Book of Timothy Historical Background

When looking at a book in scripture, it is important to know the historical

background and implications that might have on any given passage in the book. On an
initial read through of the book of 2Timothy several pieces of background, information is
made available. From the very beginning of the book, we find out the author, Paul, and
the recipient(s), Timothy. This alone tells us volumes about how the book may be laid
out, and the language that has potential to be used because Paul is such a large figure in
the New Testament.
Continuing along in chapter one, there are a few other snippets of information
shared with the reader. We are able to tell that Paul has had contact with Timothys
family for some time at the point this epistle was written (2 Tim 1:5). One of the
purposes of the book was to encourage Timothy in his faith and ministry. It would be a
safe claim to say there was a strong need for Timothy to be reminded to preach the true
Word of God (2 Tim 1:13,14; 3:14;4:1,2). Timothy was pasturing the church in Ephesus
(1 Tim 1:3) when he received this letter.
We also find out Pauls location while he is writing, in Rome, in chains and
expecting death (2 Tim 1:15-16). From exterior sources, we find this to be around the
year A.D. 67. Knowing this date, allows us to realize the gravity of the situation Paul is
in. Emperor Nero was on a Christian hunting rampage, sparked by a fire that burned a
large part of Rome. Nero was feeling the heat from the people so he blamed the
Christians and began to arrest and kill them.
To gain understanding of the scope of the letter Paul is writing, it is important to
find out geographically where Paul is talking about in his letter. In our modern English
context, when Paul speaks of people from Asia abandoning him(2 Tim 1:15), the

generally uninformed interpreter would imagine Asia in the modern context, China,
Japan, et al. when in fact, in Pauls day, Asia referred to the modern day location of
Turkey and surrounding areas. Also important to understand in the geography and setting
of the book, is Pauls location in Rome. With this knowledge, many of Pauls examples
and illustrations have a fuller sense of importance and bring personalization to his epistle.
Paul talks about many locations towards the end of 2 Timothy. From verse 9 of
chapter 4 all the way to the end, 7 marked locations are spoken about. These are
important because it first gives us a picture of how broad a range of space and people
Paul ministered to, as well as secondly, allowing us to see how far removed from his
friends he is, now that chains in Rome have a hold on him.
All of these factors play a large part in the interpretation and even basic reading
and understanding of every part of 2 Timothy. For example, Paul gives several directions
to Timothy towards the end of his letter. By studying, we can find out that when Paul
asks for his cloak from Troas, there are huge implications tagged on that (2 Tim 4:13). It
is unclear first what the term cloak is ever talking about. Some interpreters take it to be a
greatcoat and Paul desired it because of the cold weather coming. It should be noted that
winter is coming and Paul entreats Timothy to come to him before that happens. We can
understand why, by studying the difficulty of traveling by sea during this tormentous
time, as well as the indication that Paul is not sure how long he has left. Returning to the
cloak, another idea is that a cloak, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, is a
bag or case for books to be kept in.
Having all these various historical and cultural aspects in mind, we in our modern
day reading and interpreting of the text are able to have a more full picture of exactly
how Timothy, the recipient would have read and understood Pauls letter.

Clark, Adam. Clarkes Commentary on the Bible. Nelson Reference. 1997.

Barnes, Albert. Barnes Notes on the Bible. Baker Books. 1983.
Graves, David E.. Historical Background. 2 Timothy. 2000. Electronic Christian
Media. <http://www.abu.nb.ca/ecm/Tim20b.htm>.
Smith, Gordon. New Testament Story Outlined in Maps. Questions About the New
Testament. <http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CN092MAPS1.htm>