SECOND TIMOTHY by Paul Southern

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Southern/Paul/1901/tim2.html

SECOND TIMOTHY

1. THE TITLE
This is the second of two letters by the same writer to Timothy.

2. THE WRITER
From the first verse we learn that Paul was the writer.

3. THE ADDRESSEE
The letter is addressed "To Timothy, my dearly beloved son" (1:2), who was at Ephesus at this time.

4. TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
This epistle was written from Rome during Paul's second imprisonment, and just before his martyrdom, A.D. 67 (1:4, 16, 17; 4:6-9, 11,21).

5. PURPOSE AND CONTENTS OF THE LETTER
One object of the letter was to request Timothy to come to him speedily (4:9,11,21). It was also written to further instruct Timothy in church matters, and to explain to him Paul's personal affairs. Internal evidence indicates that this letter was the last which the apostle wrote before his death. Being the last will and testament of one who was not "behind the chiefest of the apostles," it is important for the dying counsels which it contains. More personal than I Timothy, this last letter depicts Paul's pitiable plight in his closing days. Warnings against disputes and false doctrines, exhortations to purity of life, strong expressions of affectionate regard, and consolation for suffering Christians are important subjects discussed. "Hasten," "Come," "Greatly desiring to see thee," "Do diligence to come shortly," and "Come before winter" are some of the key-expressions. Personal allusions are conspicuous, more than twenty names being mentioned. The letter is full of fatherly instructions and exhortations. It carries home to every heart Paul's earnest and impassioned eloquence.


6. EXERCISES FOR STUDENT ACTIVITY


1. Completion
1. Paul became an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of ____________.
2. _______________was the name of Timothy's grandmother.
3. Paul told Timothy to preach the ____________.
4. Because he was sick, ______________ had been left in Miletus.
5. ____________ was the only traveling companion with Paul at this time.


2. True - False
1. Lois and Eunice were ungodly women. T or F
2. Timothy had been taught the Holy Scriptures from youth. T or F
3. Persecution is inseparable from a devoted Christian life. T or F
4. The resurrection is part of the gospel. T or F
5. Demas was always loyal to Christ. T or F


3. Multiple Choice
1. II Timothy was written about A.D. (67, 60, 55).
2. II Timothy was written from (Ephesus, Rome, Macedonia).
3. Timothy, addressee of II Timothy, was in (Philippi, Athens, Ephesus).
4. Paul had left a cloak at (Antioch, Troas, Miletus).
5. (Eunice, Lois, Prisca) was the name of Timothy's mother.


4. Identification
1. "Preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season." Ch.___v.___.
2. "In the last days grievous times shall come." Ch.___v.___.
3. "From a babe thou has known the sacred writings." Ch.___v.___.
4. "Study to show thyself approved unto God. Ch.___v.___.
5. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." Ch.___v.___.
6. "But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Ch.___v.___.


5. Topics for further study
1. What was "the gift of God" which Paul asked Timothy to keep aglow?
2. Summarize the teaching of II Timothy on immortality.
3. Study the grievous times described in chapter 3.
4. Make a list of all the persons mentioned in II Timothy.
5. What symptoms of asceticism are discussed in the epistle?
6. What persons were largely responsible for Timothy's early religious training?
7. Does the expression, "Come before winter," have any special significance?
8. List everything in the epistle concerning the life and work of a gospel preacher.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)