Paul’s last written words that we have available to us are recorded in the letter of 2 Timothy. How do we know this was his last letter?
2 Timothy 4:6-8 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Possibly there were other letters written after this one, but they give no indication of being dated later than this, and it is fairly safe to assume this is Paul’s last recorded writing.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, we find there to not be a lot of new teaching or complicated ideas. Because it is Paul’s last letter, it is more about final reminders and warnings rather than setting down fresh theology.
The main subjects that Paul goes through come under four main headings:
- Remembrance of the ultimate message of the gospel;
- Dedication to and suffering for the sake of the gospel;
- Warnings against false teachers;
- Paul’s personal circumstances; personal examples; and the comfort he took in God;