The apostle Paul identifies himself as the author of 2 Timothy. Paul had left his trusted friend Timothy in Ephesus to continue the work of teaching. Then, Paul was arrested and held in a Roman dungeon, ready for execution. He missed his spiritual son Timothy very much. This is the last letter written by Paul that we have in the New Testament.

Timothy was born and reared in Lystra (central Turkey). His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were devout Jews who became believers in Christ. Timothy first heard Paul preach the gospel on Paul’s first visit to Lystra and trusted in Christ. When Paul came back to Lystra, Timothy joined Paul on the rest of his second missionary journey. During that time, Timothy helped to establish churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Six of Paul’s epistles to churches include Timothy in the salutations meaning that Timothy was with him when Paul wrote the letters. After Paul’s release from prison (around 62 AD), Timothy and Paul traveled to Ephesus where Timothy was left to care for the church. Paul wrote 1 Timothy around 64 A.D. from Rome or Macedonia. Paul wrote 2 Timothy (~ 67 AD) while Timothy was still in Ephesus.

The definition of faithful is “unwavering in belief, consistently loyal.” We all want those closest to us-spouse, family members, friends, co-workers-to remain faithful to us. What security we feel when we know their loyalty is consistent and unwavering! Faithfulness is an important character quality. Our God is a faithful God. He is consistently loyal to those whom He loves and who place their trust in Him. God desires that we also be faithful to Him-to be unwavering in belief and consistently loyal to Him-throughout our spiritual walk. And, our God is the One Who protects and preserves that which He has entrusted to us. He enables us to be found faithful as we choose to do so.

As plants develop hardened stems over time with fewer leaves, blossoms and fruit, Christians can become less fruitful as they age. Often “retirees” retire not only from their day jobs but also retire from serving in the local church, having compassion for the lost, and discipling younger believers saying, “We’ve been there, done that. Let the younger folks do the work.” And, as we study the Old Testament books of history, we see where successful people start relying on themselves and their experiences instead of relying on God. That is a serious temptation for all of us believers as we grow older. We must desire to stay fresh and green like fruit-bearing trees firmly planted near streams of water. This study of 2 Timothy will help you get there and stay there.