What does 2 Timothy 1-4 in the Bible mean?

Answer 1

2 Timothy was probably written about 65 C.E., immediately prior to Paul's martyrdom, most likely at the hands of Nero, and contained powerful encouragement for Timothy, and all true Christians to this day. Like much of 2 Timothy, chapter 3:1-5 talks about the 'last days' of our present world, as well, before God steps in to bring his long prayed-for Kingdom.

Paul, recognizing his death to be imminent, writes this final letter to his long time helper, Timothy. He urges him to come quickly and gives instructions concerning the journey. He tells Timothy to continue to "preach the word" with urgency and that the time will come when men will not put up with healthful teaching and will turn to false teachers, but that Timothy should keep his senses, 'do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish his ministry.' Timothy should never be ashamed in witnessing and should teach other faithful men what he learned from Paul , so that they will be 'adequately qualified to teach others'. Paul admonishes Timothy to "flee from the desires incidental to youth, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart", but that "all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted". Even so, Timothy should continue in the things he learned from infancy, which are able to make him wise for salvation, because "ALL Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial".