Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul calls Timothy "beloved child." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])
Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. Paul encourages Timothy to be willing to suffer for the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])