The epistle of Second Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most personal letters. He is writing during his second and final imprisonment to his trusted and beloved son in the faith. Paul knows his execution is imminent. His concern is not for himself, but for Timothy, who must continue in the spiritual battle. His theme, “the good soldier of Jesus Christ” follows that of first Timothy, “Fight the good fight” (1Ti 1:18; 1Ti 6:12).
Gene Cunningham - October 26, 2019
PA 2019 Session 3
Correct interpretation of the book requires taking its historical and cultural context into consideration. The book was written around 66–68 A.D. This was in the early stages of the growing Jewish/Roman war that would end in the destruction of the Temple, the city of Jerusalem, and the Nation of Israel itself. The recipients were Hebrew believers, who under fierce persecution were considering returning to Judaism as a shield against both their Jewish persecutors and also the growing Roman threat. At this time, Judaism was still protected by Rome. The Book of Hebrews is not an epistle written to professing but unsaved people (the Calvinist/ Lordship view). Nor is it a warning to genuine believers who are in danger of apostasy resulting in the loss of their salvation (the Arminian view). Rather, it is a stark warning to true children of God of the danger of loving this world to the point of hiding their faith and denying the Savior—just as Peter (and Paul) had done.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:17-20, Ephesians 4:1, Psalms 2:7, Hebrews 1:1-14
From Series: "An Appeal for Faithfulness in and Age of Apostasy"
On October 25th – 27th, 2019 Basic Training Bible Ministries and Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, PA presented “An Appeal for Faithfulness in an Age of Apostasy – The Five Warning Passages from The Book of Hebrews”. The theme comes from Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore, we must give more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”