Paul was in a prison somewhere in Rome.  He was not under house arrest, as he was when he wrote his first letter to Timothy; he was now chained as a common criminal (2 Timothy 2:9) in a cold cell (2 Timothy 4:13).  Although Paul was lonely (2 Timothy 4:16), his heart was for the Lord, and for the ministry in Ephesus under Timothy’s leadership.  He knew that he would not come out of prison alive (2 Timothy 4:6-8) but wanted to finish his life and ministry well – and to urge Timothy to stay strong and firm in the faith, and also to train others for Gospel ministry (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

In this letter, referring to the Christian’s life as participating in a relay race (2 Timothy 4:7), Paul passes on the baton of faith to Timothy.  Paul knew his calling … he was Christ’s apostle and ambassador to the world (Ephesians 6:20); a missionary with the unique message that by believing in Jesus Christ, anybody can have the assured promise of eternal life (John 3:16).  That role was given by Christ’s command (Acts 26:15-18), and he was obedient, even though it got him into a lot of trouble.  

Paul kept going because he was still confident in Jesus.  It was Paul’s prayer that as God the Father and God the Son made their home in Timothy (John 14:23) so he would also find his security to stay strong.  He wanted Timothy, a young man he had discipled, to remain confident in the Lord who pours grace, mercy and peace on those who trust Him and serve Him (1 Timothy 1:2).  
 
This letter will encourage you if you are in a spiritual battle, with greater responsibilities than you can bear.  Also, if you are isolated, lonely and suffering because you follow Jesus, know that God is still the same.  He gives eternal life to all who are trusting in Jesus.  As we become active disciples of Jesus, He lavishes grace, mercy and peace on us so that we can serve Him well, despite hardship, until the end of our lives.  It is important to start the Christian life but much more important to finish it well.  With God’s limitless resources, we can!