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Name - This Epistle to Timothy was written by Paul from his prison in Rome, shortly before his
martyrdom in A.D. 68. Paul had been re-arrested and imprisoned the second time in Rome as one
of the victims of Nero's violent and murderous persecutions of the church; this time he was
accused solely on the grounds of his leadership in Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Facing certain death, Paul writes to his most intimate friend and fellow-workman this deeply
personal letter, only incidentally pastoral and less doctrinal than the other two Pastoral Epistles.
It is a personal message on mingled gloom and glory in which Paul rejoices at the prospect of
soon seeing the Lord to whom he was so devoted in genuine affection and service.
Theme - Timothy had apparently given up his work in Ephesus, and Tychicus had been sent by
Paul to take up the work in that city (2Timothy 4:12). In requesting that Timothy come to Rome,
Paul felt impelled to encourage him in the fight against false teachers and to fortify him for the
increased responsibilities to come.
Outline - The contents of this Epistle may be outlined as follows: I. Salutation (1:1-3) II. The
Appeal for Faithfulness and Endurance (1:4-2:13) III. Instructions Concerning Private and
Ministerial Conduct (2:14-26) IV. Warnings Concerning Grievous Times to Come ((3:1-9) V.
Encouragement to Faithfulness (3:10-17) VI. An Exhortation for Faithful Preaching of the Truth
(4:1-8) VII. Greetings and Conclusions (4:9-22)
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