Today's study is the last chapter of 2 Timothy.
Prison would seem to be the last place a letter of encouragement would ben penned and sent form … but that is exactly how & where this letter, originated.
At the time of this letter, the cruel & mentally unbalanced *Nero - emperor of Rome from 54 AD to 68 AD, was responsible for the beginning of the Roman persecution of **Christians. Half of ##Rome had been destroyed by fire, by July 64 AD; & mounting suspicion that Nero was responsible for the destruction caused him to use the unpopular Christians as his handy scapegoats. Christianity was then decreed to be "religio illicitoa" meaning "unlawful religion" or "illicit religion": a religion not officially recognized or permitted by the state - and persecution of those who professed Christ became severe. By the time ***Apostle Paul's return from Spain to ###Asia in 66 AD, his enemies were able to use the official Roman position against Christianity to their advantage. Fearing for their own lives, the Asian believers failed to support Paul after his arrest (1:15) and no one supported him at his first defense before the Imperial Court (4:16). Abandoned by almost everyone (4:10 & 11), the Apostle found himself in circumstance very different from those of his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:16 thru 31). At that time, he had merely been under house arrest and people were able to freely visit him, & he had the hope of release … now, he was in a cold Roman cell (4:13), regarded "as an evildoer (Synonyms for evildoer: criminal; villain; wrongdoer)" (2:19), and without hope of acquittal in spite of the success of his initial defense (vv. 4:6 thru 8, 17 & 18).
Legal procedures of the Roman Republic = Imperium Romanum
The enemies and traitors of the Roman people and state prisoners were locked up and executed in the Mamertine Prison~Rome. While there's a strong tradition associating Apostle Paul with Mamertine Prison in Rome, it's not definitively known if he died there. Tradition holds that he was imprisoned there during his final days, but his execution by beheading is believed to have taken place outside the city walls.
The Mamertine Prison~Rome:
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamertine_Prison)
Under these circumstances, Paul wrote this epistle (letter) in the Fall of 67 AD, hoping that ****Timothy would be able to visit him before the approaching Winter (4:21). Timothy evidently was in Ephesus at the time of this letter (1:18 & 4:19); and on his way to Rome he would travel through Troas (4:13) & Macedonia. ^Priscilla & Aquila (4:19) probably returned from Rome (Romans 16:3) to Ephesus after the burning of Rome and the beginning of he persecution. ^^Tychicus may have been the bearer of this letter to Timothy (4:12).
Central to everything in Second Timothy, is the sure foundation of the Word of *!Elohim. Paul focuses on the need for Timothy to persevere in the present testing (chapters 1 & 2), and to endure in future testings (chapters 3 & 4).
Apostle Paul's final exhortation (to encourage, urge, or strongly advise someone to take a specific course of action = not just a gentle suggestion, but a passionate appeal to live a more faithful, righteous, or devoted life) to Timothy (4:6 thru 22), is a classic summary of the task of the man of God to proclaim (to announce or declare it publicly and officially, often with emphasis or authority) the +Gospel in spite of (“regardless of”; “notwithstanding”; or “even though”) opposing circumstances (situations, conditions, or factors that are in conflict ).
This very personal letter closes with an update of Paul's situation in Rome; along with certain requests (4:6 thru 22). Paul longs to see Timothy before the end, and he needs certain articles, especially "the parchments" - which were probably meant to indicate portions of the Old Covenant Scriptures (the Old Testament).
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"Wednesday Bible Study/2 TIMOTHY ~ Chapter 4
Charge to Preach The Word
(vv. 1 thru 5)
"I charge you therefore before Elohim & **!Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Who will judge the living & the dead at His appearing, and His kingdom (Acts 10:42 & 1 Timothy 5:21): preach the ++Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering (having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people) & teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine - but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 3: 1 7 6); they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables (a false, fictitious, or improbable account; fiction or lie). But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (Acts 21:8 & 2 Timothy 1:8).
Paul's Hope In Death
(vv. 6 thru 8)
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering (Paul was using a metaphor from the Old Testament sacrificial system to describe his impending death as a sacrifice for the gospel. This imagery signified his complete and willing dedication of his life to Elohim's service; similar to how a drink offering of wine was the final, completing element of a sacrifice), and the time of my departure is at hand (Philippians 1:23 & 2:17). I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept The Faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness - which the **!Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that +++Day; and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing (John 5:22 & 2 Timothy 1:12).
Paul's Situation In Prison
(vv. 9 thru 18)
Be diligent to come tome quickly; for ^^^Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world; and has departed for Thessalonica - ^^^^Crescens for Galatia, ^^^^^Titus for Dalmatia (Colossians 4:14). Only Luke is with me. Get Mark & bring him with you, for he is useful to me for the ministry (Acts 12:12, 25 & 15:37 thru 39). And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with ^*Carpus at Troas when you come - and the books, especially the parchments. %Alexander the coppersmith, did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works (1 Timothy 1:20). You must also beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them (Acts 7:60). But the Lord stood with me & strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (1 Samuel 17:37). And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work & preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever (Psalm 121:7 & Romans 36). Amen!
Paul's Closing Greetings
(vv. 19 thru 22)
Greet Prisca & Aquilla, and the household of ^*^Onesiphorus (Acts 18:2 & 2 Timothy 1:16). ^*^^Erastus stayed in Corinth, but ^*^^^Trophimus I have left in Miletus, sick (Acts 20:4 & 21: 29). Do your utmost to come before winter. ^**Eubulus greets you, as well as ^**^Pudens, ^**^^Linus, ^**^^^Claudia, & all the brethren.
The **!Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."
*Nero: Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (/ˈnɪəroʊ/ NEER-oh; born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus; 15 December AD 37 – 9 June AD 68) was a Roman emperor and the final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his death in AD 68.
Most Roman sources offer overwhelmingly negative assessments of his personality and reign. Most contemporary sources describe him as tyrannical, self-indulgent, and debauched. The historian Tacitus claims the Roman people thought him compulsive and corrupt. Suetonius tells that many Romans believed the Great Fire of Rome was instigated by Nero to clear land for his planned "Golden House". Tacitus claims Nero seized Christians as scapegoats for the fire and had them burned alive, seemingly motivated not by public justice, but personal cruelty.
**Christians: Early Jewish Believers in Yeshua, referred to themselves as being of 'The Way' (Koinē Greek: τῆς ὁδοῦ, romanized: tês hodoû), an expression possibly coming from Isaiah 40:3, "prepare the way of the Lord". According to Acts 11:26, the term "Christian" (Χρῑστῐᾱνός, Khrīstiānós), meaning "followers of Christ" and referring to Yeshua's disciples, was first used in the city of Antioch by the Gentiles there. The earliest recorded use of the term "Christianity/Christianism" (Χρῑστῐᾱνισμός, Khrīstiānismós) was by Ignatius of Antioch around 100 AD. The name Jesus comes from Ancient Greek: Ἰησοῦς Iēsous, probably from Hebrew/Aramaic: יֵשׁוּעַ Yēšūa.
***Apostle Paul = known as Saul before he converted to Christianity (Acts 9), was the chief killer of Christians following Yeshua’s death, resurrection, and ascension – being the foremost witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.
Apostle (/əˈpɒsəl/) = in its literal sense, is an emissary. The word is derived from Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (apóstolos), literally "one who is sent off", itself derived from the verb ἀποστέλλειν (apostéllein), "to send off". The purpose of such sending off is usually to convey a message, and thus "messenger" is a common alternative translation; other common translations include "ambassador" and "envoy".
Apostle in the Gospels is one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul.
****Timothy = son of the devout Jewish woman, Eunice, and a Greek father, Timothy became a follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach when Apostle Paul preached the Gospel in Lystra, Timothy’s hometown. Paul invited the young convert to accompany him on his second missionary journey; and was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the fellowship there. After another journey with Paul, Timothy was sent to Corinth to straighten out some problems upsetting the fellowship there.
Timothy later looked after Paul during Paul’s imprisonment. Timothy subsequently was asked to go to Ephesus to represent Paul, and received the two letters from Paul that bear Timothy’s Name. Timothy – these letters reveal, was like a son to Paul.
The last word in the New Covenant about this sensitive, sickly, but faithful young helper was that he was imprisoned but finally released. Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22 & 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4;17 & 16:10; 2 Corinthians1:1 & 19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3:2, & 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 & 2 Timothy; Philemon 1; and Hebrews 13:23.
*!Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: (eloˈ(h)im) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.
**!Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.
Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.
Lord = Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.
The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.
^Priscilla & Aquila: I'm going to post info about these 2, together, because this husband & wife team worke in the ministry together …
Aquilla: One of the Apostle Paul's closest friends & co-workers at tent-making & evangelizing, Aquilla, together with his wife Priscilla, was a Pontus Jew (a Jew who lived in the region of Pontus, a historical region in northeastern Asia Minor along the southern coast of the Black Sea), converted to Christianity; who was expelled from Rome by the emperor Claudius' decree. Settling in Corinth, Aquilla & Priscilla welcomed Paul and were the nucleus of the church in Corinth. Paul made his home with them for 18 months. Aquilla & Priscilla went with Paul to Ephesus, where their home was a meeting place for a congregation there. They later returned to Rome for 8 years, then came back to Ephesus. A mature and tactful man, Aquilla, with Priscilla, was able to help the youthful & promising Apollos to a deeper understanding of #The Faith. Acts 18:2 thru 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; & 2 Timothy 4:19
Mature leadership is characterized by a combination of experience, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a focus on others' well-being. It involves understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, making ethical decisions, and considering the impact of actions on the team and organization. Mature leaders prioritize the greater good, foster trust and respect, and are committed to the development of those they lead.
It's not just a personal belief, but a shared understanding and tradition within the Christian community.
Pricilla (aka Prisca): The wife of Aquilla, Prisca (or Priscilla) was a staunch supporter of Apostle Paul; and a mature Christian leader in the early Church. Prisca & Aquilla, as Jews, had been expelled from Rome, and lived at Corinth when Paul met them. They worked together earning their living as tentmakers & getting the small colony of Christians started. They accompanied Paul to Ephesus and stayed there when Paul traveled on to Jerusalem. Prisca showed herself a person of exceptional tact and maturity when she corrected some of the errors in the preaching of the brilliant young Apollos. The church at Ephesus met in their home. After the riots against Christians, they shifted to Rome again, & later back to Ephesus. Prisca apparently was more prominent than her husband (her name proceeds his in 4 of the 6 references to them) although both were highly regarded as early missionaries. Acts 18:2, 18 & 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; & 2 Timothy 4:19
^^Tychicus: A gentile convert from Ephesus, Tychicus was selected with Trophimus to take the offerings from the Ephesian congregation & join Paul's party journeying to Jerusalem. After Paul's arrest, imprisonment, & trip to Rome, Tychicus was a useful messenger for Paul to various churches. He carried Paul's letters to the Ephesians & the Colossians, and possibly the 2nd letter of the Corinthians. Whether Tychicus got tp Crete, as Paul hoped, we do not know. Legend has it that Tychicus became Bishop of Chalcedon in Asia Minor - and died a martyr. Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; & Titus 3:12
^^^Demas: was one of Apostle Paul's co-workers & esteemed friends for a time - Demas shared Paul's hardships during the first part of his prison term in Rome. Demas had joined Paul in sending personal greetings to fellow Christians at Colossae, and to Philemon's family. Later - in love with the present world - Demas forsook (abandoned) Paul. It would seem that either Demas was lured away from the faith by some enticement … or that he found the going too hard. There is no word about Demas' subsequent career; and no tradition that he ever returned to The Faith. Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:10
^^^^Crescens: One of Apostle Paul's staunchest friends, Crescens stayed with Paul during his prison sentence at Rome; later, he was sent by Paul to visit the churches at Galatia. Some legends have him founding churches in Europe in such cities as Vienna - others have him serving as bishop of Chalcedon. 2 Timothy 4:10
^^^^^Titus: A Greek who was converted to Christianity by Paul, Titus became one of Apostle Paul's most trusted & able assistants. Although Paul earlier had insisted that Timothy be circumcised, he refused to allow Titus to be circumcised in order to demonstrate once and for all to the Judaizers (Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile converts to Christianity needed to adhere to Jewish laws and customs) undermining Paul's work, that it is by faith in Christ that we are saved - not by outward works. Paul presented Titus as living proof of this doctrine at the Jerusalem Council. Titus continued to serve as Paul's preaching companion & trouble-shooter (someone skilled at identifying and resolving problems in operational contexts, and diplomatic situations = troubleshooters analyze issues, diagnose root causes, and implement solutions to restore normal function or resolve disputes). He was particularly useful in sorting out problems in the churches at Corinth after Timothy had failed; also at Ephesus, & later at Crete. The last mention of him in the New Covenant (the New testament) was 2 Timothy 4:10. The early church fathers, and others, link Titus closely with Crete - where he supposedly lived, and died, having served as bishop. 2 Corinthians 2:13, 7:6, 13, 14, 8:6, 16, & 23; 12:18; Galatians 2:1 & 3; 2 Timothy 4:10; & Titus 1:4
Jerusalem Council: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Jerusalem)
^*Carpus: a Christian who lived at Troas in Asia Minor, Carpus entertained Paul on his last journey. Paul forgot his cloak at Carpus' house & mentioned it in his 2nd Letter to Timothy. Tradition insists that Carpus was one of the 70 disciples & that he later became bishop of Berea. 2 Timothy 4:13
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sends out seventy (or seventy-two) disciples (Luke 10:1-24) to preach the gospel ahead of him. This group is distinct from the twelve apostles, and their mission is to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry in various towns. The number seventy is symbolic, representing completeness and the fullness of God's plan, similar to the seventy elders chosen by Moses.
^*^Onesiphorus: a loyal friend of Paul, Onesiphorus took the risks & effort of hunting up Paul in prison at Rome, at a time when others were avoiding Paul or deserting him. Onesiphorus hailed from Ephesus and was an active member of the Christian congregation there. Paul's recollections of Onesiphorus' ministry at Ephesus suggest that Onesiphorus was a deacon in that church. Onesiphorus' kindnesses to Paul in the Roman prison came at a time when Paul was alone & friendless; and were deeply appreciated. The references in 2 Timothy to the household of Onesiphorus - and not to Onesiphorus, himself, suggest that Onesiphorus had dies before Paul wrote to Timothy. 2 Timothy 1:16 & 4:19
^*^^Erastus: a coworker & friend of Apostle Paul, this Christian named Erastus helped Paul in his ministry in Ephesus, & was later sent with Timothy to Macedonia (now northern Greece). Apparently Erastus was a troubleshooter & messenger for Paul; he is next heard of in Corinth. Acts 19:22 & 1 Timothy 4:20
^*^^^Trophimus: one of the 2-man delegation from the church at Ephesus chosen to represent that congregation & carry its offerings to Jerusalem, Trophimus & Tychicus joined Paul's party at Macedonia. In Jerusalem, Trophimus was indirectly the cause of Paul's arrest (the mob wrongly assumed that Paul had taken Gentile Trophimus into the Temple). On the voyage back to Rome, Trophimus took ill and had to be left at Miletus. Early non-Biblical records state that Trophimus was martyred at Rome during Nero's persecutions. Acts 20:4 & 21:9; 2 Timothy 4:20
^**Eubulus: a Christian Believer who lived in Rome at the time that the Apostle Paul was held prisoner there, Eubulus was a friend of Paul, Timothy, & other members of the early church. He joined Paul in sending personal greetings to Timothy when Paul wrote his second letter to his :son" Timothy. 2 Timothy 4:21
^**^Pudens: one of the members of the Christian community at Rome, who was well-known to most of Paul's circle of friends & co-workers; Pudens asked specifically to be remembered to Timothy when Paul was dictating his 2nd Letter to Timothy. "Pudens" was a popular name in Rome, & several distinguished people bore the Name - none of whom, however, can be satisfactorily identified with Paul's friend. 2 Timothy 4:21
^**^^Linus: a Christian who lived at Rome at the time of Paul's imprisonment, Linus was 1 of the 4 who joined Paul in sending greetings to Timothy. The early Christian writer, Irenaeus, states that Linus succeeded Peter as Bishop of Rome. One early tradition tells of his ability to cast out demons; another, that he would not permit women in church without veils; still another, that he was beheaded after serving as bishop for 11 years. 2 Timothy 4:21
^**^^^Claudia: one of Paul's friends who lived at Rome, Claudia was probably connected with Emperor Claudius' household - perhaps as a slave, or a relative. She was probably the mother of Pudens, and the mother of Linus, also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:21; Claudia's family was part of a circle of loyal friends who ministered to Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. 2 Timothy 4:21
%Alexander: a coppersmith of Ephesus, who along with Hymenaeus, was one of the converts that later renounced their belief in Christ & were described by Paul as people who made a "shipwreck of their faith"; this Alexander seriously hampered Paul's ministry, and the Apostle warned Timothy to beware of Alexander as a malicious character. 1 Timothy 1:1-2 & 2 Timothy 4:14
#The Faith = represents the specific doctrines, teachings, and beliefs that distinguish Christianity from other religions. It includes the core beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible, salvation, and the afterlife.
It's not just a personal belief, but a shared understanding and tradition within the Christian community.
##Roman Empire: The Roman Empire was a vast and influential civilization that spanned the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It evolved from the Roman Republic and was ruled by emperors, who held absolute authority - starting with Augustus in 27 BC. The empire reached its greatest extent in 117 AD under Emperor Trajan. While the Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD, the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued for another thousand years, finally falling in 1453.
The Roman military was a formidable force, crucial to the Empire's expansion and defense. The Roman citizens were renowned for their engineering feats, including road construction, aqueducts, and public works. Roman culture and law profoundly influenced Western civilization, with lasting impacts on language, art, architecture, and law.
###Asia: Asia in the New Testament was referred to a specific region, now known as Asia Minor or Anatolia (present-day Turkey), not the continent of Asia. At the time of 2 Timothy, it was part of the Roman world well within the Greek cultural zone. It was located south of the Bosporus, west of Galatia. Several of the Paul's missionary journeys took him through this region, including cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and other locations mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Paul also traveled to other parts of Asia Minor, including Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, Bithynia, and Troas.
+Gospel: Good News: gospel is a rendering of the Latin evangelium and the Greek euangelion, meaning “good news” or “good telling”.
++Word of Truth: refers to the Holy Scriptures, which are divinely inspired and considered Elohim's Word. It also encompasses the truth about Elohim's character, revelation, and His ultimate purpose for humanity, as well as the message of salvation offered through Yeshua Ha'Mashiach.
+++The phrase “the Day of Christ” or “the Day of the Lord Jesus” is unique to the Apostle Paul. Paul also called the Day of Christ “that Day” in his last letter. The phrases are found in: 1 Corinthians 1:8, 3:13, 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10 & 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:18 & 4:8.
On the other hand, the phrase, “the Day of The Lord” (also called “that Day”) is common throughout the Old Covenant = Abrahamic: the prophets referred constantly to it. In the New Covenant = Gospel, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Paul and Peter referred to it. Some of those passages are as follows: Isaiah 2:12, 13:6 & 9, and 34:8; Ezekiel 13:5 & 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, & 31, and 3:14; Amos 5:18 & 5:20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Zechariah 14;1; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 24:1-51; Acts 2:20; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5;2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 1:10 … and “that Day” phrases can be found in Isaiah 2:11, 17, 20 & 3:18 – this Day is a time of terror, darkness, and wrath: it is a “Day of Visitation”, Isaiah 10:3. A “Day of the wrath of The Lord”, Ezekiel 7:19, and “the Great Day of The Lord”, Zephaniah 1:14
**Wednesday Bible Study/2 TIMOTHY ~ Chapter 3: https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/06/wednesday-bible-study2-timothy-chapter-3.html
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