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This document presents itself as a last testament. Is it a letter of Paul? We accept it as such based on the reasons given in the Introduction to the First Letter to Timothy.
The Apostle is again a prisoner in Rome in A.D. 67. Conditions in prison are harsh, quite different from those of his previous imprisonment, when he preached freely in the house of his internment (see Acts 28:16). Now he languishes in a cold dungeon and wears the chains of a common criminal.
He feels terribly alone. No one has defended him in court, and only Luke is with him. His days are numbered, and he is preparing for the supreme sacrifice.
Timothy was at Ephesus when Paul sent his First Letter to him (1 Tim 1:3), and he is still there at the writing of this Second Letter. Paul is disturbed by what is going on in the developing communities: every new and alien idea is finding supporters; everyone who makes claims or calls himself enlightened is successful, to the detriment of the Gospel, of unity, and of the Church’s mission.
The Apostle is also worried about the welfare of the Churches during this time of persecution under Nero. He sees it as a time to strengthen the internal character of the Church, to seek out and confirm new leaders, to clarify the faith of the developing communities, and to remain rooted in the tradition.
Paul has had experience of fighting for Jesus, and he urges his correspondent to endure the struggle with the same courage. He calls for fidelity and boldness: fidelity to the Gospel that Christ has entrusted to his Church; boldness in trying to have people live in accordance with the Gospel.
Aware that Timothy is fully versed in the apostolic teaching, Paul does not instruct him further on doctrine. He makes allusion to several important doctrines, including salvation by God’s grace, the person of Christ, and perseverance. Finally, he lays special stress on the divine inspiration of Sacred Scripture.
This is a letter of farewell, a testament, the testimony of a man who regrets nothing. Despite his abandonment, the misunderstandings, the torments, and his imminent execution, thanksgiving flows from his heart. He has trusted only in the Christ who rose from the dead, and he has not been deceived.
Before dying, however, Paul wants to see his “beloved child,” Timothy, once again and at least to strengthen him in his mission. He urges Timothy to come before winter (2 Tim 4:21) and to bring the warm cloak Paul left at Troas. Timothy is also to bring the Apostle’s scrolls and parchments, possibly to enable Paul to do some further reading and writing (2 Tim 4:13).
The Second Letter to Timothy may be divided as follows:
I: Salutation (1:1-5)
II: The Endurance of a Man of God (1:6-18)
III: The Exemplars of a Man of God (2:1-26)
IV: The Tasks of a Man of God (3:1-17)
V: The Preaching of a Man of God (4:1-5)
VI: The Triumphs of a Man of God (4:6-18)
VII: Conclusion (4:19-22)