2 Timothy

Chapter 1

St Paul opens with gratitude and that he remembers St Timothy in his prayers
He gives thanks for his mother and grandmother who raised him in the faith.
This gift of faith is given by God, which enables us to share in tribulations.
We were chosen toward a calling not because of what we did but by God’s grace.
This was revealed in Christ, who abolished death in his death.
For this message St Paul was appointed an apostle, and why he suffers.
Yet God is able to protect what has been committed to us until the Day of the Lord.
Therefore, hold to the traditions/examples of sound teaching.
The Holy Spirit enables us (individually and as the Church) to guard the deposit of tradition.
v16 Oneseiphorius may be reposed at this point since St Paul asks for grace for his house, and mercy for him in that Day.

St Paul encourages St Timothy in tribulations in God’s grace.
St Paul endures all things that the elect may obtain the salvation of Christ Jesus.
Union with Christ
Do not dispute about words but do good works. But being faithful you will rightly handle the word of truth. (Advice given especially to bishops.)
Those who dispute the words handed down do err.
Heresy that the resurrection has already occured.
v 20ff cf with Romans 9.21 Yet here the vessel is to purify himself to be a vessel for honor, set apart and holy. See also Jeremiah 18.5ff where if a nation heeds God it will not be broken.

The last days, and increase of sin.
v8 Comparison to ancient Egypt and the magicians that opposed Moses
Yet a better way, follow the example and teaching of Paul, who endured persecution for the Gospel.
Paul encourages Timothy remain in what he learned from the Scriptures, which he’s learned from childhood.