Paul knew that he was about to be killed because of his faith. Rome nearly burned to the ground in 64 C.E. Emperor Nero blamed the Christians for setting the fire. Accordingly, he jacked up anti-Christian persecutions. Christians were thrown to hungry dogs, burned alive, and crucified. It was under this oppression that Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. Paul loved Timothy, and wanted to see him again. He wrote, “Do thy diligence to come before winter.” (KJV, II Timothy 4:21). It is not known whether Timothy made it or not.