Paul is in prison and appears to know that his end is coming (4:6-8). His main concern, in what some have called his “last will & testament,” is about the future of his Gospel message in the face of the heresies and false teachers of the day. Paul looks to Timothy, writing to encourage him in his faith, but also charging Timothy to “guard the gospel.” This letter is a passing of the torch, as the faithful “keeper of the flame” (who has “finished the race”) now hands it off to his disciple to keep the message going. 

Scripture:  2 Timothy 1:1-14; 3:10-17