The Book of 2 Timothy
2 Timothy is Paul's final letter — written from prison in Rome shortly before his execution — charging Timothy to guard the gospel and preach the word, and affirming that all Scripture is God-breathed.
- Testament
- New (4 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Author
- Paul, near the end of his life.
- Date
- Probably 64-67 AD, from his second imprisonment in Rome.
Scripture's authority
'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness' (3:16) — the New Testament's clearest claim about the Old Testament. Paul commends Scripture as the apostles are dying out.
Faithful to the end
Paul writes facing execution: 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith' (4:7). It is the most moving letter in the Pauline corpus — the apostle handing the baton to the next generation.
Key verses (KJV)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
How to read 2 Timothy
Four short chapters; one sitting. Read knowing Paul is in chains, dying, and writing to a younger man. It will land differently.
Read 2 Timothy on your iPhone
Read the full book of 2 Timothy in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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