Introduction (1:1–4)
- Paul’s Greeting: Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus. He addresses Timothy as his beloved son and prays for grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul’s Concern for Timothy (1:5–14)
- Paul’s Affection for Timothy: Paul expresses his deep love and concern for Timothy, recalling the sincere faith that first dwelt in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, and now lives in him.
- Encouragement to Guard the Gospel: Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, given through the laying on of hands, and not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul’s imprisonment. Instead, he is urged to share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life.
- The Call to Hold Fast: Timothy is instructed to guard the good deposit entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and to stand firm in the faith.
Paul’s Situation (1:15–18)
- Paul’s Suffering: Paul reflects on his present situation, noting that all of the Asian believers have turned away from him. However, Onesiphorus, a faithful believer, has shown him great kindness and has not been ashamed of Paul’s chains. Paul prays that the Lord will grant mercy to Onesiphorus and his household for the refreshment and encouragement they provided.
Special Instructions to Timothy (ch. 2)
Call for Endurance (2:1–13)
- Strengthening Timothy for the Task: Paul urges Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and to pass on the teachings he has received to reliable people who will be able to teach others.
- Endurance in Ministry: Paul uses three metaphors to describe the Christian life: the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. Each requires discipline, dedication, and perseverance. Paul encourages Timothy to endure hardship, as he himself does, for the sake of the gospel.
- Faithful Living: Paul reminds Timothy that if we die with Christ, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us. Even if we are faithless, God remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself.
Warning about Foolish Controversies (2:14–26)
- Avoiding Disputes: Paul instructs Timothy to keep reminding the believers to avoid quarrelsome disputes and to present themselves as workmen approved by God, rightly handling the word of truth.
- The Dangers of Foolish Arguments: Avoid godless chatter, which only leads to more ungodliness. Instead, Timothy is to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, and to gently instruct those who oppose the truth, in the hope that God will grant them repentance and lead them to a knowledge of the truth.
Warning about the Last Days (ch. 3)
Terrible Times (3:1–9)
- Characteristics of the Last Days: Paul warns that in the last days, people will be lovers of themselves, money, and pleasure, rather than lovers of God. They will be boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, and unholy. Despite the appearance of godliness, they will deny its power. Paul urges Timothy to avoid such people.
- The Impact of False Teachers: Paul notes that these false teachers will worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, burdened with sins, and led by various desires. Their folly will eventually become evident to all.
Means of Combating Them (3:10–17)
- Timothy’s Example: Paul contrasts the false teachers with Timothy, who has followed Paul’s teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, and persecutions. Timothy has witnessed firsthand the way Paul endured suffering and overcame opposition.
- The Power of Scripture: Paul emphasizes the importance of Scripture in equipping believers for every good work. He encourages Timothy to continue in what he has learned from the sacred writings, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s Departing Remarks (4:1–8)
Charge to Preach the Word (4:1–5)
- A Solemn Charge: Paul charges Timothy in the presence of God and Christ Jesus to preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.
- The Coming Apostasy: Paul warns that the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine but will gather around themselves teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths. Timothy is encouraged to keep his head in all situations, endure hardship, and do the work of an evangelist.
Paul’s Victorious Prospect (4:6–8)
- Paul’s Imminent Death: Paul reflects on the fact that his life is being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for his departure is near. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now, there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award him on that day. Not only to Paul, but also to all who have longed for Christ’s appearing.
Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (4:9–22)
- Final Requests (4:9–15): Paul asks Timothy to come quickly to him, bringing Mark with him, for he is useful to Paul in his ministry. He also asks for his cloak, books, and parchments, as he is in need of them. Paul reflects on how others have abandoned him, but only Luke is with him.
- Greetings and Benediction (4:16–22): Paul sends greetings from the believers in Asia and asks that the Lord grant mercy to Timothy. He concludes with a final benediction, praying that the Lord be with Timothy’s spirit and that grace be with him.