1 Timothy was written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome. After his acquittal by Caesar, Paul continued his missionary ministry for a few more years.
Following the fire in Rome in 64 AD, Nero blamed the Christians and a wave of Christian persecution followed.
Paul was falsely accused of treason by Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14, 16). He was sentenced to death and held at the Mamertine Prison until his execution by beheading in 68 AD.
Paul’s prison cell was above the Tiber River. It was damp and cold, with a small door in the ceiling. None of his friends were able or willing to help him, except Luke (2 Timothy 4:11).
Paul wrote 2 Timothy while awaiting his execution. Paul urged Timothy to visit him as soon as possible. The Apostle made 4 appeals to Timothy:
- The Pastoral Appeal–Paul reminded Timothy of his calling to ministry, his responsibilities and privileges as a minister of the Gospel.
- The Practical Appeal–Paul offered Timothy advice in dealing with persecution, false teachers, and church problems.
- The Prophetic Appeal–Paul reminded Timothy of the course of future events and the importance of holding fast to the Word.
- The Personal Appeal–Paul admonished Timothy to remain true, and not to become another Demas.