Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, whom he has left in Ephesus to encourage and teach that infant church. Although Timothy is youthful he has been gifted with qualities of leadership and teaching from a secure background. These encouragements are a preparation for when there will no longer be any of the original apostles to consult. Paul outlines the primary commission of any church even today; God’s work spans the centuries.

In 2 Timothy, Paul’s martyrdom is imminent as he pens these last words of encouragement. He anticipates the future pressures and attacks on the church, pointing to the essential bulwarks of the gospel. Along with Timothy we have been provided with all that we need to “fight the good fight”, but we now need to apply what we know...