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The Second Epistle to Timothy

Frequent use of the phrase "in Christ" appears to be a Pauline characteristic. 2 Timothy uses it several times, indicating authenticity.[1 p.63]

Commentary

1:7

Paul encourages Timothy to show classical Greek virtues, but in the strength of God.

2:11

The work of the Herald is explained in 2 Timothy 4:1–2.

2:12

We don't like to present the bad news, but denying Jesus would be a real temptation in a culture that violently persecuted Christians; cf. Matthew 10:33.

2:13

God himself shows the virtues commended by Jesus in Matthew 23:23.

2:25

Meekness: see Appendix 2 Meek.

3:16

Ancient copies of this verse vary slightly, affecting the meaning. Some say "all scripture is inspired by God..." (begging the question, how is such scripture defined? Does it include the Apocrypha? Does it include 2 Timothy?) while other copies say "all scripture that is inspired by God...".[2 p.63] The latter makes more sense.

4:2

cf. Mark 11:12.

4:6

The word "departure" is used in the same sense as Jesus used it to predict his death in Luke 9:31. Paul may be ready to die, but the text avoids the word!

4:8

A crown is waiting: cf. Revelation 4:4, 10.

4:16

Paul forgives, using the words that he heard St Stephen use while he was guarding the clothes of those who martyred Stephen (Acts 7:60) who in turn followed the example of Jesus (Luke 23:34).

4:19

Prisca and Aquila: see comment on 1 Corinthians 16:19.

4:21

Since travel around the Mediterranean virtually ceased in winter time, failing to complete the journey in the Autumn meant not arriving until the following year—​cf. Acts 27:12.

References:

  1. Moule, C.F.D. The Origin of Christology Cambridge University Press, 1977
  2. Campbell, Gordon Bible—​The Story of the King James Version Oxford: OUP 2010

© David Billin 2002–2024