Author
The apostle Paul traditionally has been considered the author of 2 Timothy, and the letter explicitly states that he is the author (2Ti 1:1; see 1Ti, Introduction: Author).
Date
After being freed from the Roman captivity described in Acts 28, Paul apparently traveled in the eastern Mediterranean region (1Ti 1:3; 3:14; Titus 1:5; 3:12). During this time, Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, probably between AD 62 and 65. After this he was imprisoned again, and during this time he wrote 2 Timothy. Early church tradition agrees that Paul was executed by the Roman emperor Nero. Since Nero committed suicide in June AD 68 and since Paul asked Timothy to come to him “before winter,” this last letter must have been written before the autumn of AD 67 (2Ti 4:21). The most likely date is AD 66–67.
Background
Setting
Paul wrote 2 Timothy from prison, probably shortly before his death. Timothy was seemingly still in Ephesus when Paul sent him this second letter.
Purpose
Paul’s primary purpose of the letter was to ask Timothy to join him in Rome (2Ti 4:9,11,13,21). Paul was in prison and knew he would not live much longer (2Ti 4:6–8). Others who had previously ministered to him, with the exception of Luke, were no longer there, and he longed for Timothy’s company (2Ti 4:11). Paul also wrote the letter to strengthen Timothy’s loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ in the face of the suffering his young disciple would certainly face (see 2Ti 1:8; 2:3; 3:12; 4:5).
Audience
This warmly personal letter was addressed to Timothy and included specific instructions for him. However, like 1 Timothy and Titus, the letter was intended to be read to the church at Ephesus since it would serve as a written authorization for Timothy to carry out Paul’s directives included therein (2Ti 2:2; 3:1; see 1Ti, Introduction: Audience).
Themes
Paul used this letter to encourage consistent Christian living even in the midst of difficulties and trials (2Ti 1:8,13; 2:1,3,5,15; 1,10–14; 4:1–5). The apostle sent a clear message that this Christian lifestyle was only possible in the strength of Christ.
Outline
Introduction: Salutation (1:1–2)
I. Ministering Faithfully in God’s Power (1:3–18)
II. Enduring Hardship in the Ministry (2:1–13)
III. Dealing with False Teachers (2:14–26)
A. Avoiding controversies with heretics (2:14–21)
B. Refuting heretics (2:22–26)
IV. Standing Firm in the Face of Apostasy (3:1–17)
A. The coming apostasy (3:1–9)
B. The need to withstand this apostasy (3:10–17)
V. Preaching God’s Word in All Circumstances (4:1–9)
VI. Delivering Instructions to Timothy (4:10–18)
Conclusion: Final greetings and farewell (4:19–22)