Beginning to Walk - An Overview of 2 Timothy

  • Jonathan Phipps
  • Jan 24, 2008
  • Series: Walk On - A Call to Endurance in 2 Timothy

The Unlikely Leader

Paul sent one final message to his young friend, entrusting him with the responsibility of moving forward in the mission of God and leading others to do the same. Timothy was an unlikely candidate for this role, for he was "comparatively young", "prone to illness" (1 Tim 5:23) and "timid by tempermant" (2 Tim 1:7). Paul, however, was not calling Timothy to shoulder this weight with his own power, but through the strength of almighty God.

The Centrality of the Cross

Paul calls Timothy to endure much for the sake of the Cross. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection on our behalf and for God's glory is central to the message of the Gospel. Paul has heralded this message in his many travels, and calls Timothy to do the same, guarding the message from dilution and entrusting it to others who will proclaim it as well.

Endurance has a Purpose

Throughout 2 Timothy Paul urges his young friend to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Suffering without meaning is pure misery, but Paul encourages him that this is not the case for him. No, like the athlete, farmer or soldier, the suffering he must endure has a glorious purpose indeed.

 

For more on the context of 2 Timothy see the article An Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles and Paul's Second Letter to Timothy by Jonathan Phipps.