1. Class XII: 2 Tim 2 © Dr. Esa Autero
NTS 5523 Pastoral Epistles
Photo
Class XII: 2 Tim 2
© Dr. Esa Autero

2. 2 Tim 2
11 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim 2:11-13)
11 πιστὸς ὁ λόγος· εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν, καὶ συζήσομεν· 12 εἰ ὑπομένομεν, καὶ συμβασιλεύσομεν· εἰ ἀρνησόμεθα, κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς· 13 εἰ ἀπιστοῦμεν, ἐκεῖνος πιστὸς μένει, ἀρνήσασθαι γὰρ ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται. (2 Tim. 1:8)
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3. 2 Tim 2 1.1 Introduction to 2 Timothy 2
Any specific topics that catch your attention in 2 Tim 2?
Any specific sections that have
been used for
Doctrinal formulations?
Practical considerations in church
or society?
Any questions/comments arising
from the assigned readings?
 Mainly hortatory but also 2 Tim 2:15 & apostasy (2:12b, 18)
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4. 2 Tim 2 1.2 Structure and Rhetoric of 2 Timothy 2
2 Tim rhetorically more skillful than other PE
More extended argument runs through 2 Tim
Esp. 2 Tim 2 readiness to suffer for the gospel
Use of extended analogies & metaphors
E.g. soldier, athlete, farm worker etc.
Use of maxims – common for older to younger (cf. Aristotle Rhet )
Wisdom, challenge, and encouragement for Timothy
Structure of 2 Tim 2:
[Challenge 1: Testify, suffer, guard deposit (1:8-14)]
Challenge 2: Entrust, endure, remember (2:1-13)
Challenge 3: Warn opponents, be holy, avoid quarrels (2:14-26)
Background photos:
photo: Church of St. Titus, Gortyn Crete.

5. 2 Tim 2
2.1 Exposition of 2 Tim 2
Challenge 2: Entrust, endure, remember (2:1-13)
Previous section (1:15-18) – two examples
Negative* & positive (Onesiphorus)
2:1 starts with “You then…” [Gk. oun]
Be strengthened in (or by; Gk. en) grace
Pass. imp – implies God as source
 Foundation of God’s grace for the remaining imperatives
Present tense – continuous action
Timothy needs to pass on the teaching to faithful people (anthropois)
“many witnesses” – underlies the public & open nature of the gospel
*Phygelus & Hermogenes
Photo: Greek tax document 3rd. Century BC -

6. 2 Tim 2
“able to teach others” – important of sharing the teaching to competent and qualified (also character) people
 Underlines the importance of proper qualifications/gifts/character
 Not every faithful believer is qualified to teach
Was Paul worried about Timothy as the “last man standing”?
Less about “apostolic succession”, more about practicalities
Timothy to Rome – were other qualified teachers left in Ephesus?
Was Timothy’s task done in Ephesus?
Was Timothy’s ministry wider in scope than Ephesus?
 Details elude

7. 2 Tim 2 Extended metaphors – soldier, athlete, farm worker (2:3-6)
Suffering as a good soldier – Timothy’s experience of suffering
23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. (Heb 13:23; cf. 2 Cor 1:1-11)
Also possible hardships Timothy had endured with Paul
Suffering as a soldier – detachment & suffering
Sharing in Christ’s suffering – as Paul did (1:8, 12; Col 1:24)
No entanglement (Gk. empleko*) into everyday affairs – detachment from ordinary duties of daily life (e.g. work – 1 Tim 5:17-18; 1 Cor 9)
Roman soldier not able to marry or conduct “side-business” while serving (Dio Cassius Rom. Hist ) – no abstinence here though
The goal is to please the enlisting officer (=Lord)
 Full attention & devotion to the gospel
*Prov 28:18 LXX; Herm. Sim. 62:6

8. 2 Tim 2 The Olympic athlete – rules & discipline (cf. 1 Cor 9:24-27)
To win one must compete acc. to rules
Rules of the game or rules of self-discipline?
E.g. athletes required to swear b/f a statue of
Zeus that they had trained for 10 months*
 Rules more likely here
Price of competition laurel wreath**
*See Pausanius, Descr (Witherington, 4377)
**Diodoros Siculus (see above ref.) – see also 4:6-8.
Photo:

9. 2 Tim 2 Hardworking farmer & crops – self-discipline & reward
Hardworking farmer deserves the first crops
Hard work, patience, self-discipline
Emphasis on hard work & rewards for ministry
“Beyond warfare is victory, beyond athletic effort a prize, and beyond agricultural labour a crop” (C. K. Barrett, 1963: 102)
 Reward probably this-worldly & heavenly though nothing specified
Timothy to ponder/reflect on these sayings
Lord provides help – understanding, grace, strength from the Lord!

10. 2 Tim 2 Paul’s suffering for the gospel – example to Timothy (2:10)
Remember Messiah Jesus & the gospel
Memory motif (1:4-5, 6; 3:14-15)
Resurrection (cf. 2:11-12)
Initiation of new/eternal in light of suffering & strength for endurance
“Descendant of David”
OT promises about Jesus as Jewish Messiah & God’s faithfulness
Paul’s suffering for the gospel – example to Timothy (2:10)
Enduring anything for God’s people (elect)
The purpose of Paul’s suffering – people’s salvation & “eternal glory”
Paul suffering as “criminal” (kakourgos*) – like political insurrectionist
Paul no longer in “house arrest” but in much worse situation
Spiritual reality – God’s word not chained or hindered (cf. Phil 1:12-14)
*Same word only found in Luke 23:32-39 – see also 1 Pet 4:12-15 (kakopoios)

11. 2 Tim 2 Positive part Negative part
Last trustworthy saying in PE (2:11-13)
Rhythmic style of the saying like in Greek hymns & Hb. Psalms
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny (fut.) Him, He also will deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He
cannot deny Himself.
Positive x2 & negative x2 sections
“if” + “then” clauses w/ varying verb tenses
Topics: conversion, perseverance, apostasy,
faithlessness
Positive part
Negative part

12. 2 Tim 2 Positive part Negative part
1) “died together” – conversion (cf. Rom 6:8) lead to “life together”
2) “endure” (pr. continuous; Mt 24:13) leads to reigning w/ Christ (1Cor 4:8)
Specific context of persecution (1:8-18)
3) “deny” (fut. – denial until the end) leads to
Christ’s denial at eschaton (Lk 12:9)
Apostasy examples in 1:15 and 2:18
Warning to Timothy & “elect” (2:10)
 Apostasy & final judgment
4) What is “faithlessness”? (ἀπιστοῦμεν)
Unbelieving OR lacks faithfulness to “sound teaching”
Lapses in loyalty – not same as “ultimate denial” as above
Positive part
11 πιστὸς ὁ λόγος· εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν, καὶ συζήσομεν· 12 εἰ ὑπομένομεν, καὶ συμβασιλεύσομεν· εἰ ἀρνησόμεθα, κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς· 13 εἰ ἀπιστοῦμεν, ἐκεῖνος πιστὸς μένει, ἀρνήσασθαι γὰρ ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται. (2 Tim. 1:8)
Negative part

13. 2 Tim 2 If we are faithless – He is faithful – cannot deny Himself
God’s grace and faithfulness & human response portrayed as a paradox that is not resolved philosophically
2 Tim 2
If we are faithless – He is faithful – cannot deny Himself
Surprising in light of previous line (denial)
Two main views:
1) God must be faithful to His character
- He will faithfully judge the apostate
or faithless people
2) People’s faithlessness does not affect
God’s character – that is, His faithfulness
Lapses in loyalty – not same as “ultimate denial”
 no: 2 better in light of God’s faithfulness to Israel
Rhetorical focus of the last line: Even though some have become apostates (1:15; 2:18) this does not negate God’s faithfulness
Photo: Christ as ancient philosopher -

14. 2 Tim 2 Challenge 3: Warn opponents, be holy, avoid quarrels (2:14-26)
Simple structure of the section
Opponents – “not to wrangle about words” (2:14)
How to deal with false teachers (2:19-22)
Opponents – “[they] are held captive [by the Devil]” (2:26)
Timothy is to show he’s approved of character & teaching
 Timothy as an example w/ exemplary action & character

15. 2 Tim 2
Remind Gods’ people of the faithful saying (faithfulness & apostasy)
Charge people – not to entertain debates & arguments about words
Useless & “ruin the hearers” (ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων; 2 Pet 2:26)
Command to Timothy – be example in word & deed
“Be diligent/make every effort” (spoudason); present approved to God (dokimon) – someone who has passed the test
Not “study to show yourself…” (KJV) but “present” (NASB)
No to be ashamed b/f God – honor-shame culture & Timothy’s task

16. 2 Tim 2 Difficult Gk. verb accounts for variety
orthomounta* – cut something in straight way ; ploughing a straight line
“exactness and precision” w/o flaw – proclaiming the correct doctrine
 Content = “word of truth”; i.e gospel (1 Thess 1:8; 2:13; 2 Cor 5:19; Phil 2:16)
 esp. important in light of false teachings – clear & direct teaching
Text
Version
rightly dividing the word of truth
KJV
accurately handling the word of truth
NASB
who correctly handles the word of truth
NIV
rightly explaining the word of truth.
NRSV
rightly handling the word of truth.
ESV
ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας
BGT**
**NA28
*NT hapax legomenon – see also Prov 3:6 LXX; 11:5; Plato Leg. 810E (Witherington, 4462; Gloer & Stepp, )

17. 2 Tim 2 Timothy is to avoid getting “sucked into” the wrangling
Word of truth contrasted w/ “profane chatter”
ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας. 16 τὰς δὲ βεβήλους κενοφωνίας περιΐστασο·
“profane chatter” – worldly/godless empty talking
Causes “progress” in asebeian (opposite of eusebeia)
Metaphor of gangrene – spreads & influences others in church
Hymenaeus & Philetus (cf. 1 Tim 1:20) – swerved away from truth
περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν* [= missed the mark/departed] (2 Tim. 2:18)
Hymenaeus still influencing the church despite excommunication
“Resurrection already happened” – probably spiritualized (Rom 6:1-11)
Bodily resurrection “unacceptable” for many Greeks
*See also Plutarch Moralia 46A; 414F; 705C; War 4.2.5

18. 2 Tim 2 False teacher’s apostasy & teaching “destroy/overthrow” others
Gk. anatrepousin – serious upsetting leading to apostasy
Despite this God’s firm foundation is unmovable
στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ (2 Tim. 2:19)
What does “firm foundation” refer to? Christ, gospel, church, apostles?
Most likely the Gospel truth and church as God’s people (1 Tim 3:15)
God’s faithfulness to the remnant firm – even if some apostatized
“This seal” – indicates true ownership to God as Master

19. 2 Tim 2 Backed up by Scripture LXX Num 16:5
Korah’s rebellion against Moses – “in the morning the Lord will make known who are his” – rest destroyed (ground & fire)
Second section alludes to Isa 26:13; Lev 24:16 & Sir 17:26 LXX
 People need to have true allegiance to the Lord alone
God’s faithfulness to the gospel & church underlined
Salvation depends on God
Need for human response
Those who confess the Lord must depart from evil

20. True believer – non-believer Special believer – ordinary believer
2 Tim 2
Metaphor of two vessels (2:20-21)
Gold & silver – honorable vessels
Wood & clay – dishonorable* vessels
 All may be consecrated to “honorable use”, esp. Timothy
Cleansing leads to being honorable vessel & good works
“holy/set apart” “useful for master” “for good works”
Cleansing important – but from what specifically?
False teachings (cf. “gangrene”) & quarrels mentioned earlier
 Timothy must choose what kind of servant he’ll be
Cf. earlier metaphors of soldier, athlete, farmer
Consecration also by “flee” “pursue” “avoid”
True believer – non-believer OR
Special believer – ordinary believer
*cf. 2:25

21. 2 Tim 2
Flee youthful (neoterikos [natural to youth]) passions (epithymia) – includes, but not limited to, sexual immorality
What would that mean for Timothy?
Pursue positive virtues instead (cf. 1 Tim 6:11)
Righteousness (dikaiosyne) – rightly relating to God & people
Faith – holding onto faith & remaining faithful
Love – cardinal biblical virtue of agape
Peace – wholeness and harmony w/ God & people
Communal pursuit & cultivation of virtues from pure heart
Opposite – controversies lead to quarrels & disharmony

22. Characteristics of honorable vessel
2 Tim 2
Characteristics of Lord’s slave – not quarrelsome but…
Kind/gentle (epion)
Able to teach (didaktikon)
Tolerating evil attacks/forbearing evil w/o grudge (aneksikakon)
One willing to take the punches w/o resentment or angry response
Correcting the opponents with gentleness (en prauteti paideuonta)
Patient & kind response may bring positive response
God may grant repentance – not just their own decision
Total reorientation of life per “knowledge of the truth” (cf. 3:7)
Current state: falsehood, Devil’s trap, prisoner to his [Devil’s] will
“come to senses…escape Devil’s trap”
ἀνανήψωσιν ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος (2 Tim. 2:26)
 Repentance sets free fro Devil’s dominion to God’s dominion
Characteristics of honorable vessel
Photo: Christ as ancient philosopher -

23. 2 Tim 2 Questions and directions for application
What instructions does Paul give to
to Timothy concerning his
a) Character
b) Ministerial duties
Which character traits and ministerial
duties are easy and which difficult for
you personally
What instructions does 2 Tim 2 give you to overcome some of your weaknesses?
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