2 Timothy is regarded by scholars as the last epistle that the apostle Paul wrote. Church historian Eusebius wrote that Paul was martyred in the reign of Emperor Nero in 68 AD.
When Paul wrote to the Philippians he expressed confidence that he would soon be released from prison (Philippians 1:19). However in this last epistle Paul wrote as if he knew that he would die soon (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK FOR AS WE READ 2 TIMOTHY
This last pastoral epistle was written for his spiritual son Timothy. Paul, knowing that soon he would no longer be able to communicate with his son, shared many personal spiritual lessons about how to succeed in faith and life. The following are things that we ought to look out for as we read 2 Timothy.
1. The character and spirit of the apostle Paul
a) Faithfulness
b) Dedication
c) Courage
d) Strength
2. The source of the spiritual wisdom and strength
a) The grace of God
b) The word of God
c) The work of the Holy Spirit
d) His prayer-life
3. Fatherly advice to a dearly beloved son
a) Appreciation of the deep bond of love between a father and his son
b) Sustaining of that deep spiritual relationship
4. Grave words of warning
a) Let us give heed as we read the grave words of admonition about problems that could threaten our faith and life in the end times.
b) Let us learn how we may protect ourselves from evil and false teachings that flood the world today.
READING THE WORD OF GOD DILIGENTLY
Let us pray for grace and strength to read 2 Timothy with great discernment and with faithful diligence. May our hearts find great enlightenment from the Spirit of God!