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#30.
Paul's doctrine, manner of life and purpose (3: 10),
with the structure of II Tim. 3: 10 - 4: 8.
pp. 168 - 174
Having now considered the two central members of the epistle 2: 14-26, Approved,
and 3: 1-9, Disapproved, the subject matter, follows the ordinary disposition of regular
introversion, and the member now before us (3: 10 - 4: 8) "The Crown" is in structural
correspondence with 2: 1-13, "The Crown". We discover that both passages have to
do with Paul's ministry and the suffering it entailed, together with the glorious
recognition by the Lord "in that day". This member opens with the first great missionary
ministry of the apostle (3: 10-12) and closes with the words concerning his prison
ministry "I have finished" (4: 3-8). Between these two extremes, the apostle places in
contrast, the apostasy of the last days with its refusal of the Word, the inspiration of all
Scripture, and its profitableness both for salvation and subsequent service. The skeleton
outline is:
A | 3: 10-12. Paul's doctrine and ministry. The BEGINNING.
B | 3: 13-17. Scripture for doctrine.
C | 4: 1. The Judge and His appearing.
B | 4: 2, 3-. Preach the Word . . . with doctrine.
A | 4: -3-7. Paul's doctrine and ministry. The END.
C | 4: 8. The Judge and His appearing.
Ministry, especially that of Paul's, is a ministry of the Word, and none can hope to
follow in the footsteps of the Apostle to the Gentiles, who sets aside, belittles, or
underestimates the value of inspired Scripture. We must now complete the structure, and
then begin an examination of its vital contents.