Many of us are probably not very familiar with Paul’s letters to Timothy.  However, in many ways they are among his most interesting writings. They differ from many of his other letters in that they are not written to whole communities. Rather, they are personal letters written to Paul’s close friend and protégé, Timothy. 

Timothy was converted by Paul as a young man. He then accompanied Paul in his missionary journeys. Timothy didn’t just accompany Paul; he was often tasked with carrying out important missions for Paul. These events are referenced in Acts, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Thessalonians. The letters themselves are written toward the end of Paul’s life and from prison (2 Timothy 1:8). The advice contained in the letters is directed to Timothy who is serving as Bishop in Ephesus. 

Both letters are designed to provide practical advice to Timothy. Even so, there are some unique differences. 1 Timothy provides advice to Timothy as a Bishop. Thus, it primarily contains instructions on how to act in his clerical responsibilities. The second letter is more personal in nature. As the opening address makes clear, it is written as a father to a son,

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1-2

For this reason, it is a little easier to relate to and we will therefore, focus on this letter. 

Paul’s Last Words

As stated above, Paul wrote this letter from prison where he was facing his eventual execution. In many ways, then, the letter represents a summary of Paul’s deepest held beliefs. In modern terms, it is Paul’s “last lecture” video providing advice for a life well lived. It combines one of the best summaries of the Gospel with significant life advice, all breathed with the gravity of death in the balance. Every word rings with the power of a father’s urgent concern to prepare a son for life when he is gone. 

A Summary of the Gospel

Chapter 2 contains perhaps one of the most concise summaries of the Gospel that one can find in scripture. 

This saying is trustworthy:

If we have died with him

we shall also live with him;

if we persevere

we shall also reign with him.

But if we deny him

he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful

he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2: 11-13

This is the heart of Gospel for Paul. Through Jesus’s death we have life. Not just life, supernatural and eternal life. However, this life is rooted in our identification (i.e., perseverance) with Jesus, for it is Jesus who lives and reigns in us or as Paul says elsewhere, “yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) We live supernaturally only to the extent that Jesus lives in us. Thus, we cannot be separated from life if it is Jesus living in us for Jesus “cannot deny himself”.

Practical Advice for Persevering with Christ

Paul then follows this summary with practical advice for remaining in the Gospel. 

Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless

2 Timothy 2: 15-16

Chapter 3 and 4 then expand on this exhortation contrasting those who deny Christ (chapter 3) 

People will be self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they make a pretense of religion but deny its power. 2 Timothy 3: 2-5

with those who persevere (chapter 4). 

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.

But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4: 1-5

In so doing, he paints a picture of the man animated by Christ versus those without the Spirit of God. 

Moreover, the writing is so inspiring. It is imbued with power as the words almost seem to implant the virtues directly into one’s heart. One can only imagine the emotional impact Timothy must have experienced as his friend, mentor, and spiritual father poured himself directly into his heart. I imagine it was with tears that he read these lines. He probably read them over and over again. 

The amazing thing is that we have the opportunity to take Paul as our spiritual father. These words are as relevant today as they were for Timothy. Thus, this is Paul’s appeal to us. Let us take these words to heart, reflecting on them again and again until we can like Timothy take on the heart of Paul.