2 Timothy

I know this Epistle has been Develop Bible more profitable to me than Study Skills any other book of Scripture, and still is profitable to me Identify Principles

every day. –John Calvin of Discipleship

2 Timothy A Bible study series designed to be used for personal study, discipleship or small groups.

It is free of charge and may only be copied or sent to others electronically at no charge.

It may not be reprinted for commercial publication.

Tom Petersburg 2016

www.catapultministries.org

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,

Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995

by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Baseball and Bible study

Good baseball hitters have learned what to look for— Many Major Leaguers have used two ingenious visual aids to become better hitters. One training

method utilizes a batting machine with a video screen placed on the pitcher’s mound. From the

batting cage the batter watches the video image of a life-sized pitcher going through his pitching

motion. When the pitcher’s arm movement reaches his release point, a baseball emerges from a

hole in the screen for the batter to hit. Both the type of pitch thrown and the pitch sequence are

programmed into the computer, giving the batters practice at learning what to look for in each pitch.

Another visual aid that hitters use for training is an air machine that delivers tennis balls at more

than 100 mph. The balls are marked with colors and numbers. The ball markings train the hitter's

brain to recognize the movement and rotation of the ball, making him a better hitter.

Developing effective Bible study skills is a lot like learning to hit a baseball. The more we learn what

to look for, the more productive we will be in Bible study.

This 2 Timothy study series was designed with two objectives-- 1. To implement “what to look for” methods in the study of a book of the Bible.

2. To identify principles for effective discipleship in 2 Timothy.

There is a wealth of insights to be found in Paul’s letter of encouragement to Timothy, from his

challenge to live a godly life to principles of effective ministry. The Bible study methods used in this

study provide an orderly approach for studying a whole book, moving through various levels from a

“10,000 foot” overview to the characters to the specific words and phrases used in the text.

Use a Bible translation for study— In order to be accurate in drawing conclusions about words and phrases in the Scriptures, it is best

to use a translation such as the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the English Standard Version

(ESV) or the New King James (NKJ), instead of a paraphrased Bible (The Living Bible, The Message).

A perspective on studying 2 Timothy— Bible study has the potential of taking us beyond identifying words and truths of a New Testament

letter. This is a venture into the lives of Paul and Timothy to understand the weight of ministry and

the cost of their faithfulness. Engaging with their situation will lead to a discovery that we face the

same issues and needs in our own walk with God and our service for Him.

Bible study offers an expectation that we will encounter God Himself in the pages of this personal

letter. It is an expectation that He will open our eyes to see the things that He has revealed about life

and ministry in Christ. God will use 2 Timothy to transform our lives, to equip us for service and to

meet the world’s assault on the things of God.

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Contents

[1]

Get an Overview ……………………………......p5

[2]

Describe the Historical Setting …….…p6

[3]

Construct a Book Chart …………………..p8

[4]

Profile the Characters …………….………….p10

[5]

List the Commands ……………….…..….……p11

[6]

Unpack the Paragraphs ………………........p13

[7]

Summarize Your Findings….…….............p17

[8]

Appendix…………………………………….…..…....p24

page 4

[1]

Get an Overview

Read the Letter of 2 Timothy in one sitting several times during a week. (Takes about 7 minutes) The

objective of reading the letter in one sitting is to grasp the overall emphasis of the letter. A good

overview expands our understanding of the details of the letter.

Put yourself in Timothy’s place. A letter arrives from your spiritual mentor who is imprisoned in Rome

awaiting his imminent trial and execution. The following questions are useful in making general

observations of Paul’s letter.

1. Describe the tone of the letter: Is it personal, intense, alarming, urgent, cautious, hopeful…?

Look for repetitive words or themes. What words in the text form your impressions of Paul’s

letter?

2. How would this letter affect you personally knowing that Paul loves you as a son?

3. This letter came at a time when the existence of Christianity was threatened. What impact

would the letter have on you as a young pastor charged with leading the church in Ephesus?

4. If you were a leader in the church in Ephesus, what topics in the letter would prompt you to

evaluate the focus and direction of your ministry?

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[2]

Describe the Historical Setting

The historical setting brings the contents of the letter to life. Paul wrote from an underground

dungeon, facing an imminent trial and execution. The more we know about the historical context, the

better we will understand what the main characters were facing in their lives and ministries. Because

Paul was writing this letter just months before his execution, his words carried a heightened sense of

urgency.

The historical background of 2 Timothy can be found in several places:

Check the introduction to 2 Timothy in your Bible.

Find maps and timelines in the back of your Bible or on various websites.

Consult Bible commentaries or Bible dictionaries. A Bible dictionary defines or describes

people, places, maps, timelines, and customs. See Appendix for websites that provide the

use of Bible resources.

Search for online resources.

Utilize a Google search to find historical background details. You will find valuable information in

websites ranging from Wikipedia to Bible resource sites (see Appendix). You search could include:

Ancient Ephesus (the city is uninhabited today)

What was life like in 66 A.D.? What was life like in 1st Century Christianity?

Ephesus in Bible times; Christians in Ephesus…

Apostle Paul’s ministry timeline; Paul’s missionary journeys…

Apostle Paul’s second Imprisonment

First Century Roman prisons; 1st Century Rome…

Notes—

page 6

Notes, continued—

Tracing Paul’s last travels in the Scriptures—

Acts 28:30-31 – Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment where he was under house

arrest. During this imprisonment, he wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon.

Titus 1:5 – Paul traveled to Crete, where he left Titus to establish elders in the churches.

1 Timothy 1:3,4 – Paul visited Ephesus, then left for Macedonia in northern Greece, leaving Timothy

to pastor the church in Ephesus.

1 Timothy 1:3 – Paul reached Macedonia, where he visited several cities including Philippi (Phil.

2:24). From Macedonia, he wrote letters to Timothy (1 Timothy) in Ephesus, and to Titus who was in

Crete.

Titus 3:12 – Paul told Titus that he intended to spend the winter in Nicopolis, in western Greece.

1 Timothy 3:14-15 – It is assumed that Paul revisited Timothy in Ephesus.

2 Timothy 4:13 – Paul went to Troas, where he was probably re-arrested and taken to Rome.

2 Timothy 1:16-17; 2:9; 4:9-13 – This was Paul’s second imprisonment, chained in a dismal

underground dungeon, with a hole in the top for air and light. Treated like a criminal, he suffered

from loneliness and cold.

2 Timothy 4:16-17; 4:6-8 – A preliminary hearing of Paul’s case had already taken place, As Paul

waited for his full trial, he expected that the result would be a conviction and execution.

The persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Nero was in full force in AD 64 as the

Christians were wrongly blamed for the burning of Rome.

2 Timothy was Paul’s last letter, assumed to be just weeks or months before his death, about 66

A.D. Tradition records that Paul was condemned and beheaded on the Ostian Way, about three miles

outside of Rome.

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[3]

Construct a Book Chart

A chart shrinks the content of the book into a single snapshot. This step in Bible study gives you a

grasp of the whole book, the flow of the letter and the emphasis of the writer. As you study the

details of 2 Timothy in later steps, a chart will help keep things in context.

Charting a book is more of an art than a science—each book in the Bible could be displayed in a

different chart layout based on its content. Some people begin by scribbling boxes and lines to fit

their observations of the chapters until they settle on the best categories for a chart.

Shorter books are easily divided by chapters and corresponding themes. Longer books can be

divided by turning points, themes, or geographical locations. For instance, the Gospels can be

charted by phases in Jesus’ life or by geographical movements of His ministry. Use whatever

divisions that help you see the book as a whole. Consider a sample book chart of the Book of Jonah:

Book of Jonah Theme:

God accomplishes His purposes

1st Commission 2nd Commission

1 2 3 3

Jonah fleeing Jonah praying Jonah preaching Jonah pouting

Sailors saved Jonah saved Nineveh saved Job is done?

Ship Fish Nineveh Nineveh suburbs

Disobedience Obedience Obedience Disobedience

Grace displayed Grace to Jonah Grace to Gentiles Grace defended

Notes…

Notes… Notes… Notes…

After reading 2 Timothy a few times and drawing from the conclusions of your initial overview, fill in

the following chart, or create a new chart of your own design. The objective of charting a book is to

be able to see the content in one snapshot.

Fill in the 2 Timothy chart below— 1. Label each chapter with a one or two-word theme.

2. Identify what you think is the key verse in each chapter.

3. List the major topics in each chapter that Paul addresses with Timothy.

4. Identify the key ministry issues in each chapter.

5. Note several important insights related to your walk with God that you want to study later.

From a finished chart, the entire letter can be effectively summarized in a few short sentences.

page 8

2 Timothy Book theme

Chapter 1 2 3 4

Chapter theme

(1-2 words)

Key verse

Topics in each

chapter

Ministry issues

Insights for walking

with God

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[4]

Profile the Characters

Build a profile of Paul and Timothy from the Letter of 2 Timothy first, then consult other resources

such as commentaries or online searches. See the Appendix for websites with Bible resources,

especially a Bible dictionary. There are several other names mentioned in the letter, but little is

known of most of them. Paul identifies his relationship to them and their impact on his ministry.

Some observations to make— Characterize the relationship between Paul and Timothy.

Identify particular words that are used to describe them and their relationship.

Describe the character, strengths and weaknesses of each of the individuals.

How are Paul and Timothy different? How are they alike?

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[5]

List the Commands

Paul’s concern for Timothy as a ministry leader is reflected in the number of statements that are

written as commands. You can identify the commands by asking the question, “What did Paul tell

Timothy to do, or not to do?”

To get a sense of the urgency in Paul’s letter, list the commands that he has written to Timothy. This

process may seem kind of tedious. Why list the commands? Why not just acknowledge there are a

lot of commands and move on? When you record the list of 25-30 commands, categories will begin

to emerge: some commands are directed to Timothy's personal life, some are related to his ministry

and some are warnings. The commands reflect Paul’s concerns for every believer.

List—

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

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List, continued—

23

24

25

Your observations of the list of commands— Once you have written the list, make some observations. What categories do they fall into? What are

the consequences of ignoring them? Who are the commands directed toward? Which commands are

personally convicting?

(Listing the commands is not a step common to every book study. The principle— when something

stands out in the style or emphasis of a book, examine it. Rather than commands, you may focus on

the miracles in the Gospels or the people or cities in the Book of Acts.)

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[6]

Unpack the Paragraphs

It may be tempting at this point to tie up the loose ends of the study and rush to the finish. Resist

that urge. Enjoy the process of unpacking the paragraphs. (If your Bible version does not have

paragraph breaks, study it verse by verse or by natural breaks in the content.) This is the step in

Bible study where valuable principles and perspectives are highlighted for your life and your ministry.

Effective Bible study thrives in an attitude of inquisitiveness. Why is this word used? What word could

be used, but was not? How is the word defined? (Dust off your Webster’s dictionary.) Is this phrase

stated as a command, promise, contrast or condition? Is God speaking of the past, the present or

the future? What will this truth look like if I apply it in my life?

Studying the Bible is a lot like good detective work. The more details that are correctly identified, the

more accurate the conclusions. Below is a sample template for the opening verses of 2 Timothy.

(Use the template on the following pages to unpack the rest of the paragraphs.)

Observation Interpretation Application What do you see?

Define words. Identify

commands, promises,

conditions, cause-effect,

progression. Notice the

connectives—therefore, after,

so that, but… All these affect

the meaning of the passage.

What does it mean?

Re-phrase what the writer is

saying. What is the plain literal

sense of the text. The details

identified in observation help

state the meaning of the text.

What do I do with this?

Where does this fit your life—

actions to take, truths to claim,

promises to hold, sins to avoid,

confession to make. What do I

learn about God, grace, faith,

obedience, myself…?

1:1-2 Paul is called an apostle. Determined by God’s will. A personal letter to Timothy Regards Timothy as a son. Grace: God’s unmerited favor Mercy: withheld condemnation 1:3-7 Longing: desire or ache. Tears – over past leaving? Filled = overwhelmed Sincere = genuine faith Kindle afresh – light a fire Gifts of God = ministry abilities Timidity = fearfulness But = sets contrast between timidity & power, love, discipline. 2:8-10

Apostleship was God’s choosing. Grace, mercy and peace are found in Jesus. Bond between Paul and Timothy is very secure. Loved as family. This letter comes from Paul’s love and concern. Our spiritual gifts are meant to be kept active, vibrant. God gives us love, power and discipline to do His work. They override our fear.

Expect that God will give me grace, mercy and peace. When I am reluctant to approach God, I need to remember His grace. What are my spiritual gifts? Have I neglected to use them? Action: ask my pastor how I can identify my spiritual gifts. Replace the fear of what others will think with love. What have I been afraid to do for God? Why?

page 13

Miscellaneous notes—

By separating observation, interpretation and application, you can develop a valuable discipline for

studying other passages in Scripture. At first it may be frustrating to keep these steps separate, but it

will make much more sense by the time you finish the letter. Thorough observation leads to accurate

interpretation. Accurate interpretation leads to sound application. Too often, people rush to make a

few applications and miss the best insights that result from more detailed observations.

The more time you spend in the letter, the more connections you will discover between sections of

the chapters. A few verses in one chapter will shed light on another section. One verse will answer a

question you raised in the preceding chapter. This is where you will benefit from the overview you

established in your initial readings.

There will always be words or phrases that do not make sense. Many of the study Bibles available

have excellent footnotes that will resolve some questions. Sound Bible commentaries are the work of

faithful Biblical scholars—they are helpful in verifying our conclusions. Often these commentaries will

keep us from running wild with a “new truth” that only we have discovered.

Print extra pages of the following template or construct a similar layout to finish unpacking the letter.

page 14

Answer Three Riddles for Bible Study

What is the difference between a weak cup of tea and a strong cup of tea? (How does this apply to Bible study in general?)

What is the difference between a tourist and an explorer? (How does this apply to observation?)

What is the difference between a pipe and a tree? (How do your answers relate to application?)

2 Timothy

Observation Interpretation Application What do you see? Define words. Identify

commands, promises,

conditions, cause-effect,

progression, etc. Notice the

connectives—“therefore, after,

so that, but… All these affect

the meaning of the passage.

What does it mean?

Re-phrase what the writer is

saying. What is the plain literal

sense of the text. The details

identified in observation help

state the meaning of the text.

What do I do with this?

Where does this fit your life—

actions to take, truths to claim,

promises to hold, sins to avoid,

confession to make. What do I

learn about God, grace, faith,

obedience, myself…?

page 15

Observation Interpretation Application

page 16

[7]

Summarize Your Findings

You have unpacked the paragraphs using observation, interpretation and application. By now you

have accumulated quite a few pages of information. With a good grasp of 2 Timothy, you have

gained new insights into your walk with God and service for Him. You have probably made notes of

the truths that you pray God will work into your life.

The process of summarizing your findings leads to even greater understanding of what you have

discovered in 2 Timothy. At this point in your study, you can point to several topics that have raised

your curiosity, convicted your spirit, answered your dilemmas or relieved your fears. It is important to

summarize your findings on these topics so they are not lost as you leave this book.

Next steps— Because one’s walk with God is the basis for effective ministry, this is a good place to start. Then

summarize Paul’s insights for ministry, especially those related to discipleship in 2 Timothy.

Other topics may have caught your attention such as suffering, handling the Scriptures, vessels for

honor, fleeing sin, pursuing righteousness, being equipped or finishing the course. Browse through

your notes from Unpacking The Paragraphs to accumulate everything that relates to your selected

topic. Draw conclusions and points of application for each topic on a single page.

Particular words like timidity (fearfulness), entrust, faithful, purpose, grace or entangle may prompt

you to examine how these words are used in other areas of the Bible. In Bible study methods this is

referred to as correlation, the comparison or connection to similar words or topics as they are used

throughout the Scriptures.

A concordance or topical Bible provides an exhaustive list of verses using a similar word. When

searching for a word, consider synonyms and other forms of the word (e.g., when searching for uses

of “speech,” also look for tongue, words, or mouth). Word usage varies. For instance, we are

commanded to fear God—in most cases fear means reverence, but sometimes it is used as terror.

The context of the verse helps determine the meaning. The context of a passage includes the

intended audience (believers or unbelievers), the time in view (past, present or future) and the

intention of the wording (a promise, condition or consequence).

Resources— There are several books that are helpful in finding words or topics throughout the Bible:

Strong’s Concordance or Young’s Concordance – references are listed for every word.

Nave’s Topical Bible – list of topics and supporting verses.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge – 500,000 references and parallel passages.

You may already be using these resources. Many of them are posted on Bible websites like

Biblestudytools.com or Bible.org for anyone to freely use. (See the Appendix for a full list of sites.)

The following pages contain sample topics and words with some suggestions on how to study them.

page 17

Walking with God Suggested questions on this topic:

What do you learn about following Christ, sin, holiness and faithfulness from Paul’s letter?

What is the reason for Paul’s convictions, as he was unmoved by criticism and rejection?

How would you characterize a fruitful, vibrant Christian life from Paul’s perspective in 2 Timothy?

Paul died with no regrets (4:6-8). What can you take from this letter that helps you finish well?

Other passages on this topic: Philippians 3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 1 Timothy 6:6-19.

Text Summary of applications; principles of Christian living

page 18

Ministry/Discipleship Principles Suggested questions on this topic:

What does everyday engagement in ministry look like according to Paul’s letter to Timothy?

What are the costs of being committed to ministry?

What does 1:12-14 reveal about Paul’s faithfulness and resolve to persevere in ministry?

What is the role of Scripture in the lives of those we disciple?

If 2:2 is the goal of discipleship (multiplication, 4 generations), then 2:3-7 is a list of the important

traits of a discipler. What are the characteristics of a soldier, athlete and farmer? How do they

apply to a discipler?

Chapter 3 describes the world’s culture. What challenges does the culture present to ministry?

Other passages on this topic: Luke 8:4-15; 9:23-26; 14:25-35; Colossians 1:24-29.

Text List principles of ministry and discipleship

page 19

A note on the impact of discipleship—

Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2:1-2 was to build into faithful men who would in turn do the same with

others. There are four spiritual generations listed in verse 2: Paul, Timothy, faithful men, others.

Discipleship is the process of establishing younger believers in their faith who will do the same with

others. When each person is faithful to continue finding other faithful people, the result is

multiplication, not addition. The numbers become exponential. The numbers seem small at first, but

then explode over time.

Compare addition to multiplication in financial terms. Which would you rather receive: $20,000 a day

for 30 days or one penny the first day, then doubled on each of the next 29 days?

$20,000/day for 30 days adds up to $600,000. A nice sum! If you took the penny the first day, but

received double the amount on each succeeding day for 29 days, the numbers seem so small at

first. On the 10th day, you would only get $5:12. You would only receive $163.84 on the 15th day.

When doubling the amount each consecutive day for 29 days, you would receive a total of

$10,737,415.23. That beats addition!

The potential of multiplication of the smallest measure leaves addition in the dust. If a piece of

construction paper (.016 inches thick) could be large enough to be folded (doubled) just 40 times,

how high would the result be? It would not be measured in feet, but in miles. The stack of paper

would be 277,606 miles high, high enough to reach beyond the moon (250,000 miles from earth). (J. Scott Armstrong, Long-Range Forecasting: From Crystal Ball to Computer, 1985, p.102, cited in Margin, Richard A.

Swenson, 1992, p.45.)

If you just added 40 pages of construction paper one on top of the other, instead of doubling the

paper 40 times, you would reach less than an inch in height. (.64 inch)

Discipleship has the potential of multiplication. When those we help to become established in their

faith began to engage in others’ lives in the same manner, we have multiplication. We are multiplying

disciplers, not just disciples.

Because of the potential of multiplication, Paul was concerned about the things Timothy taught his

disciples. Therefore, this letter is packed with ministry principles vital to our ministries.

Be encouraged by small beginnings.

page 20

Suffering/Persecution Suggested questions on this topic:

Describe aspects of Paul’s suffering: reasons, results, perspectives and warnings.

What is Paul’s perspective on suffering? How should we respond to suffering for our faith?

How do we tend to view suffering in contrast to how Paul views suffering?

Some suffering is a result of standing for Christ and some from common trials in life. What is the

difference between the two?

Why do those who stand for Christ and engage in ministry encounter suffering?

Other passages on this topic: Suffering for one’s faith—see 1 Peter 1:3-9; 3:13-17; 2 Corinthians

11:23-28. Suffering in normal trials—see Romans 5:3-5; James 1:1-12

Text Insights on suffering, persecution

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Fear Suggested questions on this topic:

Timidity (1:7) is better translated “fearfulness.”

What could Timothy find in Paul’s letter that would help him overcome his timidity/fearfulness?

What is fearful about ministry? How does fear affect the way we do ministry?

What can we take from 2 Timothy that builds courage in ministry?

Other passages on this topic: A concordance lists over 500 Bible references on fear (afraid, fearful…)

Browse through some of them. Do not fear (or, do not be fearful) occurs 103 times.

See: Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Psalm 27:1-3; 46:1-2; Isaiah 41:13; 1 Peter 3:14-17

What is God’s answer for fear?

Text Insights on fear and courage

page 22

After summarizing topics— What do you with your summaries? Spend some time praying and thinking about ways to implement

them in your life. Invite God to make these truths part of the fabric of your life. Biblical truths tend to

take root in our lives the more frequently we apply them to everyday life. When Biblical truths run

contrary to the world’s direction, they will usually be tested. It is this testing that moves Biblical truths

into personal convictions.

Further studies— A grasp of the Bible study methods used in this study provides a basic approach to reading and

studying any book in the Scriptures. The type of literature that an author uses will prompt some

variations in how the book is approached.

An exposition is an explanation of Biblical truths, written with logic and analysis. The words,

structure and progression of these truths will require careful attention. The New Testament

books (21) from Romans to Jude fall into this category.

Many of the Old Testament books as well as the Gospels are called narratives or

biographies. Sometimes they are referred to as historical accounts. These studies become

an exciting discovery of people, places and events that hold lessons for today. You see God

working in and through people who are just like us. Maps, historical timelines and character

studies bring these books to life.

Psalms and Ecclesiastes are considered poetry. They connect with our feelings, hopes and

fears. They are packed with descriptions of the character of God.

Proverbs is called wisdom literature, a wealth of assorted truths contrasting the life of a wise

person to the life of a fool.

Four major prophets and 13 minor prophets record a significant portion the Old Testament.

Much of the content is God’s plea for Israel to return from their rebellious ways to walk with

Him. A good commentary is helpful to understand the historical context and the pattern of

life found in God’s people.

As Paul urged Timothy—

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God

as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,

handling accurately the word of truth. –2 Timothy 2:15

Because—

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable

for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

–2 Timothy 3:16-17

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[8]

Appendix

Resources—

Websites

Biblestudytools.com (good concordances, Bible dictionaries, commentaries)

Bible.org – (LUMINA - verse by verse with notes, explanations, and cross-references)

BibleGateway.com

Biblehub.com

GotQuestions.org (5,000+ answers to commonly asked Bible questions)

Gty.org (Biblical exposition of all the New Testament books)

Bible dictionaries

Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Unger’s Bible Dictionary

New Bible Dictionary/Tyndale

The Illustrated Bible Dictionary (3 volumes)

Topical study aids

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Nave’s Topical Bible – list topics and supporting verses

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge – 500,000 references and parallel passages.

Bible study methods books

Living By the Book (Howard G. Hendricks & William Hendricks)

Independent Bible Study (Irving L. Jensen)

Interpreting the Bible (A. Berkley Mickelsen)

Computer software

Biblesoft

Logos

Commentaries

MacArthur New Testament Commentary

Believer’s Bible Commentary (William MacDonald)

Mathew Henry Commentary

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Walvoord & Zuck)

page 24