Bible Verse Lookup
The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy -
Introduction
Second Timothy, in form similar to a last will and testament from a dying father, is a moving, stirring letter about impending death and hopes for the steadfast faithfulness of those left behind. Like the other Pastorals, it argues against false teachings and draws on traditional beliefs and proverbial sayings to make its argument. Yet unlike them, this is a personal exhortation * rather than a formal guide for ministers or a presentation of traditional teaching. Vivid images of hard work, models of leadership, and passionate personal defenses combine to make it a lively document.
The letter, addressed to Timothy (see introduction to 1 Timothy), is probably the latest of the Pastorals. It claims to be written from prison ( 1.16–17; 2.9; 4.16–17 ) and implies two trials or perhaps one trial in two parts: a successful, first defense without human aid; and a second defense in which the writer does not expect to succeed ( 4.16–18 ). The place of imprisonment is not known, but Ephesus is a good candidate for the letter's destination. The assumption of a second imprisonment after a first one in Rome, however, does not agree with Paul's own letters or Acts 20 . Since the letter was not written by Paul, though it pretends to be, it cannot be dated with certainty.
