Death lurked in the shadows…and Paul knew it. Dropped into a dungeon during the reign of deranged Nero, Paul spent his last days lonely and cold…but not desperate and despondent. Writing by lamplight, Paul penned his “swan song”—one final, passionate letter to his “beloved son” Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2). A last will and testament of sorts, 2 Timothy is filled with strong exhortations, insightful instructions, and intimate reflections—and it spurred Timothy onward in his race of faith. It will do the same for us…if we hear and heed its admonitions. Then, when death comes, like Paul we will declare: “I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (4:7).