Epistle – 2 Timothy 1-2

2 Timothy. The last of Paul’s epistles. Written at the end of his life.

Paul is approaching the end of his ministry to God. His race is finally going to end. He is soon crossing the finish line. But before that, he continues to exhort Timothy, his son in the faith, regarding the ministry of the gospel, which includes enduring sufferings and afflictions. Even to the end of his life, his mind was still fixed on the things above – how to make sure that the legacy and the great commission is passed on to faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2).

Let’s start by reading 2 Timothy 1-2.

Bible Passage:  2 Timothy 1-2

Let’s try a different approach today. Instead of doing a typical “bible study” style commentary, I would like you readers to consider about Paul’s ministry and his relationship with Timothy.

Paul, the faithful minister

Imagine yourself in the prison. You know that your time is up. You are excited because you know that the place you are going to is far better (Philippians 1:23). What do you do next? Do you wait in anticipation, doing nothing? Or do you all the more seize the time to accomplish His will?

From Paul’s epistles, especially 2 Timothy, we can see that Paul belongs to the latter. Even to the end of his journey, he thought about the things of God. He knows the importance of passing on the legacy. He knows that it is crucial to guard the doctrine and to spread the true gospel of salvation. He had gone through the hardships which would come with being a good minister of the Word, and therefore took it upon himself to exhort future leaders and followers to be prepared to endure afflictions.

Are we ministers of the Lord today? BRC’s companion comment for 1 Tim 4-6 reminded us that we are. Then, have we such faithful commitment, like Paul’s?

It is not easy to imagine what I might do if I know that my time is almost up. Will I decide to travel around the world? Will I spend the time with my family? Or will I continue to busy myself with churchwork and to accomplish the will of God? It is not easy to predict, but I believe that one who truly yearns to return to that rightful home will continue about the Father’s business as long as he is still on earth. Just like Paul did.

What would my frame of mind be like? Will it be one of peace? Or one of fear? One of gladness or one of uncertainty? I really marvel at how Paul can write,

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
(2 Timothy 4:6).

To be able to pen that down requires great strength. Don’t we all desire to have faith like Paul’s? And to be able to sing that song of Triumph (2 Timothy 4:7-8)?

The secret is no secret at all. The key word is “blameless” (1 Timothy 6:14).

Striving to be blameless before the Lord, doing the things that He has commanded, having the heart of Jesus. These will keep us in the grace and mercy of God, unto that Day.

Passing on the legacy

Let us now look at the relationship between Paul and Timothy.

Paul called Timothy “a beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2); he remembered Timothy in his prayers night and day (1:3); he was persuaded that the genuine faith was in Timothy (1:5). And he wrote epistles to exhort Timothy about the way to go in the ministry.

I am sure you see what I perceived – their relationship was a really close one, like one of father and son.

If you have believing parents in church who are very involved in your religious education and spiritual nurture, then blessed are you! Or if you have children whom you are trying to raise up in the sight of God, then you probably can understand the bond between this two men. Praying night and day for the person. Walking so close in this journey of faith that one is sure of the other’s faith before God.

Have you had such a mentor? One who walks before you in this journey of faith, paving the way that you should walk?

Have you been a mentor yourself? One who is accountable for the young sheep in church?

Paul was like a mentor to Timothy. Timothy was like a successor of Paul. In church, if we want the legacy to be passed on, we must do this work of mentorship well and this is a continous cycle. Look at what Paul exhorted Timothy,

“and the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
(2 Timothy 2:2)

Although I have been led by some brethren in church, I have always hoped for a mentor like Paul to guide me in my faith. But I know that the ultimate Mentor is always Jesus Christ. What I hope now is only that I can be like a mentor to the younger

Sharing this song which has inspired me to be a better mentor, paving the way of faith for those behind us to follow, just as those who have gone before us have lined the way.

Will those who come behind us find us faithful?