Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of 2 Timothy
Second Timothy is Paul's last letter, written from a Roman prison as he faced execution. It is his charge to Timothy, and to us, to guard the gospel, endure hardship, hold to the inspired Scriptures, and preach the word in season and out of season. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Second Epistle to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul from a Roman prison, likely around AD 66 or 67, as he awaited execution. It is his final letter, written with the awareness that his death was near. With deep affection, Paul charges his beloved son in the faith to be strong, to guard the sound doctrine entrusted to him, to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ, and to pass the gospel on to faithful men who will teach others.
This commentary covers 2 Timothy verse by verse, with the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. The letter contains Paul's stirring call to boldness, his great affirmation that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God (3:16-17), his final charge to preach the word, and his triumphant testimony as he neared the end: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' (4:7). References are given at the foot of each chapter.
This commentary on 2 Timothy is now complete, covering all four chapters verse by verse.
Author
The apostle Paul, in his final letter from prison.
Setting
A Roman prison, awaiting execution, around AD 66 or 67.
Key Themes
Boldness, endurance, Scripture, and preaching the word.
Famous Passages
All Scripture inspired (3:16-17); the good fight finished (4:7).
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
2 Timothy Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
I Know Whom I Have Believed
In his final letter Paul urges Timothy to stir up God's gift and shake off fear, for God gives power, love, and a sound mind, and rests his own confidence in the Savior who is able to keep what we commit to Him.
Read Chapter 1 →2 Timothy 2:1-26
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
'Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,' and 'endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.' The faithful saying: 'if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.' The great charge to every worker: 'Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,' and to be 'a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use.'
Read Chapter 2 →2 Timothy 3:1-17
All Scripture Is Given by Inspiration
'In the last days perilous times shall come,' with a religion that keeps 'a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.' 'All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.' The anchor is the God-breathed word: 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable... that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.'
Read Chapter 3 →2 Timothy 4:1-22
I Have Kept the Faith
Paul's last chapter: 'Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season,' for a time comes when they 'will not endure sound doctrine.' Then his triumphant testimony: 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness... unto all them also that love his appearing.' Forsaken by men, he rejoices, 'the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.'
Read Chapter 4 →