2 Timothy 2:1-7

Nathan Goldbloom

Seattle Pacific University

Theo 6010

11-23-10

2 Timothy 2:1-7

1) Translation: 1 You then, my child, be strong by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And pass on the things you and many other witnesses heard from me to faithful people, who will be able to teach others as well. 3 Share the suffering with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must receive the first share of the crop. 7 Think about what I say; for the Lord will give you clarity in everything.

2) Big idea: Timothy is called to pass along Paul’s teachings and to share in the suffering of other Christian brothers. Paul uses three analogies to clarify what it means to share in the suffering.

4) Synthesis

The first verse continues the letters overall theme of Paul passing on his teaching and ministry as he prepares for his eventual departure. Those to be the recipients will be “faithful” people. This term faithful is described more as loyal or trustworthy in this instance.[1] With Paul’s succession in mind this could mean that the term is not necessarily about belief, but trust and loyalty to continue Paul’s specific message.

In verse 3 Paul seems to shift his focus with a series of three analogies using professions to illuminate the key point of Timothy sharing in suffering. The first focus is on the soldier. Paul only uses the term soldier one other occasion, in Phil. 2:25, where he uses the term to give authority/rapport to another minister (Epaphroditus). The term carries the connotation of a person who fights for country and king. Paul is then able to twist these common associations to become a warrior of the “King of Kings”.[2] Wuest translates this verse to mean that Timothy is not sharing the suffering that other brothers are. He arrives at this conclusion because of the preposition “sun”.[3] This is supported by many translations (NASB, TNIV) while the NRSV stays general enough to broaden the application. The urging to remain strong in verse 1 seems to support Wuest’s translation as Timothy needs the encouragement. Paul may be reminding him to “carry his cross”(Lk. 14:27).

The soldier does not become caught up in everyday affairs and pleases the enlisting officer. The term Louw Nida gives two possible definitions: one as a “commanding officer” and the other as an enlisting officer. It is possible that the army would not be structured the same way and the enlisting officer would be the commander of a group unlike today. The choice of enlisting officer is interesting. Which alludes to Paul as the teacher and one who spread the news. This would continue his focus on his departing legacy. The other possibility is that the enlisting officer would be seen as God if translated or similar to commanding officer. Word study[4] and commentary[5] however translate the word stratologeo to mean “enlist one as a soldier”.

The second analogy uses a competition and an “athlete”. Even though an athlete struggles and suffers they too must remain faithful to rules and instructions, or there is no crown. The word choice here is another rare one for Paul. The only other time he uses athlete is in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 when talking about self control, hard work, and focusing on the goal. Both passages focus on the struggle and adherence to the rules as not to be disqualified.

The final analogy utilizes a farm worker. This is a familiar profession to biblical parables and analogies.[6] As flowing from the “Fall” in Gen. 3:7 where the man’s toil becomes the field work. Here Paul correlates the hard work to the reward of the harvest and the first share. This is likely an encouragement tied back to verse 1, to continue to stay strong even though suffering.

5) Theological Interpretation: Where does the young pastor find role models and mentors and what are the qualities of good ones?

Through the course of the passage Paul outlines seven different qualities for those who are passing on and teaching others. The first of these things that a mentor or guide is to have is skill to teach. Teaching is crucial to the mentor. If they are to pass on wisdom and experienced then communicating effectively is a key quality.

Sharing in suffering (3) is another crucial role of the mentor. What this means in a mentorship is that the leader is genuine and open with the struggles. If a mentor hides the doubts and difficulties then it limits what the apprentice can learn and glean. It also limits the bond in Christ that is possible. They also must be empathetic and compassionate to the suffering in others.

Not stressing the small things is another great attribute. When I have mentored students, I have seen the negative effect of being preoccupied with the daily affairs. I often miss the prayers, struggles, and cries for help when I am focused on the everyday stresses and tasks.

As a result of not being distracted and seeing the bigger picture, the next quality is to please God. The mentor needs to be a person who finds strength in Christ (1) and as a result of this faith and prayer they will see the larger picture or have clarity (7).

One of the major themes that Paul has in the Pastoral Epistles is sound teaching. This can be seen in the call for a mentor that follows the rules. If a mentor is teaching bad habits, or doctrine, then they are leading astray, rather than to God.

The mentor also should be hard working. With few workers (Matt 9:37) the worker needs to be dedicated. Teaching good things by demonstrating conviction and dedication the mentor can pass on the faith through their actions.

Where to find such a mentor though? I think Paul answers this in the bookends of verse 1 and 7. The first verse stresses staying strong in Jesus. Prayer and following Jesus will give those necessary mentors. Through that prayer God will give that clarity of when to mentor or accept guidance from a pastor.

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[1] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (31.78). New York: United Bible societies.

[2] K. S. Wuest. Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (2 Ti 2). (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[6] Matt 9:38, 13:24; Mark 4:14; Luke 17:7