Hold The Pattern Of Sound Words

by L. Burrows, Kingston upon Thames | Category: General | Oct 1973

Scripture does not directly tell us what befell Paul between his detention in Rome (Acts 28: 30,31) and the completion of his written ministry, marked by his second letter to Timothy. Tradition has it that he was released for a time, but was rearrested at Troas and suffered a martyr's death in Rome under emperor Nero. Some support is give to this tradition by the allusion to Paul's vivid remembrance of Timothy's tears (1:4); and the request for his cloak and books (4:13) implies a sudden departure from Troas consistent with Paul being arrested. The tone of this letter suggests that big changes had taken place both in the churches and in the empire since the great events recorded in the Acts. Spiritual decline was now evident (1:15) and the former mild treatment of the Christians by Rome (Acts 18:12-17; 28:30,31) had given place to cruel persecution. Paul knew of this impending martyrdom (4:6) but first he must fulfil the urgent task of delivering his last charge to his successor. But who was there to care for the churches and stem the tide of false teaching? Only Timothy possessed the necessary qualifications (Phil. 2:19-22).

Timothy was Paul's true child in faith (1 Tim. 1:2). He already had experience of dealing with false doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3). For many years he had followed Paul's "teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings" (3:10,11). Above all, Timothy was faithful when others were dropping out of the struggle (1:15; 4:10). In the Fellowship,

unswerving faithfulness in spite of discouragement is needed more than great deeds of genius. Because of Paul's confidence in Timothy, he entrusted to his co-worker the vital task of contending for the Faith once for all delivered to the saints. "The things which thou has heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2:2).

Like all of us, Timothy had his personal problems. He was timid (1:7,8) and needed encouragement (2:3). He sometimes failed to utilize his gift to the full, so it had to be stirred up (1:6). Perhaps he was engaged in exacting secular employment which detracted from his service for the Lord (2:4). Paul stresses how worthwhile is any sacrifice for the Lord (2:10-13; 4:8). And there were other things Timothy had to be warned about: he must be a diligent workman, "handling aright the word of truth" (2:15), he must avoid profane babblings (2:16), flee youthful lusts (2:22), reject foolish questionings (3:33), be gentle (2:24). It was also necessary for Paul to warn him of grievous times to come (3:1-9,13) 50 that he would not be taken by surprise nor be downcast. Although the godly must suffer persecution there would be divine deliverance (3:11,12).

Paul considers the imminence of further spiritual decline and his own early departure (4:3-6). Much of the danger would be internal, "from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things", he had warned many years before about the period following his death (Acts 20:29,30), and there would be hungry wolves from outside causing havoc among the flock. These would be the difficulties soon to confront Timothy in his work among the churches, so he must remember to keep the sound teaching he had received in early life, and rely upon the Scriptures of truth (3:14-17). In his anxiety, Paul brings a staccato-sharp emphasis into his letter at this point: "I charge thee... preach the word, be instant... reprove, rebuke, exhort ... be thou sober... suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry" (4:1,2,5). The need is urgent, Timothy must man the breach to defend the Fellowship against the powerful forces of ungodliness. Have we good young men like Timothy in the Fellowship today? The need is just as pressing as it was then.

L. Burrows, Kingston upon Thames | Oct 1973
General