2 Timothy 1
In this chapter, Paul begins his final letter to Timothy, offering encouragement, recalling their shared faith, and urging Timothy to remain strong in his calling. Paul emphasizes the importance of perseverance, faithfulness to the gospel, and the spirit of power given to believers through the Holy Spirit. This chapter is filled with personal reflection, spiritual exhortation, and reminders of God's calling on Timothy’s life.
2 Timothy 1:1-2 (NKJV):
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."
Paul introduces himself as an apostle, chosen by God's will, and emphasizes the promise of eternal life through Christ. His greeting to Timothy expresses deep affection, calling him a beloved son, and extends a blessing of grace, mercy, and peace from both God the Father and Jesus Christ. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, reinforcing the spiritual bond between them.
2 Timothy 1:3-4 (NKJV):
"I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy."
Paul expresses his gratitude to God and mentions his constant prayers for Timothy. His reference to a “pure conscience” highlights his dedication to serving God faithfully, like his ancestors. Paul's longing to see Timothy, and his recollection of Timothy's tears, reveals the deep emotional connection between them. Paul’s hope is to be reunited with Timothy, which would bring him joy amid his imprisonment.
2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV):
"When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also."
Paul acknowledges Timothy’s sincere faith, tracing its roots back to his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. This highlights the generational influence of faith within families and Paul's confidence in Timothy’s spiritual heritage. Paul’s reassurance serves to encourage Timothy to live up to the faith that has been passed down to him, affirming that it is genuine and steadfast.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NKJV):
"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Paul exhorts Timothy to rekindle the spiritual gift imparted to him through the laying on of hands, which likely refers to Timothy’s ordination and calling to ministry. Paul reminds Timothy that fear does not come from God. Instead, God has given His children a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, encouraging Timothy to embrace these divine attributes in the face of challenges.
2 Timothy 1:8 (NKJV):
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,"
Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of either the gospel or Paul’s imprisonment for Christ. Instead, Timothy is encouraged to embrace the hardships that come with proclaiming the gospel. Paul emphasizes that it is by the power of God that believers are able to endure suffering, pointing to the necessity of relying on God’s strength rather than shying away from persecution.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 (NKJV):
"who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,"
Paul highlights the divine calling of believers, which is based not on human works but on God’s purpose and grace. This grace was predestined in Christ even before the world began and was fully manifested in the appearance of Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, death has been defeated, and eternal life has been made available, giving believers the hope of immortality through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:11-12 (NKJV):
"to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day."
Paul explains his role as a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles, roles that led to his current suffering. Despite his imprisonment, Paul is unashamed because his faith is anchored in his personal relationship with Christ. He is confident that God will safeguard what he has entrusted to Him, likely referring to his faith and the gospel message, until the day of Christ’s return.
2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NKJV):
"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us."
Paul instructs Timothy to cling to the sound teachings he received, doing so with faith and love that come from Christ. The "good thing" refers to the gospel and Timothy’s ministry responsibilities. Paul emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit's help in safeguarding this precious truth, underscoring the divine assistance available to Timothy in fulfilling his calling.
2 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV):
"This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes."
Paul acknowledges the painful reality that many in Asia have deserted him, including two individuals named Phygellus and Hermogenes. This betrayal highlights the hardships Paul faced in his ministry, with former companions abandoning him in his time of need. However, this statement also serves as a contrast to Timothy's faithfulness, reminding him to stay committed.
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (NKJV):
"The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus."
Paul concludes by commending Onesiphorus for his loyalty and support during Paul’s imprisonment. Unlike others, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains and even made efforts to find and help him in Rome. Paul’s prayer for Onesiphorus and his household to receive mercy reflects his gratitude and hope that God will bless them, particularly on the Day of Judgment.