2 Timothy: Faithful to the End

2 Timothy at a Glance

Second Timothy is the last letter we have from Paul. He writes from a Roman prison with his work nearly done and his death near. The letter is personal, urgent, and full of hope.

• Author. Paul (2 Timothy 1:1).
• Date. About AD 66–67, during Paul's second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death. He is in chains (2 Timothy 2:9) and ready to be offered (2 Timothy 4:6). Early Christian tradition says he was put to death under Nero.
• Written To. Timothy, Paul's young helper, whose faith had come first to his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was probably still at Ephesus.
• Setting. Paul is nearly alone. Demas has left him, and Only Luke is with me (2 Timothy 4:10–11). He asks Timothy to come before winter (2 Timothy 4:21).
• Key Verse. the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Key Word or Theme. Faithfulness to the end. Guard the Gospel, pass it on, and preach the Word.