2 Timothy

Overview – December 2018 – Grace & Truth Magazine

2 Timothy

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” — 2 Timothy 1:8 NKJV

Like First Timothy, Second Timothy deals with individual responsibility in connection with the Church or Assembly – two English words used to translate the same Greek word. Paul wrote this letter from prison. It was his last epistle, written knowing that he was about to be put to death for his witness for the Lord. Here he no longer spoke of the house of God, but of “a great house” (2:20). That which had once been God’s house in some measure of purity and truth had degenerated to the point of allowing gross error and vessels to dishonor. Also, all in Asia had turned away from Paul (1:15), no longer desiring his teaching.

But he was not discouraged. Indeed, with a rejoicing heart he encouraged this young man to strengthen him against his own natural timidity. Timothy was to be unashamed of the testimony of the Lord, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2:15) and making full use of all its blessed truth, acting with firmness and decision for God. He was not to neglect any of it, whether in the work of an evangelist or in ministry to the people of God. Second Timothy 2 shows the believer in eight important aspects of life and is excellent for any believer who honestly desires to serve the Lord today.

During days of departure and spiritual carelessness, this book holds grand encouragement for the upright heart. It declares the blessedness of God’s provision in view of His foreknowledge of present conditions. Thus, whatever may be the dishonor done to God’s name in professing Christendom, one may yet be true to the meaning of Timothy’s name: “honoring God.”

By Leslie M. Grant

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.”
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA and Believers Bookshelf Canada.