“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. In Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, the apostle provides final instruction and exhortation as he nears the end of his life.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Paul knew his life was nearing an end, so he wrote this final letter to charge Timothy to guard the gospel, persevere in the face of the mounting persecution, and keep on spreading the good news of Christ.
- Category: Epistle
- Theme: Mission
- Timeline: Written around AD 62
Key Verse
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
Paul’s Goodbye
Paul passed the non-apostolic mantle of ministry to Timothy and exhorted him to continue faithful in his duties, hold on to sound doctrine, avoid error, accept persecution for the gospel, put his confidence in the Scripture, and preach it relentlessly.
Timothy must not lose heart, though the world is broken, marred by sin, and his mentor would soon be gone. Jesus was a sufficient source of strength to faithfully fulfill the ministry with which Timothy was entrusted.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: 1 Timothy 1-2
- Day 2: 1 Timothy 3-4
- Day 3: 1 Timothy 5-6
- Day 4: 2 Timothy 1-2
- Day 5: 2 Timothy 3-4
- Day 6: Titus 1-3
- Day 7: Philemon
Prison Ministry
After Paul’s release from prison in Rome in AD 62, he was again imprisoned in AD 66. This time he was placed in a dungeon and put in chains like a common criminal.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
