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1-2 Timothy and Titus: Pastoral Epistles

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Pastorals (1 Timothy 1–6; 2 Timothy 3–4)
    20 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    False Teaching (1 Timothy 1; Titus 1–3; 2 Timothy 1–4)
    18 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Church Government (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1–2 Review)
    18 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Mentoring in Ministry (1 Timothy 1, 6, 2 Timothy 1–4 Review)
    21 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Women in Ministry (1 Timothy 2–3, 5, 1 Corinthians 11 Review)
    21 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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2 Timothy also has many passages with a distinctive “Pauline” flavor. One example is the athletic imagery featured in 2 Timothy 2:5 NIV:

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

We heard something similar in 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

A second passage in 2 Timothy recalls this passage as well (2 Timothy 4:7), and there are many other parallels in this letter. A few of these are listed below, beginning with the one we’ve discussed. 

Other Letters NIV2 Timothy NIV
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:25)Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (2:5)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (4:7)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. (4:17)
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. (Philippians 2:17)For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. (4:6)

Adapted from: Lars Kierspel, Charts on the Life, Letters, and Theology of Paul, 2012, p. 131.