Verse 2 completes the introduction, identifying the letter's recipient and offering a greeting frequently used by Paul. This letter is written to Timothy, one of four personal New Testament letters by Paul. The others are 1 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Timothy was the only person to receive two personal letters from Paul in the New Testament. Here, Timothy is called "my beloved child." In 1 Timothy 1:2, he was called "my true child in the faith." This was a spiritual relationship, most likely referring to leading Timothy to faith in Christ. Timothy and Titus were the only two men called "true child" by Paul (Titus 1:4).

This verse includes an appeal to "Grace, mercy, and peace." This is the same opening greeting used by Paul in 1 Timothy. The reference to "God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" offers two important insights. First, both the Father and Jesus are mentioned together as equals. This underlines the emphasis on God as a Trinity, as reflected in the introductions to many of Paul's letters. Second, the title "Christ Jesus" is used three times in the first two verses in a symmetrical manner. This cleanly sets the introduction apart from the main body of the letter. The title "Christ Jesus" is used a total of twelve times throughout 2 Timothy, with six of these occasions in the first chapter alone.

Second Timothy 1:1–2 introduces Paul's last letter in the New Testament. This opening features many of Paul's customary phrases. This greeting also clearly identifies Timothy as the letter's intended audience. Timothy is often mentioned in the New Testament as one of Paul's closest and most loyal friends. Paul is waiting in jail for his execution by the Romans, making this possibly his last chance to send a written message to his longtime friend.

Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy's path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy's background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter.

Chapter 1 establishes Timothy's spiritual background. Paul expresses gratitude for Timothy, by reminding him of his past, in order to set the stage for later teachings. Paul first expresses gratitude for Timothy's prior faithfulness, and reminds him of how God called him into ministry. From that point, Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and to guard the truth of the gospel message. Later chapters will explain why Paul feels these traits are necessary, both for the sake of the world and for Timothy in general.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.

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