Bible Commentaries
2 Timothy

First Timothy and Titus were likely written from somewhere in Macedonia by the Apostle Paul, but Second Timothy was no doubt written by him from Rome. Scholars are almost unanimous that this last epistle was written from this great capital city.^(F1) It was surely Paul's last communication with the churches. However, the time and circumstances of this last letter continue to be much debated.

In Acts 28:30-31, Luke mentions that Paul was imprisoned for two years in Rome. This would have fallen into the period of AD 61-63. It was more of a "house arrest" than an actual imprisonment, and he was allowed to stay in his own rented dwelling. Paul was also given a great deal of freedom to preach and minister. He certainly had the freedom to receive guests and to write what we know as the "Prison Epistles" of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon. Still he was chained to a Roman soldier.

It is clear from scripture that Paul felt he would be quickly released from his house arrest (Philippians 2:23-24). He made some firm plans to visit ministers and churches after his expected release (Philemon 1:22). Many scholars feel that he was released and that this happened around AD 63. From that point on things seem to get a little murky regarding his activities. Paul's immediate plans were to visit Colossae as indicated by the letter of Philemon. It appears that he actually made a journey to Crete, where he left Titus (Titus 1:5). From there he may have gone to Miletus (1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 4:20), which provided access to Ephesus. At Miletus he could have dropped off Timothy.^(F2) There he may have eventually left Trophimus sick (2 Timothy 4:20). Afterward, he may have gone inland to Colossae, across the country to Troas (2 Timothy 4:13) and then by sea to Philippi (Philippians 2:24). He could have then traveled through other Macedonian and Greek cities before returning to Rome.

There was still time enough before his death that Paul could have conceivably reached Spain. We know this was his fervent desire (Romans 15:24,28). While we have no geographic records of his being there, we do have some historical ones. As early as AD 96 Clement of Rome spoke of Paul's traveling to the "farthest bounds of the west." This was ancient terminology for Spain. Also, the Muratori Canon (AD 170) mentions Paul's trip to Spain.^{Paul's Missionary Journey to Spain: Tradition and Folklore," "The Biblical Archaeologist," (Vol. 41, No. 2, Jun., 1978)," p. 61.">(F3)} The church historian Eusebius later notes that after Paul's imprisonment he was sent again on ministry, without specifying locations.^(F4)

It is obvious that the letter of Second Timothy pictures Paul once again in prison. This time his incarceration was much more severe and serious. It is clear that he was in fear of his life. It appears that he had already had a preliminary hearing and that it did not go well. At this point many of his friends had forsaken him. It appears that he was uncomfortably cold and suffering boredom as well as the indignity of being chained to a Roman soldier. It appears that he had few visitors and that his prison was actually difficult to locate.

While his friend Onesiphorus had managed to find him and lend some comfort, Paul greatly desired to see his spiritual son, Timothy, for the last time. He also desired his warm cloak which was somehow left at Troas, as well as some important parchments. It has been suggested that these were left because Paul was suddenly apprehended by Roman authorities at this point.^(F5) It is clear in this his final epistle that the eminent Apostle Paul was about to check out of earth's shabby hotel and to check into his well-deserved heavenly mansion.