Note for 20250707 - Sons in Faith - Part 11 - 2 Timothy 1 - No Fear
Sons in Faith
2 Timothy
Part 11 - 2 Timothy 1 - No Fear
2 Timothy 1:1-18 KJV
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, [2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. [3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; [4] greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; [5] when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. [6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. [7] For 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 our 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: [11] whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. [12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. [13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. [15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. [16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: [17] but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. [18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.1.1-18.KJV
Note for 20250707
As we head into the second letter by Paul to Timothy, it is beneficial to know that this is much later than the first letter. Paul is in Rome, to appear before Nero for a second time. So, it is much later.
2 Timothy 4:22 KJV
[22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.4.22.KJV
To understand the context of the second letter, it helps to have a bit of the back story, which you can look into with a bit of self-study, and it is my hope that I can make some resources available to you on the Blogspot post. Paul is believed to have been released as a prisoner after his first appearance in Rome, and even that he continued with his evangelistic ministry. (After the Book of Acts, which we will be reading after this letter.) Paul, captured and brought to Rome, after the Great Fire in Rome which began on July 19th, 64 AD. Now it is important to distinguish that some of this information comes from historical sources, and not from Biblical sources. It is believed that the Christians were accused of the starting the fire, while the sentiment was at the time that Nero started the fire himself to clear some land to build some great dome thing (which I do not have too much want to share about since it is not Biblical sources that brings this to us.) However, the records that are given some credit have Paul beheaded outside the city (since he was a Roman citizen) which was considered a more honourable execution than some of the horrific ways other Christian in that time were executed. (Somewhere between 64-68 AD)
With that out of the way, we can now look at this second letter and understand a little closer what the sentiment of this letter was. This is almost as a departing letter from Paul to Timothy, whom he outright calls my son in today's reading, meaning that it was as a full adoption in the faith at least. Paul doesn't write again to state that it is by the common faith, but there is a hint regarding his "laying on of the hands on Timothy for gifting.)
Which brings us now to the focus verse for today:
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.1.7.KJV
Having heard all this before, how much more significance do you give this common and often shared scripture now? Because now you know that this letter is somewhat of a letter from Paul to Timothy from "death row." Paul encourages Timothy, starting in verse 8:
2 Timothy 1:8-9 KJV
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our 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,
https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.1.8-9.KJV
"...be thou a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of GOD..." a partaker, it is not quite the prosperity teaching we get in the world today, is it? Now, friends, there is a reason I am so strongly focused on this today. Look at this:
John 16:13 KJV
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.13.KJV
Most of us (not all) have known relative peace in the period of our faith in Jesus Christ. Without going into too much detail of why I say "relative peace," I mean that the opposition has largely been disguised and not like these early Christians like Paul faced. But, the Spirit filled believer today has this almost "nagging" sense of coming persecution, just as it is prophesied in the Word of GOD. Those that have been called to a preparation in the Spirit for a time such as this have specific instruction within us, not?
No fear. Paul boldly proclaims the essence of the "no fear" sentiment in this chapter as he approaches his trial. The truth is that we have already seen this start in the Middle-East, more specifically in Syria, which has gone largely unreported in mainstream. But of late we even had the report of Christian beheadings in Africa. Jip, I am speaking of the 70 that was left in the church, with details that are too gruesome to write here, but many of you have heard of it. The world sentiment against Israel is reported, and even more now make their return to Israel at this moment. But, don't be mistaken, sentiment against the Christian is surely rising too. And just as Paul and others like him were hated back then for their "anti-social" beliefs in Roman culture and monotheistic beliefs in a polytheistic environment, so do we see a rise in wickedness and godlessness. Of course, we are also portrayed (even from within our faith, by those who have list the way) as brutal, contrarians and separatists, which the doctrine does not confirm. We are instead called to live in peace with all.
Romans 12:18 KJV
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.10.14.KJV
And this is just to give you one reference. We recently looked at praying for all people.
We are thus in some time of a rise in what many would consider a dark kingdom, the coming of the night, that Christ referred to as when no man can work. And though most will not hear me, nor heed my call to Spiritual preparation, in other words, that which is laid on you by the Spirit of GOD, I have a responsibility to say the words, "Get Ready!"
But as Paul writes to Timothy at the end of his journey, I am writing to the church to remember that our Salvation, both in the now and of what is to come is in the hands of GOD. Minding then also, that which comes by the Spirit of GOD, and a reminder that it is in love, not hate or fear.
To make this matter as clear as possible, I bring you a concept to keep within you. In self-defence, shall we exchange the saved soul in exchange for him of which this matter is unknown? In conclusion to the written note for today I want to leave you with this:
Revelation 12:11 KJV
[11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.12.11.KJV
What does this mean? Shall we run from death, if it carries with it a promise to be reunited with our Lord and Saviour and our Father GOD in heaven?
Selah, Shalom, No Fear!
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
[10] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.9.10.KJV
Download
Listen online or download the entire “Sons of Faith” playlist at: https://on.soundcloud.com/QpFqtQV59IfPgSKiJD
Now Live, The House of Bread Radio App with 24/7/365 music channel to enjoy scripture based (in-house produced) music for a tranquil environment at home. Also Available for a while already, the Stern Watch Radio App, with teachings and gospel music the rest of the time.
House of Bread Music Radio App
Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.houseofbreadmusic
The Stern Watch Radio App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.sternwatch or scan the QR Code
Resources
You're looking for some solid resources! Here's a list you can copy and paste, covering academic works, books, and reliable websites. I've tried to include a mix of more scholarly and accessible options.
Academic and Scholarly Resources:
* "The second imprisonment of Paul: Fiction or reality?" by John Macpherson (American Journal of Theology, 1900) - While older, this article delves into the scholarly debate surrounding Paul's second imprisonment, often citing Eusebius and other early sources. Accessible via Cambridge University Press.
* "Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History II.22.1-8" - This primary source from Eusebius (a 4th-century church historian) is crucial for understanding early traditions about Paul's release and second imprisonment under Nero.
* Link: https://www.judaism-and-rome.org/eusebius-caesarea-ecclesiastical-history-ii221-8
* "Burning Rome, Burning Christians" (Chapter 14 in The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Nero)* - This chapter provides an academic overview of the Great Fire of Rome and Nero's blaming of Christians, drawing on ancient sources like Tacitus.
* "2 Timothy | Commentary | Paul Jeon | TGCBC" (The Gospel Coalition) - While TGC is a theological site, their commentaries often engage with scholarly discussions on historical context and authorship.
* Link: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/2-timothy/
* "Book of Second Timothy Overview" (Insight for Living Ministries) - Offers a good summary of the historical context of 2 Timothy, including Paul's imprisonment under Nero, from a more theological perspective.
* Link: https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/second-timothy
Books (General & Accessible):
* "The Early Christians and the Roman Persecution: From Nero to the 4th Century" by Robert Henry Millford - A comprehensive study available as an eBook, covering the history of early Christian persecution starting with Nero.
* Link (Barnes & Noble): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-early-christians-and-the-roman-persecution-robert-henry-millford/1146300477?ean=2940179694472
* "The Burning of Rome" by Alfred J. Church - While historical fiction, it's a classic that vividly portrays Rome during Nero's reign and the persecution of Christians, making the historical context more accessible.
* Link (Yesterday's Classics): https://www.yesterdaysclassics.com/products/the-burning-of-rome-by-alfred-j-church
Reliable Websites for Early Christian History & Roman Persecution:
* Early Church History (earlychurchhistory.org) - Offers articles, videos, and images that explore the lives, persecutions, and eventual triumph of early Christians in ancient Rome.
* Link: https://earlychurchhistory.org/
* "How Did Emperor Nero treat Christians During His Reign?" (TheCollector) - Provides a good overview of Nero's persecution, the Great Fire, and the historical sources, with images.
* Link: https://www.thecollector.com/how-did-emperor-nero-treat-christians-during-his-reign/
* "Persecution in the Early Church: Recommended Resources" (Christian History Institute) - A curated list of resources (books, articles) for further study on early church persecution.
* "Apostle Paul's Timeline" (Blue Letter Bible) - While not specifically about Nero's persecution, it provides a timeline of Paul's life and ministry, helping to contextualize his final imprisonment.
* Link: https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/paul/timeline.cfm
These resources should give you a good starting point for exploring the historical context of Paul's final days and the Neronian persecution.
Comments
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated for the sake of younger and sensitive readers. For debates, please request Discord Server details.