Historical context of 2 Timothy

Who wrote 2 Timothy, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Paul

Date written

c. AD 66-67

Original audience

Timothy.

Genre

Epistle / Pastoral

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

4

Background and setting

Paul's second imprisonment, near martyrdom.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world 2 Timothy was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of 2 Timothy or jump into chapter 1.