Preface to 2 Timothy

No, I am not starting a series like Sarah. This is just some context that many people don't know before reading 2 Timothy, so they treat it like the rest of the Pauline epistles. When you are done reading this, I expect you to read 2 Timothy for yourself.

In c. 67 AD Paul was in a dark, damp, smelly hole in Rome, by the name of the Mamertine Prison, awaiting his execution. Some of his friends were showing their devotion and love now more than ever. Onesiphorus was one: he came to Rome and sought Paul out zealously (which was potentially very dangerous to himself) just to serve him. Luke was with him, and there were many that Paul himself had sent away to strengthen various churches. There were others, however, who had caused Paul much grief: either by becoming false teachers, like Hymenaeus and Philetus, or by simply deserting like Phygellus, Hermogenes and even Demas who he had discipled himself. The worst part was that it wasn’t only Paul they deserted. They were also deserting the faith and Christ Himself. Another thing that weighed heavily on Paul’s mind was his fear that Timothy, his son in the Lord, would be intimidated by the persecutions and false teachers and might compromise. Paul wanted Timothy to lead the church after his death and to stand firm on God’s word.  He wanted to see Timothy before the end and implores him to come to Rome, but the journey will take time and Paul doesn’t know how much time he has. So, just in case Timothy doesn’t make it in time, Paul writes him a letter with some last minute, God-inspired instructions: The second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy.

Now go read it!