Book Study: Second Timothy

Book Overview

2nd Timothy is written by Paul from a Roman prison shortly before his death, offering heartfelt encouragement and instruction to Timothy. Paul urges Timothy to remain steadfast in faith, endure suffering, and boldly proclaim the gospel despite rising opposition. He warns of false teachers and moral decline in the last days, emphasizing the power and sufficiency of Scripture to equip believers for every good work. The letter closes with Paul’s personal reflections and his confidence in his eternal reward.

Brief Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1

Paul writes to Timothy remembering his strong faith which was inherited from his mother and grandmother. He longs to see Timothy and encourages him to not be ashamed of him or the testimony of Jesus. He tells Timothy to remain true to sound words and not turn away as the others in Asia have all done. He mentions thankfulness for Onesiphorus who visited him in Rome, probably from Ephesus.

Chapter 2

Paul continues to encourage Timothy to suffer as a good soldier, compete as an athlete and work like a good farmer. He reveals that his suffering is worth it for the salvation it brings to others and says to remember Jesus Christ. Be accurate to the word of truth and avoid worldly chatter. Timothy is to remain clean pursuing faith, love and peace while avoiding speculations and quarrels.

Chapter 3

Paul describes the difficulties that will come from a host of evil characteristics in men who will increasingly deny the truth. Those who desire to be Godly and follow Jesus will be persecuted while the wicked continue to become more wicked. Timothy is told to remain true to the Scripture which strength in all situations and is profitable for all things.

Chapter 4

Paul charges Timothy to continue to preach the word in the face of the coming opposition. Paul alludes that his time is coming to an end. He tells Timothy he has fought well and looks to the crown of righteousness that now awaits him from the Lord. He tells Timothy to visit him soon and details a desertion that has occurred around him in his imprisonment. Despite this Paul is grateful to God for his strength knowing he will be rescued and arrive safe in heaven.

Key Verses

2 Timothy 1:7–8

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God

2 Timothy 1:12

…But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:2–3

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.