Where it fits

Second Timothy is the sixteenth book of the New Testament, with four chapters. Paul writes from prison, probably in Rome. He is in chains and expects to die (1:8, 16; 4:6). Traditionally the letter is dated to the mid-60s AD, and it is usually seen as his last. As with 1 Timothy, some scholars question Paul's authorship, but many readers hear it as the most personal of the pastoral letters. Read straight through, it takes about nine minutes.

Who, to whom, and why

The mood is that of a farewell. Paul is lonely: Demas has deserted him, others have gone elsewhere, and at his first defense no one stood by him (4:10, 16). Only Luke is with him (4:11). Yet he is not bitter. He reminds Timothy of the faith that lived first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (1:5), and tells him to fan into flame the gift God gave him (1:6). God has not given believers a spirit of fear, Paul says, but of power, love, and self-control (1:7).

The letter urges Timothy to endure. Paul uses the pictures of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer (2:3–6), each of whom must work hard before seeing results. He tells Timothy to continue in what he has learned from the Scriptures since childhood (3:14–15), and gives his charge: preach the word whether the time seems right or not (4:1–5). Paul then looks at his own life. He is being poured out like a drink offering, the time of his departure has come, and he has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (4:6–8). The last lines ask Timothy to come before winter and bring his cloak and parchments (4:9–22).

Three ideas to hold on to

1. Don't be ashamed, and don't be afraid. Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul in prison, but to join in suffering for the gospel, relying on God's power (1:7–8).
2. Pass it on. Paul tells Timothy to entrust what he has heard to faithful people who will teach others (2:2). That is four generations in one verse: Paul, Timothy, faithful people, and others.
3. Scripture equips God's people. Paul says Scripture is “God-breathed” and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped (3:16–17).

Passages people ask about

• 2 Timothy 2:1–13. Endurance in three pictures, and a short saying that may be an early hymn: if we die with him, we will also live with him (2:11–13).
• 2 Timothy 3:10–17. Persecution is normal for those who want to live a godly life, and Scripture is the believer's resource. Christians describe inspiration in different ways, but all hear Paul saying Scripture comes from God.
• 2 Timothy 4:6–8. Paul's own summary of his life, looking ahead to the crown of righteousness the Lord will give.
• 2 Timothy 4:9–18. Personal notes: Demas has left, Luke stays, and Mark, whom Paul once refused to take along (Acts 15:37–39), is now useful to him. Paul says the Lord stood with him (4:17).

How it points to Jesus

Paul urges Timothy to remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead and descended from David, which is the heart of Paul's gospel (2:8). God's grace was given in Christ Jesus before time began and has now been revealed through his appearing, and he has defeated death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (1:9–10). The one who will judge the living and the dead (4:1) is the same one who stood beside Paul in prison.

A common misunderstanding

Second Timothy 4:7 is often read at funerals and retirements as a victory lap, as if Paul were boasting. The tone is quieter. Paul is writing from a cell, and he gives the credit to the Lord, who stood by him and will rescue him (4:17–18). The point is not that Paul was strong. It is that the Lord is faithful.