2 Timothy 01
This is probably Paul’s last letter, written toward the end of Nero’s reign, AD 64. In his first letter to Timothy, he spoke as if he soon hoped to be free and see him. Still in prison, most of his friends have abandoned him, and he considers his death at hand, so this is considered a death bed letter.
v 1,2. This is a typical salutation of Paul, but here he adds a special feature of his call, “the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus”. He was to give the gospel to Gentiles
v 3. Paul was thankful for the benefit of his Godly heritage, even though it came short of bringing him to Christ. In nurturing Timothy as a beloved son, v 2, Paul kept him significantly on his prayer list.
v 4,5. There had been tears at their last parting, but they were building memories as Paul recalls the good foundation lain down by Timothy’s grandmother and mother. It was once pointed out to me, possibly as a fault, that the only young people of our church that went on into dedicated Christian service were the ones who were raised in Christian homes. While this was largely true, it does not pit the church against the home, but reinforces the value of the Christian home supplemented by the church. Today Satan is subtly attacking Christian homes through sports at all ages, school extracurricular activities, work schedules and in some cases even church activities that steal the time that should be going into the home base and family devotions.
v 6. Believers sometimes need revival. Timothy may have been wearing down because of Paul’s imprisonment, opposition of false teachers, and unspiritual church members. Paul reminds him of his spiritual heritage and ordination to stir him up. Laying on hands did not produce the gift, but was a seal of the church upon God’s call.
v 7. Perhaps Timothy was fearful, but we may be too. We may not feel free to stand on a street corner witnessing, but God has given us the power and love, even the mind, to at least witness to let our associates know that we are Christians.
v 8,9.Timothy and ourselves, don’t be ashamed of our own testimony for Christ or that of other believers, in spite of ridicule or persecution in any form. After all, it was not our works that saved us but the grace of God in calling us, and that before the world began.
v 10. All of God’s redemptive plan was once a mystery, but now made clear in Christ. Death has not yet been destroyed, but it is as certain as if it had been.
v 11,12. Paul was absolutely positive God had called him to this ministry. This was why he could endure multiple sufferings. The deeper our knowledge of Christ, the greater our confidence of triumph in Him. We do the committing, He does the keeping.
v 13,14. We are not to search for texts to prove our pet theories, but to embrace the whole truths of scripture by our faith and love of Christ. The Holy Spirit can then apply it in our hearts as well as convicting men of sin.
v 15. Paul’s close supporters had grown weary, fearful, or become ashamed of him, and the two he named were possibly from Ephesus and known by Timothy.
v 16,17 In contrast, Onesiphorus was not only not ashamed, but bold to seek out where Paul was. He too may have been waiting execution because Paul prayed for his household. Originally Paul had appealed to Caesar but now Caesar was the enemy. Jews were tolerated by Nero, but Christianity was a forbidden religion.
v 18. Onesiphorus had also been faithful in the home church at Ephesus. Most believers who are faithful in their home church will be faithful wherever they go.
2 Timothy 02
v 1. “Therefore” refers back to the sufferings of Paul and others for the faith. Timothy was a son in the sense of Paul having led him to the Lord.
v 2. This has no reference to oral tradition or apostolic succession, but the need to pass on the present gospel to contemporaries and the next generation.
v 3. A Roman soldier had to endure hardness. In addition to heavy weapons he carried a saw, a basket, a pick ax, a thong of leather, a hook, and three days rations.
v 4. The Roman soldier was not allowed to marry, engage in agriculture, trade, or manufactures. He was a soldier and was expected to be totally at the service of his commander. Such dedicated Christian service Paul charges to Timothy.
v 5. It was not only necessary to train but to obey all the rules of the games. Our fastest track runner may be disqualified by stepping into the wrong lane. Paul knew the rules so didn’t run uncertainly, 1 Cor. 9:26. Our rules for living are laid out in scriptures.
v 6. We have some blessings here and now, souls won, believers growing etc.
v 7,8. Timothy would be carrying on the work begun by Paul, so ignoring fruitless questions and endless genealogies (Trying to find hidden meanings such as people today do with 666 etc.), 1 Tim.1:4-7, he needed to keep teaching what Paul had taught, that Jesus was the promised Messiah & He had risen from the dead.
v 9. Though Paul was in prison, his letters to churches were going out, and new ranks of believers surpassed the number who were executed.
v 10. Paul could endure his troubles knowing that it was a factor in more, whom God had called, coming to Christ. This is a reminder of a former missionary friend in Spain who was severely persecuted and jailed for preaching. He kept preaching and converting others in jail, so they kicked him out of jail.
v 11-13. These are truths which someone set in a form which could be easily remembered and repeated by those under trials. 1, We die to our old life and have a new life in Christ. 2, As Christ suffered, so may we day by day, but eventually we will reign with Him. 3, Like Peter, believers may deny Christ, but if we do we will lose rewards in heaven. 4, Though we may waver in unbelief, He remains faithful.
v 14. The people needed to be reminded of those 4 facts, and solemnly charged to avoid what we might call theological controversies that undermine true faith.
v 15. Whereas some Ephesians had a show of metaphysical knowledge and worldly discussions, Timothy was to be a specialist in studying the Word of God.All Christians, especially those teaching, should diligently study the Word, properly understand it, and skillfully teach it.
v 16,17. Not just outright heresy but empty useless discussions lead away from the truth and eventually ungodliness. Such teachings will eat away like a cancer, as many young theological students have found and succumbed, as did those two men.
v 18. They had departed from the truth by arguing that the resurrection was already past, and the faith of some had already been undermined. Several errors were prevalent concerning resurrection:
Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection of the body.
Greeks believed in immortality, but not in resurrection of the body.
Stoics scoffed at life after death.
Gnostics thought all matter was evil, so they had no interest in a future combination of body (matter) and spirit, implied by resurrection.
v 19. Many building foundations had a seal, “inscription” written on them with the owner and purpose of the building stated. Verse 19 b (The Lord knoweth them that are His) is the inscription the Lord has written on the foundation of the Church. Good conduct doesn't save, but we may doubt the salvation of those continuing in sin. If we claim Christ we should turn from sin.
v 20,21. In these somewhat obscure comparisons, the great house is the whole professing Christian church. The gold and silver are vessels unto honor, the saved, while the wood and earth vessels to dishonor are mere professors. Believers must have some contact with the world in life and to reach them, but should separate from defiling associations with them or their corrupting influence may diminish our usefulness to the Lord. A stronger warning concerning false teachers is 2 Jn. 10,11.
v 22. In some things we need to stand and fight, but regarding the temptations of youth, the best course is to flee. Don’t leave a vacuum which they may refill, but diligently replace them with all these Christian virtues.
v 23. Samples of these unlearned questions: “If God is all powerful can He make a stone so big He can not lift it?” Why does God allow war? Where did Cain get his wife? Such things are usually only for arguing or trying to embarrass the believer, and the conversation needs to be steered toward salvation.
v 24-26. Personal witnessing may be very trying with some one involved in cults and false doctrines, but instead of arguing, gentle patience is vital to succeed. (Not as one young believer who said he wanted to smack him in the mouth.) Correct them with humble courtesy with the hope that the Holy Spirit will bring them to their senses and convince them of the truth. As He convicts them they may break loose from the clutches of Satan by repenting and turning to God. Disobedient believers can also be taken captive by Satan at his will. Protective measures are found in certain key words in v 15-26. Verses 15 study; 16 shun; 19 depart; 21purge; 22 flee, follow, call, or pray; 23 avoid; 24 gentle, teach, patient; 25 instructing; 26 recover. Some consider apt to teach first implies being teachable.
2 Timothy 03
v 1. Though Paul was writing in dangerous times under Nero, he foresaw perilous times in the future. We may be in that period now, though pre tribulation, with physical persecution in some places, but spiritually even more destitute and dangerous.
v 2. These greedy unholy traits have been exhibited throughout the ages, but we see them increasing, even among some who profess to be saved.
v 3. The lack of affection seen in abortions, and all the way up through the break up of families is rampant. Incontinent means lack of restraint. More and more, TV and the media ridicule and despise believers and others who stand for the truth.
v 4. Traitors of today sell high tech information to our country’s enemy with their only concern being profit. Many are self centered, without consideration for others. Our entire society has become pleasure crazed, both in the activities they do and the conveniences of every day life.
v 5. Many of these have a show of religion, but their conduct casts real doubt as to the genuineness of their profession. (Apostasy) Avoid them.
v 6,7. This is characteristic of cult home Bible studies. Three things make these women (and others) susceptible to deception. a. They do not forsake sins and fail to enter whole heartedly into the Christian life. b. They harbor desires that conflict with the leading of the Spirit and the Word of God. c. They fail to lay hold of gospel truth and make it their own. As a result they believe the lies fostered by Satan.
v8,9. Verse 8 lists three characteristics of false teachers. Josephus says these two men were magicians who copied some of the miracles Moses and Aaron performed. See Ex. 7::11-9:11, snakes, blood, frogs. They could only go so far, and the people in the previous verses are also limited in what God will allow. It will become just as obvious that the people mentioned in preceding verses are counterfeit, to be rejected.
v 10,11. Timothy was fully aware of these nine things concerning Paul’s life in contrast to the actions of the evil doers. The Lord is just as faithful to deliver today.
v 12,13. Believers who hide their faith or compromise may not suffer persecution, and it varies according to where we are. It may be merely mild ridicule to some, but it will increase as unbelievers are deceived and lead others astray.
v 14,15. There is an inference that Paul had taught Timothy by word and example. Definitely, from childhood,Timothy had received sound basic training from his mother and grandmother. The instruction by the Holy Spirit was also involved, as He is in our own understanding of Scripture. As we receive advanced education and social contacts, we must not discount what we have learned from sound teachers. The public school system’s denial of Bible truths and the rewriting of American history by various authors is depriving many students of basic truths of life. Also illegal drug use is complicated by legal prescription. One thing all the mass shooting individuals have in common is that they had all been on Prozac or similar anti depressant drugs.
v 16. Inspiration - God breathed life into this Book and all of its parts, as a revived person has not only life, but color returning to every part of his body. The very words, not just the thoughts are inspired. Perhaps comfort etc. come under instruction in righteousness.
Doctrine, the truths of the Word are important, Titus 2:7
Reproof, the Holy Spirit convicts through the Word
Correction, being convicted we search the Word to know how to change life
Instruction in righteousness, not asking why can’t I do so and so, but wanting to please God with no feeling of rebellion. Regeneration does not produce Godly living, but we must search and obey, the Scripture. Philippians 2:12, 13.
v17. Through it, believers can be thoroughly equipped for Christian service.
2 Timothy 04
v 1. This is not just advice, but a solemn charge before God. Be reminded of various OT charges. “His appearing” seems to refer to the Rapture with the judgment of believers which immediately follows. The mention of the millennial kingdom here may be in view of the fact that we will rule and reign with Christ at that time.
v 2. Our responsibility is proclaiming the Word, not promoting social programs etc. There needs to be a sense of urgency, whether the opportunities seem favorable or not. Correct those who are in error, rebuke those in sin, and encourage those who are doing right, and do all these with patient teaching.
v 3. The time is upon us when people reject sound Bible teaching and need merely go to another church and they can hear messages that do not convict them.
v 4. Not only in liberal churches, but in the media and in our public school system, old values are being ridiculed. American history is being rewritten, and many godly men in our heritage are being characterized as irreligious at best and vile at worst. Documented statements of their belief in God are being removed from our history books and from exhibition in our national parks services.
v 5. It isn’t enough to keep ourselves from error and stand firm in the face of persecution. We must take the initiative in witnessing the gospel to others. It has been said that evangelism is not what we do, but how we live and turn it to the gospel.
v 6. Paul realizes that his death as a martyr by the Romans is near.
v 7. He could look back on his life without shame, knowing he had been faithful to the end.
v 8. He knows the Lord will give him the victor’s crown, but it is for all of us who yearn for and welcome the coming of the Lord. We should purify ourselves, 1Jn. 3:3.
v 9. See v. 13, 21. He needed his coat before winter, but yearned for fellowship.
v 10. Titus was on a faithful mission and perhaps Crescens, but Demas had defected, not because of fear, which was understandable, but for love of this world.
v 11. Luke was a valued friend and physician. Mark has matured and Paul is aware of the help he could be. His early past is forgiven and forgotten.
v 12. Apparently Tychicus was doing a ministry for Paul in the Ephesian church.
v 13. The cloak was a thick upper garment of wool, sometimes leather, to protect against the weather. It was long and sleeveless like a sack with an opening for the head. I don’t even like vests and would have wanted arms on mine. Timothy would know what books, but Paul especially wanted what was probably the scriptures.
v 14,15. This would have been the Alexander Paul delivered unto Satan, 1Tim. 1:20, possibly the one in Acts 19:33,34, but Paul leaves vengeance to the Lord. At least his present opposition posed a danger to other Christians.
v 16, 17. All other believers may have been fearful of appearing in defense of Paul at the preliminary hearing. He was conscious of the Lord’s presence and apparently had an opportunity to give out the gospel. He was delivered from real lions or Nero.
v 18. After this trial Paul expected reprieve till after winter (v21), but he was actually killed before summer was over. But he knew it would be in God’s timing.
v 19-22. Paul concludes with greetings from himself and other believers in the area, then a usual committing them unto the Lord.
In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.
ANSWERS to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions by Pat RobertsonOUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen