Epistles Assignment – 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Name _____________________ Instructor _________________ Date __________


1. Note the background issues.


2. Read the whole letter in one sitting, just like you would any other letter. 2 Timothy is part of your Bible Reading Assignment.


3. Review the occasion for the letter by examining what was going on in the lives of the author, audience, and opponents.


Author

Audience

Opponents

Who wrote the letter?

  • Paul (1:1)


What information does the author provide about himself?

  • God selected Paul to be an apostle. (1:1)

  • Knows and cares for Timothy. (1:2)

  • A prisoner. (1:8,12)

  • Passed on sound teaching to Timothy. (1:13)

  • Able to receive visitors while in prison. (1:16)

  • In chains like a criminal. (2:9)

  • Has suffered and been persecuted. (3:10,11)

  • Has fought the good fight, finished the course, and remained faithful. (4:7)

  • Needs a coat. (4:13)

  • Was earlier brought before a judge (4:16) and avoided death.

  • Has some contact with Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and other Christians. (4:21)

Who is the letter written to?

  • Timothy. (1:1)


What information does the author provide about his audience?

  • Timothy is a young man. (1:2,5; 2:1)

  • Has a sincere faith. (1:5)

  • Has close family members who also follow Christ. (1:5)

  • Has a spiritual gift that Paul wants him to “kindle afresh.” (1:6)

  • May be timid and fearful. (1:7,8)

  • God has given Timothy a ministry role that involves teaching and defending the truth. (2:2,14,26; 4:1,2,5)

  • He knows about Paul’s ministry. (3:10-11)

  • Has been taught the Word since childhood. (3:15)

  • With Priscilla and Aquila. (4:19)

Does the author mention anyone who opposes God’s work?

  • Yes. (2:15-18; 4:14,15)

If so, who are they?

  • 2:15-18: Philetus and Hymenaeus

  • 4:14,15: Alexander the Coppersmith


What information does the author provide about the opponents?

Philetus and Hymenaeus:

  • They are into “godless, foolish discussions” that lead to “ungodliness.” (2:16)

  • They are having an influence on other people in the church (“this kind of talk spreads like cancer”). (2:17)

  • They have “left the path of truth” saying that “the resurrection has already occurred” and undermining the faith of some folks. (2:18)


Alexander the Coppersmith:

  • “Harmed” Paul in some way – probably by opposing his teaching. (4:14,15)


4. Outline the letter by writing a short title for each paragraph.


2 Timothy 2: Paragraph Titles (NASB)

1:1-2

1:3-7

1:8-14

1:15-18

2:1-7 Suffer as a servant of the word

2:8-13 Why Paul Suffers

2:14-19 Handling the word correctly

2:20-22 Being a model of godliness

2:23-26 Responding to opposition

3:1-9

3:10-17

4:1-5

4:6-8

4:9-18

4:19-22



5. Identify main themes in the letter (WE DID THIS IN CLASS, SO REVIEW)


Here are a few repeated words and ideas.



Are there any themes that tie several paragraphs together?

There are a lot of obstacles to getting the truth out (suffering, opposition, false teaching, youthful lust, etc.) & Timothy must persevere through them all and faithfully proclaim the truth.



6. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5 2-3 times.





7. Ask the following questions about 2 Timothy 4:1-5:


WHAT is the author trying to get his reader(s) to do?





HOW should they obey? How does the author illustrate or explain what they should do?





WHY is the author calling for this action? What reasons or motivation does he provide for obeying?








8. What have I learned and how can I put it into practice this week? Think about what you can do to act on the truths you studied, who it will involve, and when you will do it. To help with this, consider whether the passage reveals something you should thank God for, or something you should begin to pray about, or a new attitude you should adopt, or a decision you should make, or a talk you should have with someone.



























9. What questions does this passage raise in my mind… and write them down.