Paul is in prison and there has been defection from commitment to Christ (1:15). In I Timothy and Titus, Paul sounds the alarm against false teaching. However, in II Timothy, thought lonely, Paul is not discouraged, nor is he preoccupied by the heresy. Instead, this letter is a personal word to a beloved follower. He reminisces about their long relationship (3:10–11) and urges loyalty to sound doctrine as they follow Jesus (1:6–14; 2:1–13; 3:10–4:5). False teachers may remain, but Timothy was not to be preoccupied with them. Instead, he was to prioritize sound doctrine and pass on the gospel as a disciple who is making disciple makers (2:1–2). As Paul concludes the letter, he urges timothy to accompany him most likely to provide friendship and community in these weary days.
