encouragement

 2 Timothy is Paul's goodbye letter to Timothy, the son he "come by."

we don't know if Timothy made it to Rome before Paul was executed - probably not.

So these are probably Paul's last few words to a person he loved dearly as a son...

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2 Timothy 4 

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, 

who will someday judge the living and the dead 

when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 

2 Preach the word of God. 

Be prepared, 

whether the time is favorable or not. 

Patiently correct, 

rebuke, 

and encourage your people with good teaching.

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. 

They will follow their own desires 

and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 

4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. 

Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. 

Work at telling others the Good News, 

and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.