General Remarks

Bear in mind as you read this book that Paul is writing to Timothy at a time when Timothy is barely hanging on. He is beginning to fail in his duties. He is very timid at heart and overwhelmed, crushed and intimidated by others. Paul is very concerned that Timothy will quit all together or become so spineless that he will be of no use. Paul goes through several admonitions throughout: "kindle afresh your gift" (1:6), "do not be ashamed of the Gospel" (1:8), "guard the treasure (i.e., Gospel) entrusted to you" (1:14), "be strong" (2:1), "suffer with me" (2:3), "Endure all things with me" (encouragement by example, 2:10), "be diligent to be approved" (2:15), "cleanse yourself" (2:21), "you are going to be persecuted so accept it" (3:12), "don't give up" (3:14), "preach the word!" (4:1-2), "be bold and teach skillfully showing mastery" (4:2), "persevere in your ministry" (4:5), "follow my example because I have fought the good fight and finished the course, and kept the faith" (4:7), and "the Lord will strengthen and deliver you as He did for me" (4:17-18).