The Flow of 2 Timothy

One interesting thing about the flow of 1 Timothy below is that in each section Timothy is called to act in accordance with that section’s depiction of Christ: In the first section, Christ is depicted as Saviour, and Timothy is charged to regulate the right reception of salvation in the church; in the second section, Christ is depicted as the embodiment of piety (eusebeia), and Timothy is charged to regulate the piety of the household of God; in the third section, Christ is depicted as the faithful confessor, and Timothy is charged to likewise make the faithful confession.

In other words, Christology directs ecclesiology.   Similarly, in 2 Timothy, the central image is of dying and living with Christ: Note how each section begins with a summons for Timothy to join Paul in suffering for the gospel…

First Movement: 1:1-18

• “Join with me in suffering for the gospel”
• Christ has appeared, destroying death and bringing immortality
• Charge: Guard the good deposit; suffer with me
• Opposition: Desertion
• Negative example: Phygelus & Hermogenes have deserted me
• Positive example: Onesiphorus was not ashamed of my chains

Second Movement: 2:1-19

• “Join with me in suffering”
• Christ Jesus’ salvation: If we die with him, we will also live with him…
• Charge: Remind, warn, present yourself before God
• Opposition: Godless chatter
• Negative example: Hymenaeus & Philetus are spreading godless teaching
• Positive reassurance: Inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and calls them away from wickedness
• Charge: Cleanse yourself, flee evil, avoid those with false godliness
• Negative example: Jannes & Jambres opposed the truth, and were ultimately revealed as foolish

Third Movement: 3:10-17

• Paul’s teaching, conduct, sufferings, and persecutions: those who pursue a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
• Opposition: Evidoers and imposters
• Charge: Continue in what you have learned
• Christ Jesus will judge the living and the dead
• Charge: Proclaim the word patiently; endure hardship
• Opposition: People who desire false teaching & myths

Fourth Movement: 4:1-22

• Paul is suffering but has fought the good fight, now looking forward to the future appearance of Christ as judge
• Charge: Come to me quickly
• Opposition: “Everyone deserted me”
• Negative example: Demas has abandoned me; Alexander opposed me
• Positive reassurance: The Lord will rescue me.