AUTHOR: The Apostle Paul, according to [ 2Tim 1:1 ].

THEMATIC: The theme of the Second Epistle of Paul, also known as the “pastoral epistle”, to Timothy is unshakable faith. Timothy is portrayed as a very young youth, sickly, timid, lacking in energetic spirit; he is exhorted to earnestly defend the Gospel, to preach the word of God, to persevere in tribulation, and to fulfill his mission. After having left Titus in Crete, Paul sailed northwards with the intention of going to Nicopolis, passing through Troas and Macedonia [Titus 3:12]. Trophimus, his companion, fell ill during the journey and stayed at Miletus [2Ti 4:20]. Sailing to Troas, Paul stayed at the home of a man named Carpus. At that time, persecution arose against Christians, instigated by Emperor Nero, who accused them of having set Rome on fire. Paul, the recognized leader of the Christians, was arrested, probably at Troas, and his arrest must have been so sudden that some things belonging to him were left in the house of Carpus [2Ti 4:13]. Upon arriving in Rome, the apostle was imprisoned. Knowing that his ministry was at an end and that his death was approaching [ 2Ti 4:6-8 ] and [ 2Ti 4:18 ], Paul began writing his final thoughts to his “son” Timothy, pleading with him to visit as soon as possible [2Ti 4:9] and [2Ti 4:21]. Paul was in great need of his son in the faith, because the Christians in Asia, who were supposed to support him, abandoned him.

COMPILATION: This letter was written approximately between the years 66 and 67 AD, before the imminent execution of Timothy by order of Emperor Nero, in the dungeon called "Mamertine Prison" in Rome, and approximately 35 years after his conversion to Christ. It consists of 4 chapters and 83 verses.