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Second Letter to Timothy - Chapter 1
- Somewhat different from 1 Tim & Titus - much more personal about Paul's own ministry which he seems
now to be handing on to Timothy. Probably the last writing from Paul - he appears to be in prison, expecting
shortly to die, so probably in Rome.
- 1 - 2 Anticipating his imminent execution, "the promise of the life in Jesus" - eternal life, promised and
guaranteed by Christ - was especially consoling. Timothy is very dear to Paul - his very dear child. Paul
preaches a gospel which promises and calls us to the new life in Christ promised to Abraham.
- 3 - 4 As usual Paul thanks God for Timothy's support and friendship, after a tearful farewell. "Clear
conscience" implies his conviction that as a Jewish Christian he was serving the God revealed in the OT.
The Christian gospel was the fulfilment of the OT message, continuing God's purpose to create a redeemed
Israel.
- 5 - 7 Real dangers face Timothy in his task of continuing Paul's work: young though he is, his faith is
genuine, and based on the knowledge of the OT given him by his mother and grandmother - the family is
important in transmitting the faith. He must have the confidence to do the work he has been given. Eunice
was a Jewish Christian (acts 16:1) with a - presumably unbeliever - Greek husband. Timothy has been given
his ministry as a gift from God - perhaps with accompanying skills of leadership and authority? - when Paul
(and other elders, 1 Tim 4:14) laid hands on him. (Sacraments like ordination are the channels of God's
grace, not the cause of them.) You have a responsibility to nurture - and in this case "re-kindle" such gifts,
they should not be left unused, like a buried talent. If the gift of ordination is but a faint glow, it needs to
become a blazing fire. He should not be hesitant - the Spirit is at work within you and will give the
necessary power, love and self-control or wisdom. Yes, power can corrupt, and without love can become
destructive, but it is necessary - someone has to lead, make decisions and protect the weak. Very relevant
today as more lay people need to contribute to Church liturgy & activities. There is no place for false
modesty when the needs are so urgent.
- 8 - 10 Paul's conception of genuine preaching is "testifying to the Lord". But there will be opposition from
both inside and outside the church. Do not let association with a state prisoner make you ashamed and less
confident. The antidote to this is the Lord's resurrection, which shows that God's power overcomes all
earthly power. Lining up one's life with the Lord, such problems can be shared with the Lord, who also
suffered, and with God who has already saved us. This salvation comes as a free gift through Jesus Christ,
given "ages ago" - ie in eternity. A reminder that this gift is not by any merit of ours - we were not even
born! And certainly not by keeping the Law. We are "saved" and "called" - same thing - to be holy, ie set
apart as members of his people. This salvation has been made visible in time through the existence of the
man Jesus Christ, and the power of death has been abolished - life brought into immortality - by Christ's
resurrection. And we are called now - this new life starts now. Vv 9-10 one of Paul's brilliant summaries of
our faith: 4 essential aspects of salvation: (1) everyone is already saved; (2) God calls all to accept it; (3)
entirely gift, cannot be merited; (4) part of God's eternal plan.
- 11 - 14 Paul was appointed by God as apostle ( = sent as representative, implying with full "ambassadorial"
powers) in the service of this gospel of salvation and eternal life to preach ( = herald, proclaim) and teach (
= leading converts to grow in their new life). Though a prisoner because of his commitment to the gospel,
Paul was not "ashamed", ie losing confidence. His faith & confidence is in a person, ie the Lord, who will
safeguard the gospel entrusted to Paul (or to Timothy - either translation possible) until the day of
judgement. Timothy is enjoined to follow the methods set by Paul, basing his work on - and taking courage
from - love and faith, not hostility and hatred. Note the clear understanding by Paul of the gift ("charisma" -
word coined by Paul) of the "Holy Spirit who dwells within us", who will guide and strengthen Timothy and
those who follow him. As we commit to God, so God also commits to us: giving us the new life now
through the Spirit.
- 15 - 18 A sad personal note that Paul has been deserted by 2 followers, but joy that Onesiphorus has not just
stayed faithful but came searching for Paul and gave him food, etc. Even so, his salvation depends solely on
the mercy of the Lord, not on his own good works. Just as he "searched" for Paul, so Paul prays that he will
"find" mercy on the day of judgement.
