As with 1 Timothy, Paul identifies himself as the author in the first word of the letter. Also as with 1 Timothy, scholars have questioned his authorship. Again, the arguments of different style are easily explained by the purpose and recipient of 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy was written during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome. Tradition says Paul was martyred in A.D. 68, so this letter was written before then, probably around 67. If this is the case, 2 Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote before his death.

1:7-10 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…”

3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

4:1-8 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul

2 Timothy is almost a “last will and testament” of Paul, who is aware that he is about to meet the Lord by being martyred in Rome. The intensely personal character of the letter shows Paul’s care for Timothy, and how much he missed him. Although Paul is distressed by his impending death, he is steadfast in faith and hopeful for his future in the presence of the Lord.

Paul’s Impending Martyrdom

Paul knew his time was short. He knew he must give Timothy some last instructions and implores Timothy to come to him quickly.

General Outline

Greeting (1:1-2)

Thanksgiving (1:3-7)

Exhortations (1:8-4:5)

1. Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel (1:8-12)
2. Hold Fast to The Faith (1:13-18)
3. Be Strong in Grace (2:1-13)
4. Avoid Apostates and Sinfulness (2:14-26)
5. Know that Evil Men are Coming (3:1-9)
6. Continue in Righteousness, Following Paul’s Example (3:10-17)
7. Preach the Word (4:1-5)

Paul’s Testament (4:6-8)
 

Requests (4:9-21)

1. Come Quickly Because I Am Alone (4:9-10)
2. Bring Mark (4:11)
3. Bring My Coat and My Books (4:13)
4. Beware Alexander the Coppersmith (4:14-15)

Farewell (4:16-22)

1. Paul’s Prayer of Forgiveness for those who left him (4:16)
2. The Lord is Faithful (4:17-18)
3. Greetings and Request for Timothy to Come Before Winter (4:19-21)
4. Final Farewell (4:22)