II Timothy 3, continued
II Timothy 3:13-17 – Sacred writings
- “Man of God” was used 71 times in the Old Testament, usually referring to either an angel or prophet. Here it seems to be referring to Timothy specifically.
- If God required diligent study from people of this time, how much more so from us with much better access to the scripture?
II Timothy 4
II Timothy 4:1-4 – “Preach the word”
- II Timothy 4:2
- “reprove” – to show someone they are wrong; to correct
- “rebuke” – to punish; overlaps with “reprove”
- “exhort” – to help; encourage
- II Timothy 4:3 – This was already happening in Paul’s day. The tendency of people is to stray, so we must work against it.
II Timothy 4:6-8 – “I have fought the good fight”
- II Timothy 4:6 – See Numbers 15:7; Philippians 2:17. Paul evidently thought his time of death was near.
- II Timothy 4:7 – Paul says that now he has fought “the good fight.” Before his conversion, Paul had been in some fights that were not so good.
II Timothy 4:9-22 – Companions and enemies
- II Timothy 4:16 – At that time, persecution was severe. It might have been dangerous for others to even stand beside Paul at his defense.