day 3

Read 2 Timothy 1
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201&version=NIV
The primary recipient of this letter was Timothy (1:2). Paul may have visited Ephesus (1 Tim. 3:14) and ministered in Asia Minor, Macedonia, Spain, and on the island of Crete. The persecution of Christians in Rome began shortly after Rome burned in July of a.d. 64. Nero blamed the Christians for that catastrophe, and Christianity was made an illegal religion. It was probably in the summer of a.d. 64 under the persecution of Nero that Peter was martyred.
Paul knew that his death was imminent and that his work on earth was done (4:6–8). He was alone in Rome except for Luke (4:11). Apparently some had deserted him at his first defense before the Roman authorities (4:16). Paul desired Timothy and John Mark to join him before winter (4:9–13).

The immediate occasion for writing this letter was the need to encourage Timothy to stand fast in the face of opposition and heresy. Paul could not be sure Timothy would arrive in Rome before his death, and he wanted to present some final instructions to his most intimate disciple.

Paul begins his last letter to Timothy by addressing him as my “dear son” (1:1–2). Memories of Timothy are especially precious now, and Paul longs to see the friend whose sincere faith is rooted in the teaching of his mother and grandmother (vv. 3–5) and whose gifts Paul himself contributed to (vv. 6–7). It may seem strange at first, but Paul urges his dearly loved friend to join him in suffering for the Gospel. Paul is deeply aware that there is no greater privilege for any person (vv. 8–12). And Paul reminds Timothy that his teaching and life provide a pattern to live by (vv. 13–14).
In a personal note, Paul regrets that so many run for cover now because of his imprisonment—but mentions Onesiphorus as one who risked being associated with Paul by actively asking his whereabouts when he was in Rome (vv. 15–18).
Our calling may not bring us popularity. But the bonds we form with like–minded others are strong and true.

Discussion question
What did Paul mean in verse 6 when he said “fan into flame the gift of God?”

Reflection question

Reflect on what verse 7 means to you.