Pauline Epistles · New Testament
2 Timothy
c. AD 66–67
- Section
- Pauline Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 66–67
- Written
- c. AD 67, from Roman imprisonment (in Rome, modern-day Italy)
- Author
- Paul the Apostle
Paul's final letter, written from a Roman prison as he awaits execution, is a moving charge to Timothy to be faithful. He urges him to guard the gospel, endure suffering, preach the word in season and out, and hold to Scripture, declaring, “I have fought a good fight… I have kept the faith.”
Historical setting: Paul near martyrdom under Nero in Rome; the Second Temple still standing, but the Jewish revolt against Rome now under way.
Key themes
- Faithful endurance
- Guard the gospel
- The inspiration of Scripture
- Preach the word
- Finishing well
The letter's charge
- Paul urges Timothy to fan into flame his gift and not be ashamed of the gospel
- Endure hardship as a good soldier, athlete, and hardworking farmer of Christ
- In the last days perilous times will come; all Scripture is given by inspiration of God
- "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season"
- "I have fought a good fight… I have kept the faith" — Paul nears the end
Key lessons
- Following Christ includes suffering; Paul calls Timothy to endure hardship like a good soldier and never to be ashamed of the gospel. 2 Tim 1:8; 2:3
- All Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient to equip believers for every good work; it is our anchor when “perilous times” come. 2 Tim 3:16–17
- Ministers must “preach the word” faithfully, in season and out, even when people would rather have teachers who tell them what they want to hear. 2 Tim 4:2–4
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
Critical scholarship view
Where mainstream critical scholarship dates or attributes this book differently from the traditional view above.
- Written
- Disputed; possibly c. AD 90–100
- Author
- Pseudonymous, an unknown author writing in Paul’s name