Friday 19 October 2007

Background

Timothy is encouraged to share in suffering, following theexamples of Paul and Jesus. He is also encouraged to become anexemplary teacher by showing himself to be a person whom Godapproves. When Paul wrote these words he was in prison in Rome,probably in chains.

The repeated address to Timothy as "my child" reminds him of hisdependence on Paul. It was from Paul that Timothy heard about theChristian faith, so Paul was like his spiritual father.

The image of a soldier, a competing athlete and a hard workingfarmer (which all appear in this passage) are all used by Paul inhis letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9).Timothy's role as a teacher and his loyalty to Paul will involvededication and hard work, so Timothy has to show the same qualitiesand dedication to this work as a soldier, athlete or farmer wouldin their work.

"A descendant of David" (v.8) draws attention to Jesus' royalauthority and reminds Timothy who he serves - Jesus who died androse from the dead. "The elect" (v.10), can also be translated as'the chosen ones'. The Jewish Scriptures describe the members ofthe God's community as the chosen ones. 

Although bound in chains, Paul is convinced that his suffering willhelp others to believe.

Verses 11-13 are part of one of the first hymns of the church -when the Church was being persecuted they sang their faith.

Verses 14-17 were written by Paul against against a background ofthe Gnostics (a popular religious movement in the ancient world)who wrangled over words, trying to make Christianity a philosophyrather than a faith. Alexander and Hymenaeus were men whoseteaching about the resurrection was incorrect and they wereundermining people's faith. Paul stresses that only those whofollow his teaching will gain eternal life.

To Ponder

Paul encourages Timothy to entrust faithfulpeople with the good news so that they will be able to teachothers. To what extent do we pass on the good news today?

Paul suggests that a soldier should not beinvolved in everyday affairs. How involved should Christians todaybe in everyday concerns?