Book overview of 2 Timothy
Book Summary of 2 Timothy
This summary of the book of 2 Timothy provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Timothy.
Author, Date and Setting
See essay, p. 2481. After Paul's release from prison in Rome in a.d. 62 (Ac 28) and after his fourth missionary journey (see map, pp. 2486-2487), during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul was again imprisoned under Emperor Nero c. 66-67. It was during this time that he wrote 2 Timothy. In contrast to his first imprisonment, when he lived in a "rented house" (Ac 28:30; see note there), he now languished in a cold dungeon (see 2Ti 4:13 and note), chained like a common criminal (2Ti 1:16; 2:9). His friends even had a hard time finding out where he was being kept (2Ti 1:17). Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end (2Ti 4:6-8).
Reasons for Writing
Paul had three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time:
Paul was lonely. Phygelus and Hermogenes, "everyone in the province of Asia" (2Ti 1:15), and Demas (2Ti 4:10) had deserted him. Crescens, Titus and Tychicus were away (2Ti 4:10-12), and only Luke was with him (2Ti 4:11). Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him also. Timothy was his "fellow worker" (Ro 16:21), who "as a son with his father" (Php 2:22 ; see note there) had served closely with Paul (see 1Co 4:17). Of him Paul could say, "I have no one else like him" (Php 2:20). Paul longed for Timothy (2Ti 1:4) and twice asked him to come soon (2Ti 4:9,21). For more information on Timothy see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Recipient.
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel (2Ti 1:14), to persevere in it (2Ti 3:14), to keep on preaching it (2Ti 4:2) and, if necessary, to suffer for it (2Ti 1:8; 2:3).
Paul wanted to write to the Ephesian church through his letter to Timothy (see note on 2Ti 4:22).
Outline
Introduction (2Ti 1:1-4)
Paul's Concern for Timothy (2Ti 1:5-14)
Paul's Situation (2Ti 1:15-18)
Special Instructions to Timothy (Ch. 2)
Call for Endurance (2Ti 2:1-13)
Warning about Foolish Controversies (2Ti 2:14:26)
Warning about the Last Days (Ch. 3)
Terrible Times (2Ti 3:1-9)
Means of Combating Them (2Ti 3:10-17)
Paul's Departing Remarks (2Ti 4:1-8)
Charge to Preach the Word (2Ti 4:1-5)
Paul's Victorious Prospect (2Ti 4:6-8)
Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (2Ti 4:9-22)
From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, 2 Timothy
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
This summary of the book of 2 Timothy provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Timothy.
Author, Date and Setting
See essay, p. 2481. After Paul's release from prison in Rome in a.d. 62 (Ac 28) and after his fourth missionary journey (see map, pp. 2486-2487), during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul was again imprisoned under Emperor Nero c. 66-67. It was during this time that he wrote 2 Timothy. In contrast to his first imprisonment, when he lived in a "rented house" (Ac 28:30; see note there), he now languished in a cold dungeon (see 2Ti 4:13 and note), chained like a common criminal (2Ti 1:16; 2:9). His friends even had a hard time finding out where he was being kept (2Ti 1:17). Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end (2Ti 4:6-8).
Reasons for Writing
Paul had three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time:
Paul was lonely. Phygelus and Hermogenes, "everyone in the province of Asia" (2Ti 1:15), and Demas (2Ti 4:10) had deserted him. Crescens, Titus and Tychicus were away (2Ti 4:10-12), and only Luke was with him (2Ti 4:11). Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him also. Timothy was his "fellow worker" (Ro 16:21), who "as a son with his father" (Php 2:22 ; see note there) had served closely with Paul (see 1Co 4:17). Of him Paul could say, "I have no one else like him" (Php 2:20). Paul longed for Timothy (2Ti 1:4) and twice asked him to come soon (2Ti 4:9,21). For more information on Timothy see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Recipient.
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel (2Ti 1:14), to persevere in it (2Ti 3:14), to keep on preaching it (2Ti 4:2) and, if necessary, to suffer for it (2Ti 1:8; 2:3).
Paul wanted to write to the Ephesian church through his letter to Timothy (see note on 2Ti 4:22).
Outline
Introduction (2Ti 1:1-4)
Paul's Concern for Timothy (2Ti 1:5-14)
Paul's Situation (2Ti 1:15-18)
Special Instructions to Timothy (Ch. 2)
Call for Endurance (2Ti 2:1-13)
Warning about Foolish Controversies (2Ti 2:14:26)
Warning about the Last Days (Ch. 3)
Terrible Times (2Ti 3:1-9)
Means of Combating Them (2Ti 3:10-17)
Paul's Departing Remarks (2Ti 4:1-8)
Charge to Preach the Word (2Ti 4:1-5)
Paul's Victorious Prospect (2Ti 4:6-8)
Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (2Ti 4:9-22)
From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, 2 Timothy
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.