Second Timothy
Author: Paul
Type of Book: Pastoral Epistle
Date of Writing: AD 67
Theme: Hold fast to the Word of God
Paul wrote this book from his Roman prison cell. He knew his death was imminent, and he wanted to give some last-minute instructions to his young protege, Timothy. This was the last book Paul wrote, probably in AD 67. As his last recorded words, we see a more personal communication from Paul than in any of his other books. When you know your time is short, you have a tendency to boil everything down to what matters most, and that is what Paul does here.
Timothy was serving as the pastor in Ephesus, and Paul really wanted to see him one more time before his death. He had been deserted by others, but he knew Timothy was a true friend and considered him like a son. Paul was unabashed in this letter as he declared his affection for Timothy and his need of him. There was a certain sadness, as Paul talked about his race being almost over, but there was also the strong declaration that he knew he had kept the faith and finished his race. Paul wanted to see Timothy as soon as possible, but if Timothy wasn't able to make it to Rome before Paul was martyred, he wanted to give him some final instructions and to share his heart once more.
Paul warned Timothy against the many false teachings going around. He challenged him to remain faithful to the gospel. But if there is one thing that stands out in this book more than anything else, it is Paul's exhortation to Timothy to preach the Word. Paul knew that if Timothy would stick with the Word, everything else would be taken care of. Staying in the Word is still the key to being consistent, faithful, loyal, and solidly dependable.
Young ministers today are tempted to turn aside and grab onto the latest gimmick. Thousands of books have been written professing instructions for living your life or for leading a church. But there is just one Book that is the key: the Bible. And I can't think of a better piece of advice to leave to the next generation than "Preach the Word!"
-from Pastor Chuck Smith from The Word for Today Bible