JW subtitle extractor

An introduction to 2 Timothy.
This letter was written by the apostle Paul
in Rome about 65 C.E.
Emperor Nero
had begun persecuting Christians,
and Paul was again a prisoner in Rome.
During his first imprisonment,
he was under house arrest.
This time his situation was far more serious.
He was not only in chains
but he was also facing imminent death.
Paul wrote this warm letter to Timothy
to encourage him
to “stir up like a fire the gift of God”
that he received,
to do his utmost
to remain approved by God,
and to flee
from the improper desires of youth.
Second Timothy has four chapters.
Paul opens his letter
with warm encouragement for Timothy,
who may still be in Ephesus.
Paul mentions that some brothers in Asia
have turned away from him.
But he commends Onesiphorus,
who courageously searched for Paul
to minister to him.
In chapter 2,
Paul tells Timothy
to teach other faithful men
the many things he learned from Paul.
The apostle urges Timothy
to “reject foolish and ignorant debates,
knowing that they produce fights.”
Did you know?
Paul’s second letter to Timothy
is the last of 14 books
that the apostle was inspired to write
over a period of about 15 years.
He wrote at least five of those books
while he was in confinement in Rome,
the book of Hebrews being written
either shortly before
or shortly after his release.
In chapter 3, Paul foretells
what people in general will be like
during the last days of Satan’s world.
Paul then reminds Timothy
that the Scriptures,
which are “inspired of God,”
are able to make him “wise for salvation.”
Paul also says
that ‘all those desiring to live
with godly devotion
in association with Christ Jesus
will be persecuted.’
In chapter 4,
Paul solemnly charges Timothy
to preach the word urgently
because the time is coming
when some will reject the truth,
preferring to have their ears tickled
with false stories.
Paul then indicates that his death is near,
so he asks Timothy to come to him quickly
and to bring Mark along.
As you read Paul’s second letter to Timothy,
note how Paul, despite facing imminent death,
was primarily concerned about others,
especially his beloved Timothy;
how all those desiring
to live with godly devotion
will be persecuted;
and how, like Paul and Timothy,
we should fully accomplish our ministry
as we keep our focus on God’s Kingdom.

Introduction to 2 Timothy