2 Timothy 1,2

The four chapters of this letter to Timothy, Paul’s “dear son,” (1:2) are probably the last extant correspondence of the apostle. Paul’s concern with Timothy is with both his youth and his responsibility as a pastor. These two concerns often overlapped.

Paul explained that Timothy’s apparent timidity did not originate with God, for God gives power, love and self-discipline. His challenge to Timothy was to join Paul in suffering (1:7,8) and to guard the message of the gospel through the power of God (1:14). To perpetuate the church, Timothy was to boldly appoint teachers who could be trusted, while he carefully kept himself from entanglements with anything that would limit his effectiveness (2:2-4). We would be well-served to embrace the same advice (2:15).