
But she shall be saved in child-bearing (that which bears the stamp of judgment, Gen. 3:16), if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with discretion.
Chapter 3
Verses 1-13 describe the qualifications for the office of bishop (overseer) and deacon (minister). It will be seen that no specific gift is needed, but there must be good moral character.
To desire to be a bishop is a good work. He must be blameless; the husband of one wife; rule well his own house; not a novice; must have a good report of those without.
A deacon’s qualifications are then detailed.
Those that minister well obtain a good degree and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (Stephen and Philip were witnesses of this).
Verses 14-16. Paul hoped to come to Timothy shortly, but should he delay, these things were written that Timothy might know how to behave himself in, (1) the house of God (Eph. 2:22), which is, (2) the church of the living God; (3) the pillar and base of the truth (it is the only witness that can maintain the truth on earth: it is not the truth, but maintains it).
Confessedly the mystery of piety is great. God has been manifested in flesh; justified in [the] Spirit (the absence of all sin during His whole life was made manifest by the power of the Holy Spirit, see Rom. 1:4); has appeared to angels (in Christ the angels have seen God); has been preached among the nations; has been believed on in the world; has been received up in glory. (This gives a living epitome of what the church maintains before the world. It is Christianity as embodied in the Person of Christ.)
Chapter 4
Verses 1-5. But the Spirit declares that in the latter times some would apostatize from the faith, giving their mind to deceiving spirits, and teachings of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, cauterized in their conscience. These cast a slur upon God’s creation: for they forbid to marry, and bid to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received. For every creature of God is good and to be received with thanksgiving (thus going back before the restrictions of Judaism: — Gen. 9:3). Notwithstanding the curse it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.
Verses 6-10. Timothy was to teach these things, and he would be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the truth. He was to refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Bodily exercise (training the body) profits a little, but piety is profitable for the present life and the life to come.
The Word is faithful and worthy of all acceptation; for this Paul laboured and suffered, because he trusted in the living God, the Saviour (preserver, Matt. 5:45) of all men, and, especially of those that believe.
Verses 11-16. Timothy was to teach these things with authority, and live them: be a model to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (‘In spirit’ is omitted by the Editors.) To give himself to reading, exhortation, teaching; and not to neglect the gift that was given to him by prophecy (1 Tim. 1:18), and with (not by here: see 2 Tim. 1:6) the imposition of the hands of the elderhood. Perhaps ‘public’ reading (as held by many), the assembly being at that time almost the only place where a copy of the Scriptures could be found.
For himself, he was to be occupied with these things, to give himself wholly to them (to live as it were in them), that his progress might appear to all; and he was to give heed to himself and to his teaching. In this way he would save both himself and those that heard him (from the false teachings, and from all other dangers to which the saints were exposed.) The apostle now turns to the work of such a workman.
Chapter 5
Verses 1-16. Rebuke not an elder sharply, but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers, and the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Honour widows that are really widows. Let their descendants, if they have any, support them.
Those really widows trusted in God and continued in prayer. Others lived in self-indulgence and were dead (spiritually) while they lived.
If any did not provide for his own, he practically denied the faith, and was worse than an unbeliever.
In the list of widows none were to be entered under the age of threescore: what should characterize them is detailed: the younger ones were to be refused: their tendencies and their dangers are described. Some had already turned aside to Satan. If any had relatives who were widows they should support them, and not let them be chargeable to the assembly.
Verses 17-25. Elders who led well were to be esteemed worthy of double honour, as the ox is not to be muzzled that treads out the corn, and the workman is worthy of his hire.
An accusation against an elder must be verified by two or three witnesses. Those that sin were to be reproved (convicted) before all, that the rest might fear.
Timothy is solemnly charged to keep these things without prejudice or favour.
Hands (in recognition) were not to be laid quickly on any man: and others’ sins were to be avoided. Some men’s sins are manifest beforehand (they are known to be sinners); in others they are hidden, but their sins will follow them to judgment. So also some good works are manifest beforehand, and indeed others cannot be hidden.
Timothy was counselled to take a little wine because of his frequent illnesses.
Chapter 6
Verses 1-8. Those under the yoke of servitude (slaves) are exhorted to honour their masters, that the name of God and His teaching be not blasphemed. If the masters are believers they are not to be despised, but to be served faithfully.
If any taught otherwise they were puffed up, knowing nothing; they were destitute of the truth, holding gain to be (the end of) piety. But piety with contentment is great gain.
Verses 9-10. The dangers of those that desire to be rich.
Verses 11-16. Timothy, as a man of God, is exhorted to a godly walk; to strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith; to lay hold on eternal life.
Timothy is again charged before God and before Christ Jesus that he should keep the command spotless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which the blessed and only Ruler shall shew in its own time, the King of kings and Lord of lords: who only has immortality; dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man hath seen, nor is able to see: to whom be honour and eternal might. Amen. (Here it is the inaccessible majesty of God as God; to whom man is responsible, and of such a God the Christian is the representative on earth! In Revelation 19 the Lord is King of kings and Lord of lords: here He is so who will so manifest the Lord Jesus.)
Verses 17-21. Exhortations are added to the rich, that they may lay hold of what is really life. (T. R. reads “eternal life” with a few MSS.)
Timothy is again warned of what to keep and what to avoid. “Grace be with thee” ends the epistle.
“Second Timothy” From Bible Handbook:
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.
Chapter 1
Verses 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. ‘Life’ is mentioned here — not in the opening of the first epistle. Everything being ruined in man’s hand, the Spirit falls back upon that which cannot be affected by man’s responsibility. A little later John was used to bring out the whole truth as to life.
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.
Verses 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 Saviour, 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).
Verses 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).
Chapter 2
Verses 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 labour before he partakes of the fruits (as Christ’s servants labour now; full fruition awaits them).
Verses 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: — see 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.
Verses 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).
Verses 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). (T. R. reads ‘Christ’ in place of “Lord” with very little authority.)
In a large house there are various vessels: some to honour, as of gold and silver and some to dishonour, as of wood and earth. If a man shall purify himself out from among these latter he shall he a vessel unto honour, 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.
Chapter 3
Verses 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.
Verses 10-13. Paul alludes to his doctrine, his own godly walk, and his sufferings, and adds, “All indeed who desire to live piously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (verse 12 JnD). 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?)
Verses 14-17. Timothy was to abide in the things he had learned and been assured of, knowing of whom he had learned them (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 (see Acts 20:32).
Every scripture is divinely inspired and is profitable for teaching conviction, correction, instruction in righteousness (all that anyone can need at every time and under all circumstances) that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work.
Chapter 4
Verses 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 (see Acts 13:13; 15:36-40), and was now serviceable to Paul for the ministry.
Verses 13-15. Paul wanted his cloak (before winter, verse 21; God cares for our bodies), the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.
Verses 16-22. Paul had made his first defence, 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.
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Narrator:
Ivona Gentwo
Duration:
2hr 27min