II Timothy 1 Commentary
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
This chapter of II Timothy, the last New Testament letter penned by Paul before his martyrdom, establishes the spiritual foundation upon which Paul builds his encouragement to Timothy. Paul expresses heartfelt gratitude for Timothy's faithfulness, reminding him of his spiritual heritage and calling. This sets the stage for later teachings about perseverance and sound doctrine. He urges Timothy to be brave, to guard the truth of the gospel, and to rekindle the gift he has received.
Greeting and Gratitude (II Timothy 1:1-5)
Paul opens the letter in the customary manner for ancient letter writing, identifying himself as an apostle—an authorized messenger—of Christ Jesus by the will of God (II Timothy 1:1). He emphasizes that his apostleship is not self-appointed, but divinely ordained, to make known the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. This serves as both the motivation and mission for all called into ministry. He addresses Timothy as his beloved son (II Timothy 1:2), highlighting their close relationship and the mentorship Paul provides.
Paul's deep affection for Timothy is evident as he expresses his constant prayers for him (II Timothy 1:3). He longs to see Timothy, remembering the tears they shared, perhaps during their last parting (II Timothy 1:4). This longing underscores the depth of their bond.
Paul acknowledges Timothy's sincere faith, tracing it back to his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (II Timothy 1:5). This highlights the importance of a godly heritage and the powerful influence women can have in transmitting faith to the next generation. The family unit is God’s first and foundational institution for the transfer of the faith. When the family fails, the culture is in trouble. This passage also shows the powerful influence women can have on the life of a young man should his father be either absent or spiritually inactive. Paul's letters often mention Timothy as a ministry partner, so this extended passage of gratitude is to be expected. At a time when others are abandoning Paul—according to the later parts of this letter—he is glad to count Timothy as a faithful friend.
Stirring Up the Gift (II Timothy 1:6-8)
Paul urges Timothy to "fan into flame" (II Timothy 1:6) the gift of God, which he received through the laying on of Paul's hands. This is a call to actively cultivate and develop the spiritual gifts bestowed upon him. Timothy could not be passive about his spiritual gift and neither can we. God intends that we develop—keep fresh and vibrant—the gifts he provides for the benefit of others. We will be held accountable for failure to do so.
Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given them a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (II Timothy 1:7). Timothy struggled with a spirit of fear. His timidity probably resulted from a variety of factors, including his personality, persecution, false teachers, the burdens of ministry, and the lack of a strong male influence in his growing up years. But Paul assures him that fearfulness does not come from God. Rather, God’s Holy Spirit provides power, love, and sound judgment—the necessary spiritual resources for fulfilling ministry and employing spiritual gifts. Such divine resources are available to all—that is, power for the use of our gifts, love for those who benefit from them, and good discernment in the application of our gifts.
Therefore, Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul, who was a prisoner for Christ's sake (II Timothy 1:8). Paul calls him to join him in suffering for the gospel, something one can only do through the power of God, rather than human strength.
The Power of the Gospel (II Timothy 1:9-12)
Paul emphasizes that God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but according to his own purpose and grace (II Timothy 1:9). This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began but has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (II Timothy 1:10). Even the possibility of death should not nullify an effective ministry since it is no longer an issue for the believer.
It was for the ministry of this gospel that Paul had been appointed by Christ himself as a herald (proclaiming the good news), an apostle (serving as God’s authoritative leader and messenger), and teacher (instructing in the Word of God) (II Timothy 1:11).
Paul's unwavering faith is evident as he declares that he is not ashamed, for he knows whom he has believed, and he is convinced that God is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to him (II Timothy 1:12). For the apostle was persuaded that God had the power to care for him and deliver him through any obstacles and trials until that day when he would call him home. He wanted Timothy (and all believers) to have that same confidence in God.
Guarding the Good Deposit (II Timothy 1:13-18)
Paul encourages Timothy to hold tightly to the pattern of sound teaching that he had heard from Paul, and to do so in faith and love (II Timothy 1:13). Thus, trusting confidently in God is combined with serving God’s people. The horizontal and the vertical must always go together in ministry.
Paul charges him to guard the good deposit, the good news of salvation and the good work of ministry to which he had been called (II Timothy 1:14). God had committed to him this sacred treasure. We carry the message of eternal salvation. We must recognize the gospel’s value and not treat it casually. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, we must guard the gospel, proclaiming it faithfully and defending it against error and ministering its truth to others for their spiritual development.
Paul reminds Timothy of the trials he endured, contrasting those who deserted him with the faithfulness of Onesiphorus (II Timothy 1:15-18). He was aware of those who had deserted him. But Paul also knew that God had provided for him in the midst of the negative treatment. A believer named Onesiphorus, unknown to us apart from this mention, is immortalized in the pages of Scripture because of his love and care for the aging apostle. Previously, he had ministered to Paul at Ephesus. But Onesiphorus was no fair-weather Christian. He sought Paul out and refreshed him even when he was a prisoner in Rome. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of the gospel or Paul, its spokesman. Therefore, Paul prayed for God’s mercy on him and all his household. We too must pray for God’s favor on those who support the ministry and its ministers.
Paul shared this with Timothy as a means of encouraging the young gospel minister. He could have focused solely on who had deserted him. Instead, Paul recognized how God had graciously provided support that offset the mistreatment received. In order to persevere through the struggles and difficulties of ministry, Timothy would have to do as Paul had done: see with eyes of faith and celebrate God’s grace in his life. You need to do the same.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
This chapter of II Timothy, the last New Testament letter penned by Paul before his martyrdom, establishes the spiritual foundation upon which Paul builds his encouragement to Timothy. Paul expresses heartfelt gratitude for Timothy's faithfulness, reminding him of his spiritual heritage and calling. This sets the stage for later teachings about perseverance and sound doctrine. He urges Timothy to be brave, to guard the truth of the gospel, and to rekindle the gift he has received.
Greeting and Gratitude (II Timothy 1:1-5)
Paul opens the letter in the customary manner for ancient letter writing, identifying himself as an apostle—an authorized messenger—of Christ Jesus by the will of God (II Timothy 1:1). He emphasizes that his apostleship is not self-appointed, but divinely ordained, to make known the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. This serves as both the motivation and mission for all called into ministry. He addresses Timothy as his beloved son (II Timothy 1:2), highlighting their close relationship and the mentorship Paul provides.
Paul's deep affection for Timothy is evident as he expresses his constant prayers for him (II Timothy 1:3). He longs to see Timothy, remembering the tears they shared, perhaps during their last parting (II Timothy 1:4). This longing underscores the depth of their bond.
Paul acknowledges Timothy's sincere faith, tracing it back to his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (II Timothy 1:5). This highlights the importance of a godly heritage and the powerful influence women can have in transmitting faith to the next generation. The family unit is God’s first and foundational institution for the transfer of the faith. When the family fails, the culture is in trouble. This passage also shows the powerful influence women can have on the life of a young man should his father be either absent or spiritually inactive. Paul's letters often mention Timothy as a ministry partner, so this extended passage of gratitude is to be expected. At a time when others are abandoning Paul—according to the later parts of this letter—he is glad to count Timothy as a faithful friend.
Stirring Up the Gift (II Timothy 1:6-8)
Paul urges Timothy to "fan into flame" (II Timothy 1:6) the gift of God, which he received through the laying on of Paul's hands. This is a call to actively cultivate and develop the spiritual gifts bestowed upon him. Timothy could not be passive about his spiritual gift and neither can we. God intends that we develop—keep fresh and vibrant—the gifts he provides for the benefit of others. We will be held accountable for failure to do so.
Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given them a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (II Timothy 1:7). Timothy struggled with a spirit of fear. His timidity probably resulted from a variety of factors, including his personality, persecution, false teachers, the burdens of ministry, and the lack of a strong male influence in his growing up years. But Paul assures him that fearfulness does not come from God. Rather, God’s Holy Spirit provides power, love, and sound judgment—the necessary spiritual resources for fulfilling ministry and employing spiritual gifts. Such divine resources are available to all—that is, power for the use of our gifts, love for those who benefit from them, and good discernment in the application of our gifts.
Therefore, Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul, who was a prisoner for Christ's sake (II Timothy 1:8). Paul calls him to join him in suffering for the gospel, something one can only do through the power of God, rather than human strength.
The Power of the Gospel (II Timothy 1:9-12)
Paul emphasizes that God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but according to his own purpose and grace (II Timothy 1:9). This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began but has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (II Timothy 1:10). Even the possibility of death should not nullify an effective ministry since it is no longer an issue for the believer.
It was for the ministry of this gospel that Paul had been appointed by Christ himself as a herald (proclaiming the good news), an apostle (serving as God’s authoritative leader and messenger), and teacher (instructing in the Word of God) (II Timothy 1:11).
Paul's unwavering faith is evident as he declares that he is not ashamed, for he knows whom he has believed, and he is convinced that God is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to him (II Timothy 1:12). For the apostle was persuaded that God had the power to care for him and deliver him through any obstacles and trials until that day when he would call him home. He wanted Timothy (and all believers) to have that same confidence in God.
Guarding the Good Deposit (II Timothy 1:13-18)
Paul encourages Timothy to hold tightly to the pattern of sound teaching that he had heard from Paul, and to do so in faith and love (II Timothy 1:13). Thus, trusting confidently in God is combined with serving God’s people. The horizontal and the vertical must always go together in ministry.
Paul charges him to guard the good deposit, the good news of salvation and the good work of ministry to which he had been called (II Timothy 1:14). God had committed to him this sacred treasure. We carry the message of eternal salvation. We must recognize the gospel’s value and not treat it casually. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, we must guard the gospel, proclaiming it faithfully and defending it against error and ministering its truth to others for their spiritual development.
Paul reminds Timothy of the trials he endured, contrasting those who deserted him with the faithfulness of Onesiphorus (II Timothy 1:15-18). He was aware of those who had deserted him. But Paul also knew that God had provided for him in the midst of the negative treatment. A believer named Onesiphorus, unknown to us apart from this mention, is immortalized in the pages of Scripture because of his love and care for the aging apostle. Previously, he had ministered to Paul at Ephesus. But Onesiphorus was no fair-weather Christian. He sought Paul out and refreshed him even when he was a prisoner in Rome. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of the gospel or Paul, its spokesman. Therefore, Paul prayed for God’s mercy on him and all his household. We too must pray for God’s favor on those who support the ministry and its ministers.
Paul shared this with Timothy as a means of encouraging the young gospel minister. He could have focused solely on who had deserted him. Instead, Paul recognized how God had graciously provided support that offset the mistreatment received. In order to persevere through the struggles and difficulties of ministry, Timothy would have to do as Paul had done: see with eyes of faith and celebrate God’s grace in his life. You need to do the same.