“In a sense it is kind of a last will and testament, a ‘passing on the mantle.’”
Why Study (and blog about) 2 Timothy?
The letter of 2 Timothy is generally grouped as part of “the Pastoral Epistles” or the letters to leaders, along with 1 Timothy and Titus. All three provide personal and pastoral guidance to young leaders in early congregations. So perhaps the three brief Biblical books are only intended for pastors?
On the contrary, the advice offered by the Apostle Paul in essential for every Christian. Paul deals with personal relationships, false teaching, the importance of Scripture, discipling others, and a long list of essential elements of spiritual formation.
The letter of 2 Timothy was probably written after the other two (1 Timothy followed by Titus). This epistle is recognized as the last letter Paul wrote, waiting in prison for his execution. As one commentator observed, “In a sense it is kind of a last will and testament, a ‘passing on the mantle.’”[1]
What was on the Apostle’s mind as he prepared to finish the race? What were his main concerns for the church where Timothy was serving? What final advice did he have for his young friend? All good reasons to read and study this letter.
More specifically to this group, one of the goals was to learn and improve the skills of inductive Bible study.[2] In thinking about what part of the New Testament to explore, 2 Timothy came to mind because that book contains the powerful statement of the value of God’s Word:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
That verse provides a critical reminder that inductive Bible study is not merely a method for improving theological knowledge or winning arguments. Inductive study is a means to the end of lives changed into the character of Christ for the ultimate purpose of drawing near to God (Hebrews 4:16, 7:25). May this study move us toward that end.
In preparation, read through the book of 2 Timothy. The main thing is the text, not what I or Gordon Fee or anyone in between has to say. Read the text (or listen on a site like Bible Gateway[3]). Four chapters take less than fifteen minutes to read. Perhaps read the letter several times in different translations (also available on the Bible Gateway site). We will be studying short segments each time, but keep in mind this is a letter (and as we will see a very personal and poignant letter). As a letter, it needs to be read as a whole, and read often during the weeks of this study. But as a starting point (and throughout the future blog posts), always return to the text.
[1] Gordon D. Fee, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus in The New International Biblical Commentary (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2000), 13.
[2] https://www.goodnotsafe.com/inductive-study-guidelines/
[3] https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mcconachie/nasb1995/2Tim.1-2Tim.4