# Connecting Statement:

Paul lets Timothy know that in the future people will stop believing the truth, but he should continuing trusting God's word even when he is persecuted.

# In the last days

Possible meanings are 1) this is a time later than Paul's time. Alternate translation: "in the future just before Jesus returns" or 2) this refers to the Christian age, including Paul's time. Alternate translation: "during this period of time before the end"

# difficult times

These will be days, months, or even years when Christians will endure suffering and danger.