2 Timothy Blog 1

The authorship of 2 Timothy, like 1 Timothy is disputed among the scholars. Some believe that it was Paul and others do not. If Paul was the author then 1 Timothy was written around 62-64 AD (Keener 607), however if Paul did not write it then the date of it is uncertain (Smith 2129). Again, if Paul is the author, then “Paul writes 2 Timothy while imprisoned in Rome, awaiting probable execution; he wants Timothy to join him before it is too late (Keener 622). 2 Timothy, a pastoral epistle, was written to an assistant who is encouraged to “an unashamed commitment to the gospels and to the potential suffering that such commitment entails” (Smith 2137).

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Back at the church I grew up in, the Sunday school classes went under a remodel. Instead of simply learning Bible stories, a challenge was added that would reward students who could memorize and recite Bible verses to the teacher. We were all given a Promise Club booklet that gave verses. The first student to certain areas would receive something. It was not long after that when I decided to stay in the sanctuary for church instead of attending Promise Club, which I was on the verge of outgrowing.

One boy stands out in my mind as I think about this book. He memorized with such an amazing passion. This was one of the first verses that I heard him recite. It was inspirational. The farthest that I had ever gotten in this particular verse was “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful…” sounds like Truth to me…anyway…the point is that the boy had something that probably made God smile. Memorization is a good thing as long as it is not only the words being remembered.

Right before the Midterm for my New Testament Class, I felt that God kept telling me not to make my knowledge of the Gospels head knowledge only. I remember laughing a bit, not because I thought what was being said was crazy or wrong, though. My response was, “God how is this exam anything BUT head knowledge?” After all, we were being asked questions like “which Gospel…?” and “which Gospel and chapter…?”

While I am sure that God was amused at my sense of humor, He still had a point to make. Anytime the Bible is opened (or closed if it is a closed-book exam), there is potential of learning with the heart. I closed my study guide before the midterm and let God quiz me. My favorite question was “where is ‘before Abraham was, I am’?” I was able to say “John 8:58” and at the same time I was again able to understand the significance of the words Jesus spoke there and to claim that as Truth.

No matter what, the Bible is inspired by God and useful…for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. That is why it is important to study the Word daily. It is important to have the Word written on the heart because of the truth of these two verses.


WORKS CITED

Keener, Craig S. “2 Timothy,” Pages 622-633 in The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Abraham. “The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy.” Pages 2137-2138 in The New Interpreter’s Study Bible with the Apocrypha. Edited by Walter J. Harrelson et al. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003.