The eleventh of Paul's Epistles is II Timothy. It was written towards the end of Paul's life, in approximately 67 AD.
Before he died, Paul wanted to pass his ministry on to his faithful assistant, who has served him well for many years.
The letter is one of encouragement and it urges Timothy to continue his duties in a faithful manner. Timothy is told to stick to the doctrine he has been taught and to expect to be persecuted for preaching the Gospel; but above all, Timothy is told that he should put all his confidence in the word of God which he is preaching.
II Timothy 1:1-6
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands"