2 Timothy
Second Timothy is by tradition Paul's last letter, written from a Roman cell with winter coming and the executioner near. Its tone is valedictory and tender: bring the cloak and the parchments; only Luke is with me. Paul urges Timothy to fan his gift into flame, to endure hardship like a good soldier, to entrust the message to faithful people who will teach others also. Here stands the great affirmation that all Scripture is breathed out by God, and here Paul's farewell: I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. A crown of righteousness awaits.
Traditionally the apostle Paul; authorship debated by some modern scholars
AD 64–67, during Paul's final imprisonment
Timothy in Ephesus, Paul's beloved son in the faith
To pass the torch: urging Timothy to guard the gospel, endure suffering, and preach the word faithfully.