What does 2 Timothy 3:1 mean?

Paul begins this new section with a warning. This passage uses wording similar to Paul's words in 1 Timothy 1:9, which were also in connection with a list of sinful actions. First, Paul describes a time period known as "the last days." Biblically, the "last days" began with the start of the church (Acts 2:17). Peter also spoke of the "last days" in 2 Peter 3:3, as did James (James 5:3), and the author of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:2). The "last days," as used in the New Testament, are not necessarily a reference to some era of the distant future, but a time period that began with the dawning of the church age and continues today.

Second, these last days will be difficult. False teachers in Ephesus—like many deceitful teachers today—claimed that faithfulness to God would lead to material blessings. In contrast, Paul clearly taught that godly living would be difficult. The following verses chronicle the sins of evil people found in Paul's time, issues still seen today.