NT SURVEY

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS
Introduction:

“The city of Ephesus is, by Pliny, called the other light of Asia; Miletus was one, and Ephesus the other: it was the metropolis of the lesser Asia, and one of the twelve cities of Ionia, and the first and chief of them: it is said to be built by the Amazons: it was famous for the magnificent temple of Diana; and the inhabitants of it were very much given to superstition and idolatry, and even to devilish arts, Acts 19:19.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

“It was this temple which gave unity to the city, and to the character of its inhabitants. Oxford in England is not more Oxford on account of its University, than Ephesus was Ephesus on account of the Temple of Diana. The highest title the city could have assumed, and that which was impressed on its coins, was newkopov, Temple-sweeper, —servant of the great goddess. One of the most lucrative occupations of the people was the manufacture of miniature representations of the temple, wrought in silver, which being carried about by travellers, or reverenced at home, found an extensive sale, both foreign and domestic.” — Charles Hodge.

“Paul’s first visit to Ephesus (on the seacoast of Lydia, near the river Cayster) is related in Acts 18:19-21. The work, begun by his disputations with the Jews in his short visit, was carried on by Apollos (Acts 18:24-26), and Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). At his second visit, after his journey to Jerusalem, and thence to the east regions of Asia Minor, he remained at Ephesus “three years” (Acts 19:10, the “two years” in which verse are only part of the time, and Acts 20:31); so that the founding and rearing of this Church occupied an unusually large portion of the apostle’s time and care; whence his language in this Epistle shows a warmth of feeling, and a free outpouring of thought, and a union in spiritual privileges and hope between him and them (Ephesians 1:3, etc.), such as are natural from one so long and so intimately associated with those whom he addresses. On his last journey to Jerusalem, he sailed by Ephesus and summoned the elders of the Ephesian Church to meet him at Miletus, where he delivered his remarkable farewell charge (Acts 20:18-35).” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Date: Probably written at Rome between 60 and 64 A.D.

Paul’s Ministry at Ephesus:

1) His first visit, Acts 18:18-21.

2) His second visit, the Holy Spirit is given to believers who were baptized “Unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:2-7.

a. His continuance of the work with remarkable success, Acts 19:9-20.

b. His conflict with the silversmiths, Acts 19:23-41.

3) His last visit and his address to the Ephesian elders, Acts 20:17-35.

Historical Occasion of the Writing: The converted Jews in the early churches were inclined to be exclusive, and separate themselves from their Gentile brethren. This condition of affairs in the church at Ephesus may have led to the writing of this epistle, the keynote of which is Christian Unity.

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:13, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Main Theme: the unity of the church at Ephesus, especially between Jew and Gentile believers. This is shown by the recurrence of certain words and phrases, such as:

1) The word, “together:”

a. Gathered Together, Ephesians 1:10;

b. Quickened Together, Ephesians 2:5}

c. Raised up Together, sitting Together, Ephesians 2:6}

d. Builded Together, Ephesians 2:22}

2) The word, “one,” indicating unity:

a. One new man, Ephesians 2:15}

b. One body, Ephesians 2:16}

c. One spirit, Ephesians 2:18}

d. One hope, Ephesians 4:4}

e. One Lord, One faith, One baptism, One God and Father of all, Ephesians 4:5-6.

Other Recurrent Words and Phrases:

1) “In Christ,” Ephesians 1:1, 3, 6, 12, 15, 20; 2:10, 13; 3:11; 4:21.

2) “In heavenly places,” Ephesians 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10.

3) “Riches,” of grace, Ephesians 1:7; 2:7.

4) Riches,” of glory, Ephesians 1:18; 3:16.

5) “Riches,” of Christ, Ephesians 3:8.

Synopsis:

I. The Church and the Plan of Salvation.

NOTE: Paul in discussing the plan of salvation in the different epistles, somewhat varies the emphasis. In Romans he especially dwells upon faith apart from works. In Galatians, faith apart from ceremonial observances. In Ephesians he lays great stress upon the unity of believers.

1) The salutation, {#Eph 1:2}

2) The divine origin of the church, {#Eph 1:3-6}

3) The plan of salvation.

3a) Through the redemptive work of Christ, {#Eph 1:7,8}

3b) Universal in its scope, {#Eph 1:9-10}

3c) Insuring a rich spiritual inheritance, {#Eph 1:11-14}

3d) Prayer that believers might be fully enlightened as to the riches of its provisions, {#Eph 1:15-23}

3e) The plan provides for a spiritual resurrection from sin and the exaltation of the believer into heavenly places, {#Eph 2:1-6}

3f) It is wholly of grace and not of works, {#Eph 2:7-10}

3g) It embraces the Gentiles who were far from God, but were brought nigh by the blood of Christ, {#Eph 2:11-13}

3h) It removes all barriers between Jews and Gentiles and unites them into one body for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, {#Eph 2:14-22}

3i) The mysteries of the divine purpose revealed to Paul, and his appointment as apostle to the Gentiles, {#Eph 3:1-12}

3j) Paul’s second prayer for the spiritual fullness of the church and her enlightenment concerning the matchless love of Christ. {#Eph 3:14-21}

II. Practical Application.

A. The Divine Plan Calls for the Unity of Believers:

1. In the Spirit, Ephesians 4:1-3.

2. The Seven Unities Mentioned, Ephesians 4:4-6.

3. Diversity of Gifts but unity “for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:7-16.

B. The Divine Plan Calls for Consistent Christian life, the believers’ walk:

1. Not as Other Sinful People, Ephesians 4:17-21.

2. In Newness of Life, Abandoning the Old Sins, Ephesians 4:22-32.

3. Walking in Love and Purity, Ephesians 5:1-7.

4. Walking in the Light, Ephesians 5:8-14.

5. Walking Circumspectly, Filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:15-21.

C. The Divine Plan for Home life:

1. Duties of Husbands and Wives, Ephesians 5:22-33; Ch. 6.

2. Duties of Children, Fathers, Servants and Masters, Ephesians 6:1-9.

D. The Divine Plan for Spiritual Warfare:

1. Source of Strength, Ephesians 6:10.

2. The Armor and the Enemy, Ephesians 6:11-18.

E. Concluding words and benediction, Ephesians 6:19-24.

THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS

Introduction:

“Colosse was a celebrated city of Phrygia, in Asia Minor. It was in the southern part of that province, was nearly directly east of Ephesus, north of Laodicea, and nearly west of Antioch in Pisidia.

“The gospel was first preached in Phrygia by Paul and Silas, accompanied also by Timothy, Acts 15:40-41; 16:1-3, 6. It is said that they ‘went throughout Phrygia,’ which means, doubtless, that they went to the principal cities and towns. In Acts 18:23, it is said that Paul visited Phrygia again, after he had been to Philippi, Athens, Jerusalem, and Antioch. He ‘went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.’” — Barnes New Testament Notes.

The epistle presents a considerable resemblance to Ephesians both in thought and language, yet has a distinct message of its own. In Ephesians Paul dwells upon the thought of the church as the BODY of Christ, while in Colossians he emphasizes Christ as the HEAD of the church. The warning against trusting in worldly wisdom which appears in 1 Corinthians reappears in Colossians.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Date: Probably written from Rome between 60 and 64 A.D.

To Whom Addressed: The church at Colosse, a city of Asia Minor

Purpose of the Epistle:

1) In a General way, a message of good will, to exhort and edify believers.

2) In a Special way, to counteract doctrinal errors growing out of the mixture of Judaistic teaching, combined with the vagaries of oriental and philosophic speculation. These heresies tended to obscure the divine glory of Christ.

Synopsis: The epistle may be divided into six parts:

I. The Introduction and Prayer for the Church

A. The Apostolic greeting and commendation, Colossians 1:1-8.

B. The prayer for the church.

1. That it might be filled with wisdom, fruitful in good works, and strengthened with divine power, Colossians 1:9-11.

2. Thanksgiving for the spiritual inheritance, the great deliverance, and redemption from sins, Colossians 1:12-14.

II. The glory of the Person and Work of Christ.

A. His glorious Preeminence.

1. As the Image of God, Colossians 1:15.

2. The Creator of all things, Colossians 1:16.

3. His Preexistence, Colossians 1:17.

4. His Head-ship of the Church, Colossians 1:18.

5. The Divine Fullness of God dwells in Christ, Colossians 1:19.

6. His Work of Reconciliation, Colossians 1:20-23.

7. The Mystery of His Indwelling of Believers, Colossians 1:24-29.

B. Paul’s concern in regard to the state of the church:

NOTE: “In this chapter the apostle expresses his great concern for the Colossians, and others he had never seen; exhorts them to constancy in the faith of Christ; warns them of false teachers, and their tenets; takes notice of various blessings and privileges they had by Christ, and cautions against several superstitions and corruptions, which were obtaining among the churches of Christ.” –- John Gill’s Expositor.

1. That the members might be united together in love, having a fuller understanding of the spiritual blessings and privileges of the Father and of Christ, Colossians 2:1-3.

2. He warns against false doctrines, several superstitions and corruptions and enjoins steadfast faith in Christ, Colossians 2:4-7.

III. Doctrinal and Polemical Section.

A. The peril of the love of worldly wisdom and legalism, Colossians 2:8-12.

B. He represents the privileges of Christians, Colossians 2:13-15.

C. The Liberating Power of the Cross of Christ in abolishing the old ceremonialism, Colossians 2:14-17.

D. Warnings concerning Angel Worship, and false mysticism which dishonor Christ as the Head of the Church, Colossians 2:18-19.

E. Warnings against Ceremonialism and Asceticism (the doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like), Colossians 2:20-23.

IV. The Exhortation Section.

A. To Heavenly Goals and Affections, Colossians 3:1-4.

B. To Die to Fleshly Lusts and Desires, Colossians 3:5-7.

C. To Lay aside the evil passions and vices, and to put on Christian Graces and Virtues, Colossians 3:8-14.

NOTE: The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: Put on therefore bowels of mercy, Colossians 3:12. We must not only put off anger and wrath (as Colossians 3:8), but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. — Matthew Henry.

D. To submit ourselves to the government of the peace of God, Colossians 3:15.

E. To let the word of Christ dwell in us richly and let everything be done in the name of Christ, Colossians 3:16-17.

V. The Family Section.

NOTE: “The apostle concludes the chapter with exhortations to relative duties, as before in the epistle to the Ephesians. The epistles which are most taken up in displaying the glory of divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular and distinct in pressing the duties of the several relations. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel religion.” — Matthew Henry.

A. He begins with the duties of wives and husbands, Colossians 3:18-19.

B. The duties of children and parents, Colossians 3:20-21.

C. The duties of servants and masters, Colossians 3:22—4:1.

VI. The Fellowship Section.

A. Paul’s request for prayer and advice concerning social conduct, Colossians 4:2-6.

B. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends, of whom he gives an honorable testimony, Colossians 4:7-18.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS
Introduction :

“This second epistle was written, not from Athens, as the subscription testifies, nor from Rome… but from Corinth, from whence was sent the former, and where the apostle and Timothy, and Silvanus [Silas] met; and which was sent about half a year after the other. The design of which is to comfort and support the Thessalonians under the afflictions and persecutions they endured for the sake of the Gospel; and to rectify a mistake they had gone into, and which might be occasioned by what the apostle had said in his former epistle, concerning the second coming of Christ, as though it was just at hand; which might lead them to neglect their worldly business, and duties of civil life…” — John Gill’s Expositor.

Writer: The Apostle Paul.

Central Theme: The Second Coming of Christ.

Key Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:5, “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

Synopsis:

I. Words of Comfort and Contrast.

A. The salutation and thanksgiving, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3.

B. Words of Comfort to the church under persecution, 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6.

C. A Sharp Contrast is drawn between the Glorious Destiny of Believers at the Coming of Christ, and the Fate of the Impenitent Sinner, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12.

II. Events Prior to the Coming of the Lord

A. Warnings against unrest caused by Wrong Views concerning the Lord’s Coming, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2.

B. The Announcement of Events that will Occur Prior to the Coming of the Lord:

1. A Coming Apostasy, 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

2. The Self-exaltation of the Man of Sin, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

3. In due time the Lawless One will be Revealed, accompanied by Signs and Lying Wonders, 2 Thessalonians 2:5-9.

4. The Satanic Person shall be Destroyed at the Coming of Christ, 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

5. A Mighty Delusion shall Deceive the Wicked, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

C. An affectionate appeal to believers who had enjoyed the great privileges of the gospel, to hold fast to sound doctrine, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15.

D. A comforting benediction, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

III. Paul Expresses His Joy and Satisfaction in the News that Timothy Had Brought Concerning Their Faith.
A. The Apostle’s Confidence in the church:

1. He requests their prayers, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

2. He believes they will be Kept from Evil and be Obedient to his Commands, 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4.

3. He directs them to patiently wait for the Coming of Christ and to separate themselves from disorderly brethren, 2 Thessalonians 3:5-6.

B. The Apostle Paul’s Example:

1. Of orderly living, 2 Thessalonians 3:7.

2. Of voluntary self-support for the sake of a good influence, 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9.

3. Of insistence upon discipline on the part of believers, 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

a. A test of obedience, 2 Thessalonians 3:4.

b. Paul says for them to steer clear of those walking disorderly, 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

C. Concluding admonitions:

1. Concerning idlers and busybodies, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12.

2. Respecting persevering labor, 2 Thessalonians 3:13.

3. Regarding those who do not obey, 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

D. The benediction and salutation, 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18.

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS

Introduction:

“The apostle Paul, being diverted from his design of going into the provinces of Asia, properly so called, and directed after an extraordinary manner to preach the gospel in Macedonia, Acts 16:9-10.” — Matthew Henry.

“Thessalonica was a city and sea-port of Macedonia. It was at the head of tile bay Thermaicus, or the Gulf of Thessalonica, and was, therefore, favorably situated for commerce. It was on the great Ægean Way; was possessed of an excellent harbour, and had great advantages for commerce through the Hellespont, and with Asia Minor and the adjacent countries. It was south-west of Philippi and Amphipolis, and a short distance north-east of Berea.” — Barnes New Testament Notes.

“Thessalonica was a very large, populous, and flourishing city, it was a free city, and the metropolis of Macedonia; here the Apostle Paul came after he had been at Philippi, and stayed about three weeks, and preached every Sabbath day, and his ministry was blessed to the conversion of some Jews, a multitude of devout Greeks, and many of the chief women of the place, which laid the foundation of a Gospel church; to which the apostle wrote this epistle, and is the first of all the epistles he wrote.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

The church was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey. Later Paul had sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen the church. On his return, the report that he gave apparently inspired the apostle to write the epistle, 1 Thessalonians 3:6.

Writer: The Apostle Paul.

Date: It was probably written from Corinth between 49 and 54 A.D.

Main Themes: This is one of the most personal of all of Paul’s epistles. It is not so doctrinal or polemical as some of the others. The body of the epistle consists chiefly of commendations, personal reminiscences, counsels, and exhortations. The central truth which is especially emphasized, is the future hope of the advent of Christ.

Synopsis:

I. Commendations to the Thessalonian Church

A. The salutation, 1 Thessalonians 1:1.

B. The commendation of the church:

1. For its faith and loving service, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4.

2. For spiritual receptivity, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6.

3. For exemplary influence, 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8.

4. For abandonment of idolatry and for spiritual hope, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10.

II. Paul reminds them of the characteristics of his ministry.

A. As courageous, sincere, God-fearing, truthful and unselfish, 1 Thessalonians 2:2-5.

B. As humble, gentle, affectionate, industrious, irreproachable, and paternal, 1 Thessalonians 2:6-12.

C. He refers to the Teachableness and Sufferings of the church, 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

D. The Apostle’s desire to visit the church, and his glorying in them as his crown of rejoicing, 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20.

III. The Messenger

A. The sending of Timothy to strengthen the church, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5.

B. Timothy’s favorable report and its comforting and joyful result, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-9.

C. Paul’s earnest prayer that he might visit the church and aid them in their spiritual development, 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13.

IV. Paul Encourages the Church.

A. Exhortations concerning personal and social purity, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8.

B. Exhortations in respect to brotherly love and industry, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

V. The Future Hope, the Lord’s Coming.

A. The comforting hope for the bereaved, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

B. The Rapture will not precede the resurrection, 1 Thessalonians 4:15.

C. The manner and accompanying events of Christ’s appearance, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

D. The time of the Lord’s Coming is unknown, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2.

E. The Lord’s Coming is unexpected by unbelievers, 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

F. Children of the light should be ready for the Lord’s Coming, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8.

G. Safety of believers at the Lord’s Coming, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.

VI. The Duty of Believers to Exhort and Comfort One Another.

A. Exhortations concerning the practical duties of the Christian life,
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.

1. Paul exhorts them to edify one another, Roman 14:19.

2. He shows them their duty towards their ministers, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

3. Exhortations touching the duty Christians owe to one another, 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15.

a. To be at peace among themselves, 1 Thessalonians 5:13.

b. To warn the unruly, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

c. To be patient towards all men, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

d. Not to render evil for evil to any man, 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

e. To follow that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

2. Exhortations that will be of great use to direct the motions of our hearts and lives, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22.

a. Rejoice evermore, 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

b. Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

c. In every thing give thanks, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

d. Quench not the Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

e. Despise not prophesyings, 1 Thessalonians 5:20.

f. Prove all things, but hold fast that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

g. Abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

B. The closing charge and benediction, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
Introduction:

“That this epistle was written to Timothy, while he was at Ephesus, where the apostle in his former epistle had desired him to stay, is evident from his making mention of some persons in it, who were Ephesians; as Onesiphorus, whom he commends, and Alexander the coppersmith, of whom he complains: and that this epistle was written by the apostle, when he was at Rome, is no less evident; for he expressly calls himself a prisoner, 2 Timothy 1:8, and speaks of being then in trouble, and in bonds, 2 Timothy 2:9-10, and the persons that send their salutations in it to Timothy were Romans, 2 Timothy 4:21, but at what time it was written is not so certain: it seems by 2 Timothy 4:7 that it was but a little time before his martyrdom.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Object of the Epistle:

1) He was anxious to see his disciple Timothy, before his death, and that Timothy should bring Mark with him, 2 Timothy 1:4; 4:9, 11, 21.

2) Feeling how uncertain it was whether Timothy should arrive in time, he felt it necessary, also, to give him by letter a last warning as to the heresies, the germs of which were then being scattered in the Churches.

3) He writes a series of exhortations to faithfulness, and zeal for sound doctrine, and patience amidst trials: a charge which Timothy seems to have needed, if we are to judge from the apostle’s earnestness in urging him to boldness in Christ’s cause, as though Paul thought he saw in him some signs of constitutional timidity, 2 Timothy 2:2-8; 4:1-5; 1Timothy 5:22-23. — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

Historical Occasion: It is generally believed that Paul suffered two imprisonments at Rome, and that it was during the second that this epistle was written. Formerly he had had a certain degree of liberty and lived in his own hired house, Acts 28:30. At that time he had been accessible to his friends, but now he is in close confinement and Onesiphorus had difficulty in finding him, 2 Timothy 1:17. He had been deserted by many of his former associates, 2 Timothy 1:15, and was expecting very soon to be led out to execution, 2 Timothy 4:6. There is a pathetic strain of loneliness running through the epistle, and it is not surprising that he was anxious to see his beloved Timothy.

Peculiarities of the Epistle: Both epistles to Timothy contain urgent exhortations. It has been surmised that Timothy was not robust, 2 Timothy 5:23. Perhaps he was temperamentally timid, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.Hence the word “ashamed” appears prominently in the epistle. He was urged not to be ashamed of his testimony, his prisoner friend, 2 Timothy 1:8, or his workmanship, 2 Timothy 2:15. He was exhorted to regard himself as a soldier in the midst of a hard campaign, 2 Timothy 2:3-4.

Synopsis:

I. The Apostle’s Greeting, 1:1-18.

A. The affectionate greeting, 2 Timothy 1:1-4.

B. A reminder to Timothy of his godly ancestry, and an exhortation to earnestness and courage, 2 Timothy 1:5-8.

1. Paul sees Genuine faith in Timothy, v. 5.

NOTE: “This is to be understood of the grace of faith, which was implanted in the heart of Timothy by the Spirit of God, and was genuine and sincere; he believed with the heart unto righteousness; his faith worked by love to God, and Christ, and to his people, and was attended with good works.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

2. Paul encourages Timothy to “stir up” his ministerial gift that qualifies men for the ministry, vv. 6-8.

C. A reference to salvation and a “holy calling” according to His purpose, 2 Timothy 1:9-10.

1. A calling to Consecrated Service, “the upward calling,” v. 9; Philippians 3:14.

2. The Lord has turned the Light of the Gospel on Life and Immortality, v. 10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 1:18.

D. Personal allusions to the writer’s Own Call to the work, and his Unswerving Confidence in the Lord, 2 Timothy 1:11-12.

1. I am appointed a Preacher, an Apostle and a Teacher, v. 11; 1 Timothy 2:7.

2. I know whom I have trusted, v. 12;

3. He is able to guard my deposit; literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break, Matthew 6:19.

E. A second exhortation, 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

1. Hold Fast the Pattern of Sound Words, v. 13; 1 Timothy 1:16.

2. Hold Fast that “Good Deposit” which was Committed unto thee, v. 14; 1 Timothy 6:20.

F. A reference to the Disloyalty of some in Asia, and a commendation of the Faithfulness of Onesiphorus, 2 Timothy 1:15-18.

II. The Pathway of an Approved Servant in a Day of Apostasy, 2:1-26.

A. As a Spiritual Soldier, Athlete and Husbandman:

1. To be Strong in the Grace of God and Select Faithful Helpers, 2 Timothy 2:1-2.

2. To manifest Soldierly Qualities of Endurance and Separation from worldly entanglements, 2 Timothy 2:3-4.

3. As a Spiritual Athlete to Keep the Rules of the game, 2 Timothy 2:5.

1d) As a Husbandman Expecting Fruits, 2 Timothy 2:6.

B. Truths to be kept in mind:

1. The Resurrection of Christ, the preaching of which had led to Paul’s imprisonment, 2 Timothy 2:7-9.

2. Suffering and Dying with Christ lead to Spiritual Honor, 2 Timothy 2:9-12.

C. Counsels in Respect to Dealing with Heresy and Controversy.

1. By earnest Admonitions to the Contentious, 2 Timothy 2:14.

2. By Seeking to Become a Skilful Expositor of the Truth, 2 Timothy 2:15.

a. Give diligence to be approved of God.

NOTE: Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God. — John Gill’s Expositor.

b. Handling correctly the word of truth; literally, cutting “straight” or “right”: the metaphor being from a father or a steward,1 Corinthians 4:1; cutting and distributing bread among his children, Luke 12:42.

3. By Shunning Strange Doctrines which eat into spiritual life and overthrow faith, 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 3:9.

4. Remembering this: 2 Timothy 2:19.

a. Notwithstanding the subversion of their faith, “the firm foundation of God standeth” fast.

b. That Christians must separate themselves from evil,

5. By remembering that the church, like a great house, has some vessels of honor and some of dishonor, and it should be the ambition of all to be vessels “meet for the Master’s use,” 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

D. Counsels Regarding Personal Desires and Dealing with Strife.

1. The importance of personal purity and spiritual ambitions, 2 Timothy 2:22.

2. The necessity of avoiding foolish questions and strife, 2 Timothy 2:23-26.

a. By patient treatment of the opposition.

b. With the hope that they will repent.

III. Apostasy and the Word, 3:1-17.

A. The various Evil Characteristics of men in the Last Days:

1. Who under the Guise of religion will practice Sensuality, 2 Timothy 3:1-6.

2. Their Stupidity and Folly will one day be Manifest to all men, 2 Timothy 3:7-9.

B. Paul declares that God gave Deliverance from all Persecution, 2 Timothy 3:11-12.

C. A prediction that sin would advance unto more ungodliness, 2 Timothy 3:13; Genesis 6:5.

D. An appeal to Timothy to continue in the Doctrines of the Gospel that he had learned at the hands of the Apostle and others, 2 Timothy 3:14-15.

E. The Power of the Inspired Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

NOTE: “That is, all holy Scripture; for of that only the apostle is speaking; and he means the whole of it; not only the books of the Old Testament, but of the New, the greatest part of which was now written; for this second epistle to Timothy is by some thought to be the last of Paul’s epistles; and this also will hold good of what was to be written; for all is inspired by God, or breathed by him: the Scriptures are the breath of God, the word of God and not men.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

1. The Power to Equip God’s worker, v. 16.

a. Is profitable for doctrine; for the discovering, illustrating, and confirming any doctrine concerning God, the being, persons, and perfections of God; concerning the creation and fall of man; concerning the person and offices of Christ, redemption by him, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, reconciliation and atonement by his sacrifice, and eternal life through him, with many others.

b. For reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down.

c. For reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down.

d. For instruction in righteousness; in every branch of duty incumbent upon men; whether with respect to God, or one another. — John Gill’s Expositor.

2. The Power to Perfect the Christian worker for his task, v. 17.

NOTE: “The man of God is perfectly accoutred [equipped] out of Scripture for his work, whether he be a minister (compare 2 Timothy 4:2 with 2 Timothy 3:16) or a spiritual layman. No oral tradition is needed to be added.” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

IV. A Faithful Servant and His Faithful Lord, 4:1-22.

A. The Solemn Charge:

1. Concerning Faithfulness in Preaching the Word, 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

2. Predictions of a time when men would despise the truth, 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

3. The exhortation to an earnest and faithful ministry, 2 Timothy 4:5.

a. To fulfill their ministry, Acts 12:25; Colossians 4:17.

b. To fully preach the Gospel, Romans 15:19.

B. The close of the Apostle Paul’s Career.

1. It ends in the Spirit of Victory, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

2. It ends in Perfect Confidence in the Lord, 2 Timothy 4:17-18.

C. The Need of Companionship and some things to relieve the hardships of imprisonment:

1. The Loneliness caused by the departure of friends and the desertion of inconstant associates, 2 Timothy 4:10-12, 16.

2. Some comforts needed to cheer the prison life, 2 Timothy 4:13.

NOTE: “Carpus—a faithful friend to have been entrusted with so precious deposits. The mention of his ‘cloak,’ so far from being unworthy of inspiration, is one of those graphic touches which sheds a flood of light on the last scene of Paul’s life, on the confines of two worlds; in this wanting a cloak to cover him from the winter cold, in that covered with the righteousness of saints, “clothed upon with his house from heaven. So the inner vesture and outer garment of Jesus, Paul’s master, are suggestive of most instructive thought, John 19:2. — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

3. Timothy urged to come quickly, 2 Timothy 4:9, 21.

4. Final greetings and benediction, 2 Timothy 4:19-22.