The last words of someone’s life are the most memorable. Of all the things Paul taught and all the letters he wrote, 2 Timothy was his final letter. Let’s take a brief introduction to 2 Timothy.

An Introduction to 2 Timothy

BIG IDEA

First, live a holy life in a fallen world. Second, teach others how to live a holy life.

KEY VERSE

“You have heard me teaching things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:2, New Living Translation

AUTHOR

2 Timothy was written by Paul (1:1), a preacher and apostle (1:11), who was in prison (1:18, 12, 16-17; 2:9).

DATE

Paul wrote 2 Timothy late in his life when he was near death (4:6-8) which was about A.D. 63-67.

AUDIENCE

Timothy is whom Paul wrote this letter to. Timothy is directly addressed throughout the letter (1:2, 3; 2:1; 3:1, 10; 4:9), had a genuine faith (1:5), and was a “dear son” to Paul (2:1).

OUTLINE

CALL (chapter 1)
- Of Timothy (1:1-10)
- Of Paul (1:11-18)
COUNSEL (chapters 2-3)
- On How to Suffer (2:1-10)
- On How to Interpret Scripture (2:11-14)
- On How to Live Now (2:15-26)
- On How to Live in the Last Days (3:1-9)
- On How to Apply Scripture (3:10-17)
CONTINUE (chapter 4)
- In the Ministry for Christ (4:1-8)
- In the Ministry with Others (4:9-22)

THEMES

Team Ministry

Paul always did ministry with other men and women. In this letter, 2 Timothy, he names 21 different people.

Suffering

Paul shares about the suffering that he has experienced (1:12, 16; 2:9-10; 3:11) and how Timothy and other Christians should be ready to suffer (1:8; 2:3; 3:12).

Christ’s Return

Paul talks about “the day of Christ’s return” (1:18; 4:8), “the last days” (3:1-5), and “when [Christ] comes” (4:1, 3-4).

PERSONAL APPLICATIONS

Hold on to sound doctrine and teaching.

There is a natural drift that can occur in lives and churches if they don’t stay committed to God’s Word. Because of that, Christians need to study the Word.

Run from ungodly behavior.

As a young man, Timothy, could easily have gotten sucked into immorality, lust, and evil. This is a struggle I need to fight against too. When these struggles arise you need to run from them.