1:1-12 (Invitation to Suffering)

What happened between 1st and 2nd Timothy?
1. Nero's persecution began
2. Some abandoned faith and Paul (4:9-10)
3. Paul re-imprisoned in much harsher conditions (4:13, 21)
4. Paul knows he's close to death (4:6)
--Citizens were de-capitated
--Non-citizens were crucified

Paul's greeting is fairly typical, but given his context, he stresses the promise of life. He is very thankful to be able to remember Timothy, a faithful son, especially considering the lack of faithfulness in some of the others. He longs to see Timothy. It is here that we learn the names of Timothy's natural family. Lois (his grandmother) and Eunice (his mother) had trained him up in sincere faith. He encourages Timothy to 'fan into flame' (add fuel to the fire) the gift of God. Instead of referring to a particular spiritual gift, this almost certainly refers to the Holy Spirit Himself. Timothy is to, daily, grant the Holy Spirit His consuming role. It may be that Timothy was a timid individual, and Paul was reminding him of the authority underlying his ministry.

Given the nature of the alternative 'kingdoms,' the Gospel's message was considered embarrassing to some. It wasn't a kingdom of military might, but of self-sacrifice and suffering. Paul encouraged Timothy not to be ashamed of this fact, but to glory in it. All the other kingdoms, ultimately, lose in their race to be first. Those in the Kingdom of God, ultimately, win by making themselves last. Timothy should be energized by his salvation and go on to holy living, which is prompted by the grace of God. He can have confident in the Gospel's message since Jesus, Himself, had illustrated this life and immortality through his righteous life, death, and resurrection. Paul knew that, because of Jesus example, his future was taken care of. Timothy could have the same assurance.