crown. In chapters 3: and 4: we have the same emphasis. In both passages we have

the word kakopatheo, suffer evil, (2: 3, 9; 4: 5). In both the "crown" (2: 5; 4: 8) and

on both either a "good" (kalos) soldier, or a "good" (kalos) fight (2: 3; 4: 7). There is

enough here to make us suspect another set of correspondencies. This leaves the second

half of chapter 2:, and the opening half of chapter 3: to complete the epistle. We note

in 2: 15 the word "approved" (dokimos), which is found in negative form in 3: 8,

"reprobate" (adokimos). This is encouraging as it forms the first link between these

remaining passages. We further note that Hymenaeus and Philetus err concerning the

truth, while Jannes and Jambres are given as examples of those who resisted the truth

(2: 17, 18; 3: 8).  The rather alarming statement: "They will increase unto more

ungodliness" (2: 16) is tempered by the words "They shall proceed no further (3: 9).

Again, there is an evident contrast between those captives of the devil who obtain

deliverance by "repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" (2: 25), and those who are

"ever learning and never able to come to an acknowledgment of the truth" (3: 7).

Moreover, we see a parallel thought in the injunction of 2: 16, to "shun", with the

injunction of 3: 5, "From such turn away". With the material now before us, it is

difficult to go far wrong in arriving at the structure of the epistle, which we here set out.

As indicated in the sub-heading of this article, the reader has now been shown

something of the manner of arriving at the structure of a given passage. This has been

done in response to the request of readers who have asked: "How do you arrive at the

structure of any given passage?" In order to follow the lead given it is of course

necessary to become well acquainted with the book or epistle concerned, so that the

memory is stored with its contents and thus able to seize upon corresponding features.

On no account must headings be used to obtain the structure. Such a course may

sidetrack the seeker and result merely in the production of a pretty structure, not the

ascertainment of the truth. We build upon the words of inspiration as instanced in the

foregoing structure: kerux, dokimos, kalos, kakopatheo. Here we are on solid rock, and

though he fight against our theories the greatest antagonist must acknowledge the facts

we have marshalled. In a sense, the seeking of a structure is the practical putting into

effect of the command "rightly to divide the Word of Truth". In result it places truth in

compartments and facilitates discernment of the development of the argument.

We have now seen II Timothy in its relation to the other prison epistles, as well as

the relation of its separate parts to one another and to the epistle as a whole. We are now

ready to commence the study of details with the assurance that such preparatory study

always brings. While no assurance can alter our utter dependence upon the Lord, the

Author of the book, we have learned that the most complete dependence goes hand in

hand with the utmost diligence, a statement with which every reader of this article will

most heartily agree.