Without a doubt, the last book written by Paul in our possession, 2 Timothy is an intimate look into the relationship that exists between the apostle and the protege. The letter is a spattering of the glory of the Lord and the gloom of life. Throughout it is a book of hope for both Paul and Timothy. 2 Timothy gives a glimpse of Paul’s last pieces of advice to Timothy.
Who Wrote the Book of 2 Timothy?
Since the 18th century, the Pastoral Epistles – 1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy – have been considered together in theological discussions. For the most part, the epistles have been considered genuine works from the apostle Paul. Walter Lock (International Critical Commentary “The Pastoral Epistles”) writes, “1 Timothy is entirely pastoral and perhaps intended to be of universal application; Titus is mainly pastoral, but also a letter of commendation and a letter of recall; 2 Timothy is mainly personal, a letter of recall, and only incidentally pastoral.” Both the internal and external evidence point to the Apostle Paul as the author.
External Evidence
Biblical scholar James Hastings, editor of The Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, says, “While the witness of the non-canonical writers is not so strong for the Pastorals as for Romans and Corinthians, it compares favorably with that for Galatians and Philippians, and is much better than that for 1 and 2 Thessalonians.”
[su_pullquote align=”right”]William Robertson Nicoll, editor of the Expositor’s Greek New Testament, writes, “They are included in all manuscripts, versions, and lists of the Pauline epistles without exception, and in the same order.”[/su_pullquote]
Clement of Rome wrote in the late first century. He probably assumed leadership around Rome after Paul’s martyrdom. In his Epistle to the Corinthians, he alludes to passages in all three Pastoral letters. Ignatius and Polycarp have references to both of the letters to Timothy. Justin Martyr uses a phrase from Titus and another from 2 Timothy.
Internal Evidence
The internal evidence supports the evidence from outside. In each of the three Pastoral Letters, the writer addresses himself as Paul (1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 1:1, and 2 Timothy 1:1). Both of the letters to Timothy contain many personal references to both Paul and to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:15, 2 Timothy alone has 23 personal references).
In addition, the theology of the epistles consistently supports the known theology of Paul’s other epistles. Similarities exist in the treatment of Old Testament Scriptures, of the development of the leadership within the church, and the understanding of the person and work of Christ.
To Whom was the Book Written?
The name Timothy is mentioned in the first verses of both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. One of Paul’s best-known companions, the apostle describes Timothy as “his beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17), “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), and “my beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2). For references in the New Testament, refer to Acts 17:14, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4, Romans 16:21, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10,
Timothy was a resident and native of either Lystra or Derbe, cities which Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6). Luke mentions Paul’s friends and includes “Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy” (Acts 20:4) which probably infers that Timothy was not of Derbe. Conclusions lead us to believe Lystra to be Timothy’s hometown.
By the second journey, Timothy is ready to work. Timothy is mentioned with Paul at Berea (Acts 17:14). Silas and Timothy are left there as Paul travels to Athens. The two join the apostle there a short time later, meeting him in Corinth. Timothy and Silas were immediately sent to Thessalonica.
Timothy’s name connects with Paul in the salutation of several epistles (2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, and Philemon 1:1. It can also be found mentioned with Silas in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1.
When was 2 Timothy Written?
It is difficult to know the exact chronology of the apostle Paul following the book of Acts. Following two years of house arrest awaiting his accusers, Paul was released from confinement late AD61 or early 62. Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans his eventual goal of reaching Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). New Testament scholars William Ramsay and Theodor Zahn confidently infer from Comments by Clement of Rome that Paul paid a visit to Spain. Spanish traditions, as well as notations in the Muratorian Canon and the histories of Eusebius support the trip. It is extremely likely that Paul was accompanied on this trip further west by Luke and Timothy.
Travels after the Book of Acts
Assuming he stayed in Spain six months to a year, the apostle was ready to move on sometime in AD63. Paul probably carried out his plans to visit Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). The problem is there were eight places in the Mediterranean area that bore the name. Many scholars think Paul visits a Nicopolis in Italy near Rome.
Upon their return, Timothy is left in Ephesus to oversee the ministry there. Paul’s first letter to Timothy presents a thorough look at the organization of the leadership of a congregation.
But then things take an abrupt turn for the worse. On the night of July 18th in AD64 a fire broke out and swept across the city of Rome. The disastrous fire ravaged the capital of the Empire for over a week. The Great Fire of Rome holds several legends guarding complete knowledge of the truth. Emperor Nero was decadent, unpopular, and growing more mentally unstable throughout his reign. While the stories of Nero fiddling while the city burned are nothing more than myth, history does paint a bad picture of Rome’s leader.
Burning of Rome
No primary sources about the fire survive. We rely on the accounts of three Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio. Tacitus wrote about sixty years after the event, Suetonius about two years later, and Cassius Dio about 100 years after.
The fire was said to have started in merchant shops near the chariot racing stadium. Tacitus says the merchants sold “flammable goods” which aided the fire’s spread. Strong winds from the Sahara sweep across Italy during the summer months. Poorly constructed timber houses provided ample fuel during the dry conditions.
Tacitus documents that efforts to douse the fire were hindered by gangs of looters and arsonists. The fire ended with two-thirds of Rome damaged or destroyed, hundreds killed, and thousands homeless. Tacitus claimed Nero was away from Rome at the time but implied the looted might have done so under someone’s orders. Suetonius and Cassius Dio placed the blame at Nero’s feet, claiming he wanted to burn down the parts of the city he disliked in order to build a new lavish palace.
Persecution Begins
Nero lay the blame for the fire upon the Christians, beginning nearly three centuries of Roman persecution against them. Christians were arrested, tortured, and executed, allowing an angry populace to have a scapegoat. Peter and Paul, Christianity’s leading spokesmen, both paid the ultimate sacrifice of faith.
Nero dies on June 8, AD68, so Paul’s death had to be shortly before. Paul urges Timothy to join him “before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21), placing the date of the writing of 2 Timothy in late summer or early autumn of 67.
What Messages Resonate in the Book
Knowing that death was just around the corner, Paul wanted to leave Timothy with a message of encouraging hope while emphasizing themes that were important to Paul. Paul speaks to Timothy of hope during hopeless and helpless times. The apostle emphasizes important lessons of communication a leader of faith must follow. He continues urging the importance of sound doctrine and grace.
What Do People Say About 2 Timothy?
Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of 2 Timothy. Their words may encourage you to read the book.
Paul wrote his Second Letter to Timothy from the loneliness of a dungeon while awaiting a likely death (2 Timothy 4:6-8). He attempted to fortify Timothy for accomplishment and steadfastness in ministry after his departure.
D. Thomas Lea, New American Commentary
Paul was serving God as his forefathers did. He appreciated very much his religious heritage, and so today should all those who have been brought up in a Christian environment.
Ralph Earle, Expositor’s Bible Commentary
The Pastoral Epistles are the natural and human expressions of the apostle’s own reflections about the future of the work he is obliged to delegate to others. They reveal, therefore, as much about their author’s reactions to the situations he faces as contemporary conditions in the church.
Donald Guthrie, Tyndale New Testament Commentary
The second letter is Paul’s last will and testament for Timothy, his great legacy for the rest of Timothy’s life. In the shadow of death Paul lays the work into Timothy’s hands so that he might carry it forward as his worthy successor in the field where God shall place this beloved assistant of his.
R.C.H. Lenski, Commentary on the New Testament