2 Timothy
New Testament · translated from the Greek
Paul, a prisoner, senses that his departure is near. He urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the Lord's testimony, to share in suffering for the good news, to remain in the Scriptures and to preach the word.
How it is laid out
Key verses
- 2 Timothy 3:16 — All Scripture is inspired by God
- 2 Timothy 4:7 — I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, love and sound judgment
Who wrote it
The letter presents itself as from Paul to Timothy, his "beloved child" (1:1-2). Christian tradition attributes it to the apostle Paul and holds it to be his last letter. Its authorship is debated.
When it was written
Debated: around AD 64–67, shortly before Paul's death, if he wrote it; or somewhat later.
For whom, and in what situation
Timothy, at a time when Paul was in prison (1:8), felt the time of his departure had come (4:6) and had been deserted by nearly everyone (4:10, 16). He asks Timothy to come soon (4:9).
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