2 Timothy, Day 1
2 Timothy 1
Introduction
The letter of 2 Timothy was written by Paul to Timothy during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome. Not long after the writing of this letter, Paul would be executed by the Roman government. Some commentaries believe Paul could sense this and that is why this letter has a sense of urgency.1 In this letter, you read Paul writing with a sense of compassion and care for Timothy while also making sure to get across the key points for the continuation of the faith.
Paul and Timothy had a special relationship; Paul was Timothy’s mentor. Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey to Lystra. Timothy was a young man devoted to serving the Lord, and in Acts 16:1 is described as having a mother and grandmother who believed but a father who did not (at least not at that moment).2 In 2 Timothy 1:5 we see that Timothy was not just hanging on to the faith of his mother and grandmother, but that he had a sincere and genuine faith of his own.
Paul knew Timothy well; because of their relationship, in this letter there is not only a sense of urgency, but it is also extremely personal. If Paul did in fact sense his time on Earth was coming to a close, this is the sort of letter you would expect as he seeks to encourage Timothy and remind him of some important truths.
The first truth is that God is at work in Timothy. In Verses 6 and 7, Paul writes, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Paul knew Timothy well and knew that he had a more timid personality. So Paul is taking the time here to remind Timothy of a truth that we all need to remember: that we do not need to fear what God is asking us to do because we can tap into His power that dwells within us.
The second truth is a reminder to stay true to Paul’s teachings. 1 Timothy 1:13 – 14 says, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” There is a common theme throughout both letters to Timothy, encouraging Timothy to not get sidetracked from proclaiming the important truth he has been entrusted with: proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds Timothy to stay close to Paul’s teachings as he continues to spread the Gospel message.
As we work to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, may we too remember the truths Paul gave to Timothy and not get distracted by beliefs or arguments going on around us, but stick true to the most important truth: that Christ died in our place. May we also remember to “fan into flames the gift of God” that is in us. That we can lean into him and know his power at work in us.
Adam Deering
- https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-2Ti/2Ti-1.cfm?a=1126001
- https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-2Ti/2Ti-1.cfm?a=1126001