I. Ministry, Teaching, and Faithfulness:;xNLx;;xNLx;Gospel (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:8, 10; 2:8): Literally "good news." Refers to the message of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Paul preached and entrusted to Timothy.;xNLx;Testimony (about our Lord) (2 Timothy 1:8): Bearing witness to the truth about Jesus Christ, including His person, work, and the gospel message, even in the face of opposition or shame.;xNLx;Deposit / What has been entrusted (Greek: paratheke) (2 Timothy 1:12, 14): The precious truth of the gospel and sound doctrine that Paul had entrusted to Timothy, which Timothy was to guard faithfully through the Holy Spirit.;xNLx;Sound words / Healthy teaching / Sound doctrine (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:13; 4:3; cf. 1 Timothy 1:10, Titus 1:9, 2:1): True, orthodox, and spiritually wholesome Christian teaching that aligns with the apostolic gospel and promotes godly living, contrasted with the "myths" and unhealthy teachings of false teachers.;xNLx;Guard (the good deposit) (2 Timothy 1:14): To protect, keep safe, and preserve faithfully the truth of the gospel and sound doctrine from corruption or distortion by false teachers.;xNLx;Apostle (2 Timothy 1:1, 11): Meaning "sent one." Paul refers to himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, emphasizing his divine commission and authority.;xNLx;Herald / Preacher (2 Timothy 1:11; 4:2, 17): One who proclaims or publicly announces a message, specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ.;xNLx;Teacher (2 Timothy 1:11; 2:2, 24; 3:10, 16 [Scripture is profitable for teaching]; 4:3): One who instructs others in the truths of the faith and sound doctrine.;xNLx;Evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5): One who proclaims the good news (gospel), particularly to those who have not heard it, with the aim of bringing them to faith in Christ. Timothy is urged to "do the work of an evangelist.";xNLx;Minister / Ministry / Serve / Service (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:18 [Onesiphorus]; 2:15 [workman]; 4:5, 11): To serve God and others, particularly in the context of proclaiming the gospel, teaching, and pastoral care. Timothy is to "fulfill your ministry.";xNLx;Stewardship (Implied in "guard the deposit" and fulfilling ministry; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Titus 1:7): The responsible management of something entrusted to one's care, such as the gospel or the leadership of a church.;xNLx;Unashamed (workman) (2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16; 2:15): Not feeling or showing shame or embarrassment, particularly about the gospel, Christ's sufferings, or Paul's imprisonment. Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed.;xNLx;Suffer / Endure hardship (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:8, 12; 2:3, 9; 3:11-12; 4:5): To experience pain, affliction, persecution, or difficulty, especially for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Paul presents suffering as an expected part of faithful Christian ministry and calls Timothy to share in it.;xNLx;Perseverance / Endurance (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:10, 12; 3:10; 4:5): Steadfastness, patience, and remaining constant under trial, suffering, or opposition.;xNLx;Faithful / Faithfulness (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:5 [Timothy's sincere faith]; 2:2, 11, 13, 22; 3:10, 14; 4:7): Trustworthy, loyal, and consistently adhering to the truth of the gospel and one's commitments to Christ. God's faithfulness is a key theme.;xNLx;Grace (Greek: charis) (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:2, 3, 9; 2:1; 4:22): God's unmerited favor, kindness, and divine enablement given to believers, which is the source of salvation and strength for ministry.;xNLx;Mercy (2 Timothy 1:2, 16, 18): God's compassion and forbearance, not giving what is deserved (punishment), and showing kindness to those in distress.;xNLx;Calling (holy calling) (2 Timothy 1:9): God's divine initiative in summoning people to salvation and to a life set apart for His purposes, not based on works but on His own purpose and grace.;xNLx;II. False Teaching and Opposition:;xNLx;;xNLx;False teachers / Those who promote error (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 3:1-9, 13; 4:3-4): Individuals who deviate from sound apostolic doctrine, often characterized by irreverent babble, promoting controversies, having a form of godliness but denying its power, and leading people astray with myths.;xNLx;Myths / Irreverent babble / Foolish, ignorant controversies / Quarrels about words (2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 23; 4:4; cf. 1 Timothy 1:4, 4:7, 6:20): Speculative, empty, and ungodly teachings or disputes that are fruitless, cause strife, and turn people away from the truth of the gospel.;xNLx;Gangrene / Spreading disease (2 Timothy 2:17): A metaphor for the destructive and corrupting nature of false teaching, which spreads like a harmful infection within the church.;xNLx;Deceivers / Impostors (2 Timothy 3:13): Those who mislead others with false claims or teachings, often for their own gain, and who themselves are deceived.;xNLx;Lovers of self / Lovers of money / Proud / Arrogant / Abusive / Disobedient to their parents / Ungrateful / Unholy / Heartless / Unappeasable / Slanderous / Without self-control / Brutal / Not loving good / Treacherous / Reckless / Swollen with conceit / Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:2-4): A list of vices characterizing people in "the last days," including false teachers and those who resist the truth.;xNLx;Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5): Describing those who maintain an outward form or pretense of religious devotion but lack the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and true faith in their lives and conduct.;xNLx;Swerve from the truth (2 Timothy 2:18): To deviate or depart from the established and correct understanding of the gospel and sound doctrine.;xNLx;III. Scripture and Its Purpose:;xNLx;;xNLx;Sacred writings / Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15-16): The holy writings of the Old Testament (and by implication, the emerging New Testament apostolic writings), which are "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.";xNLx;Breathed out by God / Inspired by God (Greek: theopneustos) (2 Timothy 3:16): The doctrine that all Scripture originates from God, being His divine revelation, and therefore possesses divine authority and truthfulness. Literally "God-breathed.";xNLx;Profitable (for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness) (2 Timothy 3:16): Scripture is useful and beneficial for all aspects of Christian instruction, guidance, and moral development.;xNLx;Reproof (2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2): To rebuke, expose error, or convict of sin, with the aim of leading to correction.;xNLx;Correction (2 Timothy 3:16): Setting right what is wrong; restoring to a proper state.;xNLx;Training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16): Instruction and discipline that leads to living a life that conforms to God's moral standards.;xNLx;IV. Paul's Circumstances and Exhortations:;xNLx;;xNLx;Prisoner / Imprisonment / Chains (2 Timothy 1:8, 16; 2:9): Paul refers to his own status as a prisoner in Rome for the sake of the gospel.;xNLx;Martyrdom / Departure / Being poured out as a drink offering (2 Timothy 4:6): Paul anticipates his imminent execution. "Drink offering" is a metaphor for the pouring out of his life in sacrifice for Christ. "Departure" refers to his death.;xNLx;Crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8): The reward that the Lord, the righteous judge, will award on the day of Christ's return to Paul and to all who have loved His appearing. It symbolizes vindication and eternal life in God's righteous kingdom.;xNLx;The Lord's appearing / His appearing (2 Timothy 1:10; 4:1, 8): Refers to the return of Jesus Christ in glory.;xNLx;Kindle / Fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6): To stir up, revive, and actively use the spiritual gift(s) that Timothy had received from God, likely for ministry.;xNLx;Gentiles (2 Timothy 1:11; 4:17): Non-Jewish peoples. Paul was appointed as a preacher and apostle and teacher to the Gentiles.;xNLx;Crete / Crescens to Galatia / Titus to Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10): Locations mentioned in Paul's final remarks, indicating the movements of his co-workers.;xNLx;Parchments (2 Timothy 4:13): Scrolls made of animal skin, possibly containing portions of the Old Testament Scriptures or Paul's own writings or notes, which he asks Timothy to bring.;xNLx;Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14): An individual who had done Paul great harm and whom Paul warns Timothy about.;xNLx;V. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5): Genuine, unfeigned, and heartfelt trust in God, like that possessed by Timothy, his mother Eunice, and grandmother Lois.;xNLx;Sober-minded / Self-controlled (2 Timothy 1:7 [ESV: "self-control" from "spirit of..."]; 4:5): Having sound judgment, mental discipline, and calmness, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition.;xNLx;"The saying is trustworthy" (2 Timothy 2:11): A formula Paul uses to introduce a statement or teaching that is particularly reliable and foundational in Christian belief.;xNLx;Vessel for honorable use / Dish for honorable use (2 Timothy 2:20-21): In God's "great house" (the church), there are different kinds of vessels. Believers are called to cleanse themselves from what is dishonorable to be vessels set apart, useful to the master, and ready for every good work.;xNLx;The last days (2 Timothy 3:1): Refers to the period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by difficult times and increasing ungodliness.;xNLx;This list is intended to help clarify some of the key vocabulary and concepts found in Paul's Second Letter to Timothy (ESV). Understanding these terms within their original context of Paul's final exhortations to his young protégé is crucial for grasping the letter's timeless message of faithfulness, endurance, and the preciousness of the gospel.