Preface — How to Read 2 Timothy

2 Timothy is Paul’s last letter. The time of his departure has come. He has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. From prison he writes to his beloved child Timothy with urgent pastoral charges: stir up the gift, do not be ashamed, hold the pattern of sound words, endure hardship, and remain in the things he has learned.

The letter is set inside the last days of the old covenant age. Grievous times are present. Evil men and impostors grow worse. Yet God’s firm foundation stands, and the crown of righteousness is stored up for all who have loved his appearing.

What this letter shows

• The grace and purpose of God were given in Christ Jesus before times eternal and have now been revealed by the appearing of the Savior.
• Death has been abolished; life and immortality have been brought to light through the Good News.
• The last days are characterised by a form of godliness that denies its power — a present reality Timothy must turn away from.
• The Scriptures are able to make one wise for salvation and to thoroughly equip the person of God for every good work.

How to read it

Read 2 Timothy as the final charge of an apostle who knows his course is complete. The appearing he looks for is the same appearing the churches of that generation were taught to expect. The deposit has been given. The task is to guard it and finish well.