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Class XII: 2 Tim 2 © Dr. Esa Autero
NTS 5523 Pastoral Epistles Photo Class XII: 2 Tim 2 © Dr. Esa Autero
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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) Photo: Bronze mirror -
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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) Photo: Bronze mirror -
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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.
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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 -
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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
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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
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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:
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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!
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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)
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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
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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
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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 -
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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
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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
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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, )
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 -
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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? Photo: Christ as ancient philosopher -
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