2 Timothy 1:1-7

2 Timothy 1:1-7 … Although there’s no biblical record, church tradition holds that the Apostle Paul was released from the Roman prison when Nero heard his appeal, probably about 62 A.D. Thereafter, by tradition, his ministry continued for several years. About 67 A.D., Paul was arrested again, probably for preaching the Gospel, and again was imprisoned in Rome. This time however, he was not under house arrest, but in the worst of Roman jails under arduous circumstances. It’s from that dire environment that Paul writes this second letter to Timothy. Many believe that 2 Timothy is Paul’s last writing, almost a last will and testament, and that after completing the letter, he was executed by the Romans. Because it is a final communication, the little letter of 2 Timothy should be especially meaningful to us. It opens with the customary salutation of a Christ-centered man, with prayer, remembrance and thanksgiving for Timothy’s faithfulness. Here we learn for the first time what attracted Paul to recruit Timothy 17 years earlier in Lystra (Acts 16:1), and that was the faithful upbringing and instruction he received from his mother and grandmother. The encouragement that begins the letter is to “kindle afresh” the gift of ministry given to Timothy in the laying on of hands, which would have been Timothy’s consecration or setting apart for ministry (v.6). The renewal Paul calls for is based on the fact that, with his calling, God gives love, power and self-discipline, attributes that should be visibly present in the minister of God.