2 Timothy

This is the eleventh in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters.  The eleventh is 2 Timothy, and the outline comes from Robert Arthur Bailey:

a   Address to Timothy and Blessing, 1:1-2
     b   Paul's Imprisonment in Rome, 1:3-18
          c   Persevere as a Good Soldier of Anointed (Christ), 2:1-26
          c'  Turn Away from Ungodly, Proclaim the Word, Fulfill Your Ministry, 3:1-4:5
     b'  Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry, 4:6-18a
a'  Doxology, greetings, blessing, 4:18b-22

The 'a' pattern links the introduction and conclusion.

The 'b' pattern is linked by Paul's reflections on his ministry in light of his imprisonment in Rome.  In both sections, he speaks of those who have abandoned him, but that Timothy should not be ashamed. (1:8, 1:15, 4:16-18)  In the first section, he talks about his suffering.  In the second section, he looks forward to the suffering being over. (4:7-8)

The 'c' pattern provides Paul's central charge to Timothy.  The first section enjoins Timothy to be faithful in his duties and clinging to Christ despite the obstacles of false teachers.  The second section enjoins Timothy to be faithful in his duties despite the faithlessness of those who are "lovers of themselves" and despite persecution that will come.