2 Timothy
About this date: Dates are broad scholarly estimates of composition or final editing, not dates of the events narrated. Traditional attributions and scholarly assessments can differ.
The letter presents a final charge to Timothy amid suffering, contested teaching, and the need to hand on faithful instruction. Its intimate voice and memories of coworkers are part of the text, while modern scholars debate the letter's authorship and setting.
Key points
- The opening recalls Timothy's family and the gift associated with his commission.
- The image of handing teaching to faithful people appears within an exhortation to endure.
- The Scripture passage in chapter 3 describes the value of sacred writings but does not list a later New Testament canon.
Scripture
- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 — Memory, gift, suffering, and guarded teaching open the letter.
- 2 Timothy 2:1-13 — Timothy is urged to entrust teaching to others and endure hardship.
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17 — Sacred writings are commended for teaching and formation.
- 2 Timothy 4:6-22 — The ending names coworkers, abandonment, and hope.
Primary sources
2 Timothy 2:2 states:
Timothy is instructed to entrust received teaching to people able to teach others; the excerpt does not resolve the letter's authorship.
The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Passage context and translation
The instruction follows the call to be strengthened in Christ's grace and is followed by images of the soldier, athlete, and farmer.
Before the excerpt
You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
After the excerpt
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Sources and further reading
- Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles: canonical books and Apocrypha
- Catholic Catechism §120: canon and book list
- Orthodox Church in America: canon of Scripture
- Orthodox Church in America: Old Testament historical books
- USCCB Bible introductions: historical and literary notes
- USCCB introduction to 2 Timothy