Note 1 at 2 Tim. 3:1: This phrase "last days" is used twice in the Old Testament (Isa. 2:2; Mic. 4:1) and four times in the New Testament (Acts 2:17; Heb. 1:2 ; 2 Pet. 3:3 and 2 Tim. 3:1). It is also used in James 5:3, but it is not speaking prophetically. The phrase "latter days" is used prophetically nine times in the Old Testament (Jer. 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Eze. 38:8, 16; Dan. 2:28; 10:14; Hos. 3:5).

The scriptures teach that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit happened in the last days (see note 3 at Acts 2:17, p. 578). Therefore, if the last days began nearly two thousand years ago, then certainly we are in the last of the last days. The characteristics of the last days that Paul lists in the next few verses are certainly symptomatic of our society today.

Note 2 at 2 Tim. 3:1: The Greek word that was translated "perilous" here is "CHALEPOS" which means, "to reduce strength, difficult, i.e. dangerous, or by implication furious" (Strong).

The NIV translation says, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days." The Amplified Bible says, "But understand this, that in the last days, there will set in perilous times of great stress and trouble3/4hard to deal with and hard to bear." The Living Bible says, "You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian."

This is a prophecy that the last days, which are surely upon us, will be very difficult, full of great stress and trouble. Life on this earth has never been easy with our adversary the devil seeking to destroy everyone he can (1 Pet. 5:8), but this verse makes it clear that the last days (see note 1 at this verse) will become even worse. The need for every believer to be strong in the Lord has never been greater.

In the following verses Paul lists several characteristics that are common to mankind in the last part of this age.