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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER ONE:
“HOLD THE PATTERN OF HEALTHFUL WORDS”

[“Stir the Coals!”]
[Key word: Guard]
Theme Verse: 15

2 Timothy 1:1-2 – Paul to a Beloved Child

2TM1:1 Paul – an apostolic representative of Christ Jesus through God’s will 1 and according to that life that is in union with Christ Jesus –

1	Apostolic representative of Christ Jesus through God’s will: As in all Paul’s letters he omits the Holy Spirit and seems to make it clear that Jesus Christ and God are two different persons and not part of a common godhead.

2TM1:2 to Timothy, my beloved child 2 – Unmerited charity, mercy and peaceful harmony from God [the] Father and Christ Jesus our Master. 3

2

To Timothy, my beloved child: His name means “Honors God” and occurs 27 times in the Christian Bible. Paul use is similar to the Corinthians: “… my beloved and faithful child in the Master.” [1 Corinthians 4:17] In some manner Paul must have been instrumental in Timothy becoming a Christian, though he was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. [Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15]

3	God [the] Father and Christ Jesus our Master: Again, the Holy Spirit is missing.

2 Timothy 1:3-5 – I Never Forget You in Prayers

2TM1:3 I give thanks to The God 4 I continue to worship – as did my forefathers – with a clean conscience 5 – when I remember you in my constant supplications 6 night and day.

4	I give thanks to The God: As most often elsewhere Paul uses the article, “The God.” [HO THEOS]

5	I continue to worship – as did my forefathers – with a clean conscience: Paul speaks with complete honesty and alludes to his Jewish forebears.

6

I remember you in my constant supplications: Paul generally assures his readers that he prays for them. This personal letter seems much more endearing, assuring Timothy that he is very much in Paul’s mind. As we read the letter we get the feeling that Timothy had several problems, one of which was a lack of courage. We must understand Paul is in prison at a time in Rome when Christians were being burned as candlesticks in the street to light the night air. It was extremely dangerous to be associated with Paul.

2TM1:4 When I remember your tears 7 I have a longing to see you so that I may be completely happy.

7

When I remember your tears: Paul’s words are most endearing and paint the picture of a close relationship. As the letter unfolds we will see how Paul encourages and strengthens Timothy to come and visit him one more time before his impending execution. Paul wants Timothy to visit him despite the dangers.

2TM1:5 I remember your deep conviction completely free of hypocrisy 8 – a faith that first resided in your grandmother Lois 9 and your mother Eunice, 10 and now, I am convinced, also resides in you.

8	Deep conviction completely free of hypocrisy: Or, KJV: unfeigned; CON: undissembled; WMS: genuine; BER: unalloyed; AMP: sincere and unqualified. It suggests there may be the opposite.

9	First resided in your grandmother Lois: Did the grandmother become a Christian first?

10	Your mother Eunice: Paul reminds Timothy of his Christian heritage. Observe that no father is mentioned. Many Christian mothers have raised their children alone.

2 Timothy 1:6-11 – Stir Up Like a Fire Your Gift

2TM1:6 Because of this I continue to remind you to keep the fire of God’s gracious gift burning 11 – that which is within you as a result of my laying on of my hands 12.

11

Keep the fire of God’s gracious gift burning: Or, RHM: stirring up; MON: keep ever blazing; BER: keep alive; KNX: to fan the flame; TCN: stir in flame; NAS: kindle refresh. Had Timothy let his gift from God grow dim? Paul reminds him of his grandmother and mother and then to “rekindle” the fire within. Elsewhere Paul writes: “Do not put out the spirit’s fire.” [1 Thessalonians 5:19] Perhaps the coals were but a glimmer of their former strength? This may happen to any disciple who starts out afire and then learns the race is not a sprint but a marathon. Some of the reasons for this misdirection or slowing down are given later in Paul’s letter.

12

Laying on of my hands: Paul teaches that the “laying on of hands” is a primary or fundamental teaching in the Church. [Hebrews 6:2] This was an action in order to pass on authority or bestow a certain gift. Certain charismatic gifts of the spirit were bestowed by the original apostles and likely died out with them and those they gave the gifts to. [Acts 8:14-18; 1 Corinthians 13:8] See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on the Biblical Article on the same subject.

2TM1:7 For The God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, 13 but rather one of strength, compassionate affection and soundness of mind. 14

13	Spirit of cowardice: Or, RSV: timidity; KJV: fear; ASV: fearfulness; KNX: shrinks from danger; ALF: not the spirit of cowardice. Paul says this in the context of rekindling Timothy’s fire. Has Timothy become fearful in the swelling persecution? Cowardice is a dangerous trait. [Revelation 21:8]

14

One of strength, compassionate affection and soundness of mind: Or, NEB: but one to inspire strength, love, and self-discipline. We may assume these three characteristics are directed to Timothy. Does he lack these three and needs to stir up these gifts from God? Paul is to go on and mention self-control in 2 Timothy 3:3. He also mentions “power” [strength] four more times. [2 Timothy 1:8; 2:1; 3:5; 4:17] Love [compassionate affection; benevolent empathy] is to be repeated at 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:22; 3:3, 10. Timothy needs to find the strength, realize the depth of his love for Paul, and over come whatever it is where he needs self-control or soundness of mind.

2TM1:8 So do not become ashamed of the testimony of the Master, 15 nor of me as his prisoner, 16 but rather continue to suffer harm on behalf of the Good News 17 in God’s strength.

15

Do not become ashamed of the testimony of the Master: Or, BER: no shame… about bearing witness; KNX: do not blush; BEC: so don’t be ashamed to tell about our Lord. Here is one of the major problems and Paul hits it straight on: fear and embarrassment to confess Jesus to the public in an atmosphere of increasing persecution. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 1:16. Paul is to use similar words three more times: 2 Timothy 1:12, 16; 2:15.

16

Nor of me as his prisoner: We imagine a young man who has abandoned Paul to a Roman prison, fled home, and trying to hide his fear of being a Christian by getting involved in matters other than the Gospel. This was at the height or Nero’s persecution of the Christians and it required a courage inspired by God’s spirit.

17	Suffer harm on behalf of the Good News: Timothy is fleeing from persecution and Paul writes to stir up his original fire and the courage that goes with it. Notice Paul repeats this at 2 Timothy 2:3.

2TM1:9 He is the One who saved us and invited us with a holy calling 18 – not according to our works, but rather according to His own purpose 19 and unmerited charity. This He gave to us in union with Christ Jesus before times immemorial. 20

18

Who saved us and invited us with a holy calling: This verse may be misread as though there was a sequence here. See the notes on Matthew 22:1ff and the subject of “invitation” or calling. The invitation itself is holy because it comes from the Holy One by means of His Holy One through the Holy Spirit. The invitation is pure with nothing harmful or hurtful in it. [See notes on Ephesians 4:4; Hebrews 3:1] The word “saved” describes those who come out of the world and begin a course of Nazarene discipleship. [Acts 2:47; see notes on Ephesians 2:5]

19

Not according to our works, but rather according to His own purpose: Or, WMS: anything we had done; RHM: peculiar purpose; NOR: his own design. See notes on Ephesians 2:8. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Titus 3:5.] Research the word works in the teachings of Jesus and Paul. Though works will not get anyone into heaven, it may also be said that no one will get into heaven without works.

20

Unmerited charity… before times immemorial: That is, grace; undeserved kindness; unmerited favor. Or, WMS: unmerited favor. See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on KHARIS. The Greek for “ages ago” is PRO [before] CHRONON [times] AIONION [ageless] and is variously rendered: KJV: before the world began; NAB: from all eternity; CON: before eternal times; WMS: eternal ages ago; MOF: ages ago; ABU: before eternal ages; NOR: before the beginning of time. God’s purpose went into effect before “the founding of the world” which is understood by the Nazarene to begin with Abel, the first human born on earth, thus beginning the world of humanity. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Ephesians 1:4; Luke 11:40; Matthew 25:34] The English “eon” (or, aeon) is drawn from the Greek AIONION and after rendered either “ages” or “everlasting.” The latter is sometimes misleading. AION is something like the “age of the Dinosaurs,” or, “the Atomic Age” – a period of time characterized by certain events.

2TM1:10 Now [His purpose] has been made manifest by means of the Appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. 21 He rendered death ineffective 22 and shed light on life and incorruption 23 by means of the Good News.

21

The Appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus: Or, NAS: revealed; BER: realized; WMS: made known; NEB: brought fully into view; RHM: forthshining. Jesus Christ the Nazarene was made manifest or become visible to humanity with his baptism in the year 29 CE. He is to make a second appearance at his parousia where he will also be visible. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 24:30; Hebrews 9:27] See notes on John 1:14.

22

He rendered death ineffective: Or, BER: rendered death ineffectual; WMS: put a stop to the power of death; KNX: annulled death. [1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Hebrews 2:14] Not meaning death would no longer occur for it surely does. The process for destroying the “last enemy” began with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is assurance that all humankind will also be resurrected to their own judgment and the opportunity for everlasting life. [John 5:28, 29; Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:11-14] Surely this is of encouragement to fearful Timothy.

23

Shed light on life and incorruption: Or, RHM: has thrown light upon; AMP: immunity from eternal death. The word “immortality” is from the Greek ANASTATIS [un-dying] but the Greek here is APHTHARSIAN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #861, incorruption] which means non-rotting or incorruptible. Thus, RHM: incorruptibility. Compare the difference at 1 Corinthians 15:50-53.

2TM1:11 For this Good News I was appointed a preacher, apostle and teacher. 24

24

I was appointed a preacher, apostle and teacher: Paul lists three different offices: a) a proclaimer of the good news; b) a representative of Christ; and, c) a teacher. [Acts 9:15] See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 Corinthians chapter 12 for details. The book Nazarene Community 2000© deals with these various offices among Church guides.

2 Timothy 1:12-14 – Hold to Healthy Words

2TM1:12 And so I continue to suffer as I do. 25 However, I am not ashamed, 26 for I know the One in whom I believe, 27 and I am persuaded he is able to guard what I have laid up in trust until that Day. 28

25	Suffer as I do: The Master had indicated Paul’s sufferings. [Acts 9:16; 1 Peter 4:19] For details on the subject of “suffering” read 1 Peter where the word occurs most often. [16 times]

26	I am not ashamed: That is, “I am not embarrassed.” See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 2 Timothy 1:8 and Romans 1:16.

27	I know the One in whom I believe: MON: for I know whom I have fully believed. [2 Corinthians 4:12, 13]

28

He is able to guard what I have laid up in trust until that Day: Or, RSV: Able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me; KJV: to keep; BER: guard safely; NEB: power to keep safe. Is this an assurance to Timothy not to fear? Opinions will vary on “that day” but it may refer to the end of his ministry in death, as well as the fruitage of his apostleship being preserved to the Day of resurrection. Compare 2 Timothy 4:8.

2TM1:13 So, [Timothy], keep holding on to that pattern of healthy words 29 that you heard from me by deep conviction and compassionate affection 30 that reside in Christ Jesus.

29

Keep holding on to that pattern of healthy words: Or, RSV: Follow the pattern of the sound words; KJV: sound words; ABUV: healthful; GDS: wholesome instruction. Paul has taught and instructed Timothy and he charges him now to follow these teachings. He is to go on to mention some false teachers which have misled others. [2 Timothy 1:15; 2:17] May Timothy be in danger?

30	Deep conviction and compassionate affection: Or, faith and love. The two primary elements of God’s commandment. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 John 3:23.] Paul mentions these again to Timothy.

2TM1:14 Protect and preserve that most excellent trust that is laid up for you 31 by means of the holy Pneuma dwelling within us. 32

31	Excellent trust that is laid up for you: Or, BER: guard that precious entrusted deposit; ALF: goodly trust; RHM: noble thing; WMS: guard this fine deposit of truth. Likely it reads more like, “guard this good trust.” Note 1 Timothy 4:14.

32

By means of the holy Pneuma dwelling within us: That is, “through the Divine Mind residing within us.” Or, BER: indwelling; MON: who makes his home in us; GDS: that lives in our hearts. This is another way of stating, “the mind of God by Christ resides within us.” Compare 1 Corinthians 2:16 with Isaiah 40:13. God’s spirit or pneuma dwells within the spiritual Temple as a whole. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Ephesians 2:19-22.] God’s Thoughts, that is the Divine Mind with its thinking, can only take up residence in one who has absorbed His Word through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:15-18 – Deserted by All

2TM1:15 You realize this that all those in Asia [Minor] have deserted me, 33 including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

33

Deserted me: Or, CON: abandoned; GDS: deserted; KNX: treated me coldly; MOF: discarded me. It is hard to believe such attitudes existed in the early Church. However, it is of some comfort when similar dispositions are observed in the modern Church. Such “deserters” of Paul placed themselves in an extremely dangerous position. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 25:40, 46.] Compare notes on 2 Timothy 4:10. [Acts 19:10; Philippians 4:15] Does Paul want to move Timothy who may be in danger of doing the same thing? Paul is unafraid to name two of these.

2TM1:16 May the Master grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, 34 for many times he brought me cooling refreshment. He was never ashamed or embarrassed about my chains. 35

34	The household of Onesiphorus: His name means interestingly “Profit Bearer.” See notes on 2 Timothy 4:19.

35	Embarrassed about my chains: Possibly a matter to move Timothy from his own shame.

2TM1:17 But when he arrived in Rome he quickly searched for me, and he found me. 36

36

He quickly searched for me, and he found me: Or, RSV: When he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me. In his first imprisonment in Rome Paul had his own rented home and was under house arrest. This time he is “in chains” and the conditions must be more severe. When we remember that Nero had Christians poured over with wax, impaled on stakes and then set afire to make light at night in Rome - it would take enormous courage to wander Rome looking for where Paul was imprisoned.

2TM1:18 May the Master grant him to find [the] Master’s mercy in that Day. 37 You are well aware of all the services he rendered me while in Ephesus. 38

37

Mercy in that Day: Or, RSV: May the Master grant him to find mercy from the Master on that Day. Paul’s words would indicate not all will find such mercy. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 John 2:28. [John 5:28, 29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 7:21-23] He surely means the Day of Judgement on the Church. [Matthew 24:43-25:46]

38	The services he rendered me while in Ephesus: Or, KJV: ministered. The word usually means service of a charitable kind. Paul points to an example of a brother who had courage and was unashamed of Paul’s chains, something Paul is trying to instill in Timothy.

Review Questions on Chapter One