2 Timothy

2 Timothy is the fifty-fifth book of the Bible and the second of the Pastoral Epistles. It is traditionally attributed to Paul and is generally dated to around AD 64 to 67, written from a Roman prison during what tradition holds was his final imprisonment. Paul writes to Timothy, expecting to be executed soon. The letter is the closest thing the New Testament has to Paul's last words.

The tone is personal and urgent. Paul opens by recalling Timothy's sincere faith, passed down through his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. He urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul's chains, and to fan into flame the gift of God in him.

The letter is shaped throughout by Paul's awareness that he is at the end. He describes how nearly everyone has abandoned him; only Luke is still with him. He asks Timothy to come quickly, before winter, and to bring the cloak and books he left in Troas. He warns of difficult times to come: people loving themselves and money, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

The famous closing passage describes Paul's view of his own life: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." He expects a crown of righteousness from the Lord.