The message of 2 Timothy is vastly different from the message of Paul’s previous letter to Timothy. In this second letter, Paul encourages Timothy to suffer with him and endure hardship that comes when preaching the gospel.

This year, as we examine and memorize the letter of 2 Timothy, keep in mind that Paul is nearing the time of his death, and is passing on the mantle of ministry to his young colleague.

We will begin with Paul’s salutation in 2 Timothy 1:1-2:

2 Timothy is the letter that follows 1 Timothy, but not necessarily immediately in time. There is some debate as to Paul being the author, but most scholars seem to accept this as the case.  Let’s take a look at some of the historical background and the salutation.

Background and Audience

2 Timothy finds Paul in a Roman prison. This is probably not the same imprisonment we see at the end of Acts, since both Timothy and Mark were with Paul at that time, when he wrote Colossians. In all likelihood, Paul was released from that imprisonment, continued in ministry, and was arrested again, possible at Troas.

Paul writes this letter to Timothy during this second jail term, anticipating his execution. Eusebius dates Paul’s execution to A.D. 67, placing this letter in either 66 or 67.

From several references in the letter, we can guess that Timothy was probably in Ephesus again, just as he was when he received 1 Timothy. And just as with the first letter, Paul writes to Timothy, but expects him to share the letter with the whole congregation.

Opening Greeting

Paul’s greeting in this second letter is much like the greeting in his first letter. The differences are slight, but they are significant.

Paul begins by starting the authority he has due to his apostleship. This might seem to be a bit odd in so personal a letter such as this one, but really isn’t. Paul isn’t exerting his authority to Timothy as he did in his first letter; Timothy already knows it. Rather, Paul is either acting out of habit or is so continually taken by this incredible work to which he was called that his reminder that he is an apostle is more of an act of worship than a reminder of his authority. Either way, it lends an urgency to Timothy to stay loyal to the message.

Paul next credits his authority to the will of God. This is similar to the “command of God” found in 1 Timothy 1:1. What is different here is the next phrase, “according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” For Paul, eternal life is two fold: it occurs both in the present (see 1 Timothy 4:8) and in the future. While seemingly a contradiction, both are simultaneously true because of the final phrase, “in Christ Jesus.” Paul, and by extension, Timothy, are both called to proclaim a gospel of life, a life that now is, and a life that is to come.

The final portion of Paul’s greeting is almost identical to the greeting in 1 Timothy. The only difference is that he refers to Timothy as “my dear son” instead of “my true son in the faith.” This more intimate greeting adds to the urgency that Paul is communicating to Timothy about enduring the suffering that he will face for the sake of the gospel.

While this letter is to be read to the church, there is now no need to legitimize Timothy to the church in Ephesus. That has been accomplished with the first letter. As a result, Paul stresses the closeness he has in his relationship with Timothy, and will do so throughout much of the letter.

Even though this is simply the opening greeting of the letter, much can be gleaned from these two short verses. When held in comparison to the salutation of 1 Timothy, we can see much of Paul’s theology reflected in even these simple words.

Paul puts intentionality into everything he does, even the simplest of things, such as a greeting. We would be wise to learn to do the same.

Do you reflect your beliefs in even the most simple things you say and do? How can you improve in this area? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.