Paul is the writer of this book. He wrote it while imprisoned in Rome. He was aware his death was imminent. He wanted to give some final instructions to his “son in the faith", Timothy. This was Paul’s last book. It was written between 64-67 AD. Being this as his final book, it is more emotional with more personal communication compared to all of his letters. When you know you are walking in the shadow of the valley of death, it is normal to boil everything down to its core value and what matters the most. Paul does exactly this here.

Timothy was a young pastor in Ephesus, and Paul really wanted to see him one last time before his execution. Paul was forsaken by others, yet he knew Timothy was a genuine friend, and thought of him as a son. Paul was unashamed in his letter, as he declared his affection to Timtohy, and his need to see him, like a a loving father to his son.

There was a specific sadness, as Paul spoke of his race coming to an end, although there was a emphatic declaration of knowing he had kept the faith and finished his race. Paul wanted to see Timothy soon, yet if Timothy couldn’t arrive in Rome before Paul was martyed, Paul wanted to leave Timothy with some final instructions and share more of his heart one last time.

Paul warned Timothy against the multiple false doctrines floating around. He challenged him to remain faithful to the gospel. Although if there is one foundational thing which shines in this book most of all, it’s Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to preach the Word. Nothing more. Nothing less. Paul believed that that if Timothy would remain faithful to teaching and preaching the Word, everything else would be resolved. Remaining in the Word is still the key to being consistent, loyal, faithful, and foundationally dependable.

Young pastors today need to understand and apply this truth. They can be tempted to neglect and turn aside from the simple verse by verse preaching and teaching of the Word and latch onto the latest programs, trends, and gimmicks. There has been a endless amount of books published professing instructions for living your life, for church growth, and church leadership. In the end, there is still only one Book that is the key, the Bible. There is no greater piece of advice to leave the next generation than, “Preach the Word!” Verse by verse, book by book, and chapter by chapter.