Understanding Paul's Apostolic Role and Message

Paul’s Last Letter

So, we read the first passage of 2nd Timothy last week after rehearsing to ourselves the setup for it being written – which was Paul’s last letter to anyone (that we know of). And he says:

2nd Timothy 1.1-2.2.1-5

November 15th, 2020
Meat

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

The Promise of Eternal Life

Back to verse 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

Paul again lays claim to being an apostle by the authority of God (which was) “according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.” “I am an apostle in accordance with the great promise of eternal life (given by God) that all may have eternal life through the Savior Jesus Christ.”

We sometimes speak of Christ suffering for the sins of the world, and that the world has been reconciled to God by and through the shed blood sacrifice of his Son. We sometimes talk about how the wrath of God was poured out on the Nation of Israel for rejecting His Son and that his wrath is no longer abiding on people since the sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. was paid. We have even talked about how at deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. in the age of fulfillment, all go to a heavenly realm (as hell has been cast into the lake of Fire) and that some exist outside the walls of the New JerusalemThe spiritual reality of God's fulfilled presence with humanity—replacing Sheol after 70 A.D., but what Paul says here is speaking specifically and only of those for whom he was called to be an apostle – those who receive God’s promise of eternal life, which means those who receive Christ by faith, which means those who become children of God, and then even more specifically, those who learn to walk in love and become the Sons and Daughters of God.

These are they who have eternal life, which to me is the only life worth mentioning. These are they who have true life in them. And while I have a heart for the rest, and even enjoy them and their contributions to this world, without Christ, they are in fact dead, and no genuine life dwells in them.

So, Paul was called to be an apostle of life to that world – to bring the good news of eternal life to all who would hear, believe, and receive. Which was God’s promise to the world. And he says:

2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

And again, we have Paul describing God as the Father in yet another place and Jesus Christ as our Lord. I won’t belabor this as I frequently do. (at verse 3 Paul says)

3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; The phrase "from my forefathers," probably means, “after the example of my ancestors with a pure conscience” What? “That without ceasing I have remembered you in my prayers day and night.”

4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

It is believed that it was Paul’s desire to

Paul's Encouragement to Timothy

Being mindful of Timothy’s tears, Paul expresses a longing to see Timothy again, suggesting that such a reunion would bring him joy and alleviate Timothy’s pain. In verse 5, Paul reflects:

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Paul recognizes the sincere faith that Timothy possesses, noting its roots in Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. This reference underscores Paul's personal knowledge of Timothy's family and spiritual heritage.

The Gift of God in Timothy

Paul urges Timothy to rekindle the gift of God within him, a gift acknowledged through the laying on of Paul's hands. This ordination signifies a shared experience that affirms Timothy's call to ministry. Paul writes:

6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

While it's uncertain if Paul's hands directly imparted the gift, the gesture serves as a powerful reminder for Timothy to ignite his divinely bestowed abilities.

Spirit of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind

Paul encourages Timothy to embrace the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, contrasting the spirit of fear. As highlighted in verse 7:

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This reminder challenges Timothy to rise above timidity and embrace the strength and confidence offered through faith. This passage emphasizes that Christians are not called to fear but to a life empowered by God’s Spirit, characterized by power, love, and mental clarity.

Encouragement in Faith

Encouraging Timothy to look to God in his weaknesses and trust in him to equip him with the skills necessary to carry forward in this difficult position of leading the faith in Ephesus.

An Unashamed Testimony

And he adds (at verse 8)

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

We recall that Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation. He wrote this in context with the admission that his call was to share the Good News with Jew and Gentile alike and that in the process of doing this he was greatly mistreated by these audiences. Nevertheless, he includes that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ because he knew that it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Paul has told Timothy that God did not give him the Spirit of fear but of Power and love and a sound mind. These things would enable him to not fear, which means he would not

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

And this is at the heart of our fears, isn’t it? The afflictions we may suffer for our witness of Him. It appears that Paul was for some reason concerned that Timothy might fall prey to being ashamed due to fears of suffering. Here in verse 8 Paul tells him:

Don’t be ashamed of either the testimony that you have of Jesus Christ or of his imprisonment as an apostle of the same, but to instead, “be thou a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according (or in conjunction with) the power of God that he has given you. (And in verse nine he continues to speak of God, saying)

God's Holy Calling

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

This summary statement of all that God has done is really profound when we look at its components. Listen to it again as Paul says to Timothy, speaking about God:

9 Who hath saved us, (by and through His only human Son whom he inhabited) and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

That passage is an amazing proclamation to all who have been called and received the call of Christian into their lives, isn’t it? (Let’s read on to the end of the chapter beginning at verse 10 where Paul adds)

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

At verse nine Paul said, speaking of God:

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

And at verse 10 adds:

But is now (meaning

Spiritual Death and Resurrection

In verse 9 he said that God did all this in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, (meaning it was established but now is complete in the appearing of Jesus) who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Now, Paul says here that Jesus has abolished death – and yet we are still dying. The way most people interpret this is to say that death will someday be abolished because of him. I suggest otherwise.

When scripture speaks of death in the New Testament – especially when Jesus speaks of death, he is talking about spiritual death and/or being separated from God.

Jesus' Victory Over Death

In John 8:52 Jesus said to the Jews: “If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.” But we can’t take that literally because all of us die (1st Corinthians 15:22) due to Adam. But Paul makes it clear because of Christ, the second Adam, all will be made alive. So I strongly suggest that Christ has in fact, overcome death – spiritual death – and that is what is meant when Paul says, speaking of Christ: “who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

That passage is greatly nuanced if we think about it because it says that Jesus has abolished death” – I would add here that this was for all – but then he adds, “AND has brought life and immortality to light THROUGH the Gospel.”

It’s BOTH – abolished death AND brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel (and those who receive it by faith). And that is the kicker. You can receive the gift of Christ overcoming death for all – but you can also receive the fact that he has also brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel – if you choose to so receive this by faith. Paul reiterates something he often says:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (verse 12) 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things (being in prison in Rome): nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

This seems to be an admittance of Paul’s that he firmly trusted in the abilities of Christ to see all things Paul was sent to do through.

Faith and Sound Words

And he adds to Timothy 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. I like the tenor of this passage because Paul says hold fast the FORM of sound worlds which Timothy had heard from him. The word form here allows for the general meaning rather than the literal specific content of every word. It’s like he is saying: “I have outlined the important factors of the faith for you – hold fast to that outline.” It’s not demanding nor dogmatic. It breathes of freedom and liberty.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (verse 14) 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us. I see Paul’s use of “that Good Thing” which was committed unto Timothy and was to be kept by the Holy Spirit (which dwells in us) speaks, in my opinion, to the Gospel or the Good News. Keep it by the Holy Spirit, Paul says, which moves those it inhabits to faith, Christ, and love.

Challenges and Betrayals

At this point Paul moves into a new direction than the standard introductory remarks he is inclined to make and says: 15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. When Paul says that all which are in Asia have turned from him, I’m not sure if we can take this literally. But that is what he wrote and if literal, then that is what he meant.

But it seems to more reasonably refer to all who have turned away from him include specifically two names he mentions: Phygellus and Hermogenes. There is a tradition that says these two were once sound disciples who were swayed away from the faith by the notorious Simon Magnus – but this is conjecture. We really know nothing about these men.

Onesiphorus and His Contribution

Paul considered them as having turned from him and perhaps that Timothy knew who they were – which is why Paul mentions them. Paul adds at verse 16, mentioning another person by name, but this time favorably:

16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

The house of Onesiphorus is another way to say the family of Onesiphorus. This person was evidently of Asia, though some say he was Egyptian, and he is the only one who is mentioned from that region who had showed the apostle kindness in his trials. We know nothing more of him, and he is not to be confused with Onesimus who is discussed in the Epistle to Philemon. In any case, Paul says that “he oft refreshed me,” and was “not ashamed of my chains.” It appears that some believers in that area had issue with Paul having been imprisoned, and were therefore mistreated by some (or all, as he says) in this manner – all except Onesiphorus.

Timothy's Call to Endurance

Paul continues:

17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

At verse 18 Paul bestows upon him an apostolic blessing, and says:

18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

The Catholics have used this passage and the assumption that Onesiphorus was dead to support their practice of praying for the dead. The fact that Paul prays that the LORD grant unto him that he may “find mercy of the Lord in that day,” in no way supports the idea that he was dead – in fact, I think it suggests that he was alive as the hope was that the Lord would show the man mercy in that day of HIS COMING – which was on its way.

Instruction to Timothy

At this point we move on into Chapter 2 where we now read:

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

So quickly back to verse one of chapter two where Paul adds:

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

“Thou therefore,” (meaning in reference to those who had once belonged to the faith but turned away from it) “my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.”

In other words, “be strong by relying on the Grace which is in, or comes by, faith in Christ Jesus.”

Verse 2:

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

“And those things about me that you have heard from many witnesses, take the same and commit yourself to faithful men who shall be able to teach others the same things too.”

It could mean and the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses share with others. But cannot say absolutely. But what he says next may give us some indication of the meaning as Paul adds at verse 3:

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Paul has been talking about a few key factors here and in chapter one. His imprisonment, being unashamed, not fearing, and how he has been mistreated by all in the area. He then talks about the things said about him from many witnesses and after encouraging Timothy several times to be strong, he says at verse 3:

“You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

KAK-OPA-THEO – afflictions/hardships, you Timothy endure them as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Paul seems to make a comparison here of Christians like Timothy who were in leadership to military soldiers who endure all sorts of misery. And

The Christian Soldier's Commitment and Focus

He tells Timothy to endure the same as a soldier for Christ. Because of the comparison some believe that to be a Christian soldier for Christ is very much like being a soldier in the military where there are battles to fight, wars to wage, enemies to overcome, and prisoners to be taken – all in the name of the King. I would suggest that this was not the way Paul intended to compare the two. Instead, the Christian soldier was to be like a military soldier in suffering, in allegiance to the cause, in relentlessness, and in perseverance.

Dedication and Single-Mindedness

Paul takes the comparison further and explains what he means in verse four, saying:

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Soldiers are dedicated. They are single-minded. They are focused on the war. This similarity Paul described, telling Timothy that in the battle for souls (a battle where Christians do not war against flesh and blood) there is true dedication and nothing that will serve to take the soldier off track. A soldier does not entangle himself with the affairs of this life as a means to please whoever recruited him into battle. As Christ is the one who called Timothy to battle for souls, Paul is telling him to not get sidetracked.

Striving Lawfully

And he adds:

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Here Paul appeals to the Grecian games and he reminds Timothy that if someone enters into a race or a competition he will not be crowned a victory unless he abides by the laws or rules of the game. This seems to imply that Timothy ought to focus on the rules of being a follower of Christ as he strives for the Kingdom – with those rules being obvious to all who are his – faith love, purity, etc.

And we will wrap it up here.

Comments/Questions/Prayer