Under the most favorable circumstances several months must pass before Timothy could reach Rome from Asia Minor. Paul knew that his life was uncertain, and he feared that Timothy might arrive too late to see him. He had important counsel and instruction for the young man, to whom so great responsibility had been entrusted; and while urging him to come without delay, he dictated the dying testimony that he might not be spared to utter. His soul filled with loving solicitude for his son in the gospel and for the church under his care, Paul sought to impress Timothy with the importance of fidelity to his sacred trust.

Selv under de gunstigste betingelser ville der gå flere måneder, før Timoteus kunne nå til Rom fra Lilleasien. Paulus vidste, at hans liv ikke var i sikkerhed og han var bange for, at Timoteus skulle komme for sent til at se ham. Han havde vigtige råd og anvisninger at give den unge mand, som han havde betroet et så stort ansvar; og mens han tilskyndede ham til at komme uden at tøve, dikterede han sin sidste vilje, som han måske ikke ville komme til at udtale. Med sjælen fuld af kærlig omsorg for sin åndelige søn og for den menighed, han havde ansvaret for, søgte Paulus at indprente Timoteus betydningen af at være trofast mod sit hellige kald.