THE

SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE

APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY.

CHAPTER I.

EXHORTATION TO CONSTANCY.

Read Paul's encouragement to Timothy, not to be ashamed of the testimony of Christ.

7. God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

8. Be not thou, therefore, ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of God;

9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling; not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began;

10. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

What instruction did he give him concerning his doctrine ?

13. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.

CHAPTER II.

EXHORTATION TO PERSEVERANCE TO PURITY AND MEEKNESS.

How did Paul encourage Timothy to constancy, and devotedness to his calling as a minister of the Gospel?

3. Thou, therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

15. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.

What caution did he give him respecting the purity, prudence, and meekness, necessary to be observed in his own conduct?

22. Flee youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth.

CHAPTER III.

THE APOSTASY OF THE LATTER DAYS. THE BENEFIT OF THE

SCRIPTURES,

Paul reminds Timothy that enemies to the Truth would be found in the latter days. How does he describe them; and what is his counsel respecting such ?

1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3. Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God :

5. Having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. From such turn away.

How did Paul set forth to him the benefit

dérived from ́a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures; and what was his opinion of their authority and use to mankind?

15. From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God; and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ;

17. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

CHAPTER IV.

PAUL'S CONCLUDING CHARGE TO TIMOTHY.-RIS SPIRITUAL TRIUMPH.

What was Paul's concluding charge to Timothy ?

1. I charge thee, therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine :

3. For the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5. But watch thou in all things; endure afflictions; do the work of an Evangelist; make full proof of thy ministry.

Repeat the expressions of holy confidence in which the apostle exulted at the approach of death.

6. I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.

8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.