Daily Bread

INTRODUCTION TO 2 TIMOTHY

This second letter to Timothy is probably Paul's last letter. He wrote in 4:7, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' He was looking forward to the crown of righteousness which the Lord himself would give him. Paul was living on death row in a Roman dungeon. Most likely, Paul was in prison in Rome two times. The first time is recorded in Acts 28. At that time, he was under house arrest and he could teach the Bible one-to-one freely. After his release from prison, he evidently made a missionary journey which is not recorded in Acts. He may have gone to Spain (Ro 15), visited Crete (Tit 1:5), visited Philemon in Colosse (Phm 22), and spent some time in Philippi (Php 2:23-24; 1Ti 1:3). He returned to Rome. He was evidently alone when he was arrested and arraigned (4:16). As always, he found his trial an opportunity to preach the timeless Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now he was chained like a common criminal (2:9;1:16) in a cold dungeon. Tradition says that he was martyred under Emperor Nero in A.D. 66 or 67.

Paul addresses Timothy as 'my dear son.' He longs to see him and asks him to come 'before winter.' Timothy is the pastor of the church in Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter to warn him of the dangers and temptations that would assail him, and to encourage him to be faithful to Jesus and to his ministry, no matter what. Paul's own life backed up his words.

1. I remember and thank God (1-5)

Paul was in prison. He would soon be killed- martyred for his faith. He knew God's grace. He was assured of God's mercy and he had God's peace in his heart. He had no regrets, for he served God with a clear conscience. He was where God wanted him to be, and he had the promise of life in Christ Jesus in his heart. He thanked God for Timothy, whom he loved like a son. He remembered the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother, as well as Timothy's own sincere faith, and he continued to pray for him.

2. Fan into flame the gift of God (6-7)

Timothy had been entrusted with the task of caring for God's flock in Ephesus. Paul laid hands on him to commission and equip him. The Holy Spirit whom God gives to all who repent, believe and accept his mission does not make us timid and fearful; he gives us the spirit of power, love and self-discipline.


Prayer: Lord, fan into flame the gift you have given me so that I may not be fearful, but have a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.

One Word: Fan God's gift into flame