Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am not ashamed - Though I suffer for the Gospel, I am not ashamed of the Gospel; nor am I confounded in my expectation; his grace being at all times sufficient for me. For I know whom I have believed - I am well acquainted with the goodness, mercy, and power of Christ; and know that I cannot confide in him in vain. That which I have committed unto him - This is variously understood. Some think he means his life, which he had put, as it were, into the hands of Christ, in order that he might receive it again, in the resurrection, at the great day. Others think he means his soul. This he had also given into the hands of his faithful Creator, knowing that although wicked men might be permitted to take away his life, yet they could not destroy his soul, nor disturb its peace. Others think that he is speaking of the Gospel, which he knows will be carefully preserved by the great Head of the Church; for, though he shall be soon called to seal the truth with his blood, yet he knows that God will take care that the same truth shall be proclaimed to the world by others, whom God shall raise up for that very purpose.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For the which cause--For the Gospel cause of which I was appointed a preacher (Ti2 1:10-11). I also suffer--besides my active work as a missionary. ELLICOTT translates, "I suffer even these things"; the sufferings attendant on my being a prisoner (Ti2 1:8, Ti2 1:15). I am not ashamed--neither be thou (Ti2 1:8). for--Confidence as to the future drives away shame [BENGEL]. I know--though the world knows Him not (Joh 10:14; Joh 17:25). whom--I know what a faithful, promise-keeping God He is (Ti2 2:13). It is not, I know how I have believed, but, I know WHOM I have believed; a feeble faith may clasp a strong Saviour. believed--rather, "trusted"; carrying out the metaphor of a depositor depositing his pledge with one whom he trusts. am persuaded-- (Rom 8:38). he is able--in spite of so many foes around me. that which I have committed unto him--Greek, "my deposit"; the body, soul, and spirit, which I have deposited in God's safe keeping (Th1 5:23; Pe1 4:19). So Christ Himself in dying (Luk 23:46). "God deposits with us His word; we deposit with God our spirit" [GROTIUS]. There is one deposit (His revelation) committed by God to us, which we ought to keep (Ti2 1:13-14) and transmit to others (Ti2 2:2); there is another committed by God to us, which we should commit to His keeping, namely, ourselves and our heavenly portion. that day--the day of His appearing (Ti2 1:18; Ti2 4:8).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the which cause I also suffer these things,.... The present imprisonment and bonds in which he now was; these, with all the indignities, reproaches, distresses, and persecutions, came upon him, for the sake of his being a preacher of the Gospel; and particularly for his being a teacher of the Gentiles: the Jews hated him, and persecuted him, because he preached the Gospel, and the more because he preached it to the Gentiles, that they might be saved; and the unbelieving Gentiles were stirred up against him, for introducing a new religion among them, to the destruction of their idolatry and superstition; and the sufferings which he endured were many; and he was appointed to them, as well as to the Gospel, which he preached. Nevertheless I am not ashamed; neither of the Gospel, and the truths and ordinances of it, for which he suffered; but he continued to own and confess it constantly, and to preach it boldly; none of these things moved him from it: nor of the sufferings he endured, for the sake of it; since they were not for murder, or theft, or sedition, or any enormity whatever, but in a good cause; wherefore he was so far from being ashamed of them, that he took pleasure in them, and gloried of them. Nor was he ashamed of Christ, whose Gospel he preached, and for whom he suffered; nor of his faith and hope in him. For it follows, for I know whom I have believed. A spiritual knowledge of Christ is necessary to faith in him: an unknown Christ cannot be the object of faith, though an unseen Christ, as to bodily sight, may be, and is. Knowledge and faith go together: they that truly know Christ, believe in him, and the more they know him, the more strongly do they believe in him: such who spiritually and savingly know Christ, have seen the glories of his person, and the fulness of his grace; and they approve of him, as their Saviour, being every way suitable to them, and disapprove of all others; they love him above all others, and with all their hearts; and they put their trust in him, and trust him with all they have; and they know whom they trust, what an able, willing, suitable, and complete Saviour he is. This knowledge which they have of him, is not from themselves, but from the Father, who reveals him to them, and in them; and from himself, who gives them an understanding that they may know him; and from the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: and be it more or less, it is practical, and leads to the discharge of duty, from a principle of love to Christ; and is of a soul humbling nature, and appropriates Christ to a man's self; and has always some degree of certainty in it; and though it is imperfect, it is progressive; and the least measure of it is saving, and has eternal life connected with it: and that faith which accompanies it, and terminates on the object known, is the grace, by which a man sees Christ in the riches of his grace; goes to him in a sense of need of him; lays hold upon him as a Saviour; receives and embraces him; commits its all unto him; trusts him with all; leans and lives upon him, and walks on in him till it receives the end of faith, even eternal salvation. And I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. By that which he had committed to him is meant, not the great treasure of his labours and sufferings for Christ, as if he had deposited these in Christ's hands, in order to be brought forth at the great day of account to his advantage; for though his labours and sufferings were many, yet he always ascribed the strength by which he endured them to the grace of God; and he knew they were not worthy to be compared, nor made mention of, with the glory that was to be revealed in him. Rather this may be understood of the souls of those he had been instrumental in the converting of, whom he had commended to Christ, hoping to meet them as his joy and crown of rejoicing another day; though it seems best of all to interpret it either of his natural life, the care of which he had committed to Christ, and which he knew he was able to preserve, and would preserve for usefulness until the day appointed for his death; or rather his precious and immortal soul, and the eternal welfare and salvation of it: and the act of committing it to Christ, designs his giving himself to him, leaving himself with him, trusting in him for eternal life and salvation, believing he was able to save him to the uttermost; even unto the day of death, when he hoped to be with him, which is far better than to be in this world; and unto the day of the resurrection, when both soul and body will be glorified with him; and to the day of judgment, when the crown of righteousness will be received from his hands. And what might induce the apostle, and so any other believer, to conclude the ability of Christ to keep the souls of those that are committed to him, are, his proper deity, he having all the fulness of the Godhead, or the perfections of deity dwelling in him; his being the Creator and upholder of all things; his having accomplished the great work of redemption and salvation, by his own arm; his mediatorial fulness of grace and power; and his being trusted by his Father with all the persons, grace, and glory of the elect, to whom he has been faithful. And now the consideration of all this, as it was a support to the apostle, under all his afflictions, and sufferings for the Gospel, and in a view of death itself, so it may be, as it often has been, a relief to believers, under all the sorrows of this life, and in a prospect of death and eternity. Philo the Jew (b) speaks in like manner as the apostle here of , "the depositum of the soul": though he knew not where to commit it for safety, as the apostle did, and every true believer does. (b) Quis rer. Divin. Haeres. p. 498, 499.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12 Paul had complete confidence as he faced his own death (see 4:17-18; Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 4:8-9; Phil 1:20); it was an example for Timothy to follow (see 2 Tim 1:8). • what I have entrusted to him (or what has been entrusted to me; literally my deposit): My deposit might be either the Good News that had been entrusted to Paul (see 1 Tim 6:20) or Paul’s life and ministry that he had committed to God.
Faithfulness under Persecution
11to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. 12For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews - Part 36): Long Range Faith
By A.W. Tozer4.7K26:34ExpositionalMAT 6:332TI 1:12HEB 11:13HEB 11:16HEB 11:35HEB 11:39In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a long-range view as a Christian. He contrasts the worldly pursuits of money, pleasure, career, and fame with the eternal promises of God. The preacher urges believers to wait on God and be on the right side when Jesus returns to gather the nations and separate the righteous from the wicked. He encourages Christians to embrace their identity as strangers and pilgrims on earth, living with a heavenly perspective and trusting in God's long-range plan for their lives.
Faith Illustrated
By C.H. Spurgeon3.7K38:55MAT 6:19LUK 10:202TI 1:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the grandest action of a Christian's life, which is entrusting their eternal interests to Christ. The justification for this act of trust is emphasized, with the speaker acknowledging that many people are unsure of how to secure their salvation. The Apostle Paul serves as an example, as he committed himself and all his sins, hopes, and fears to Christ, recognizing his inability to save himself. The speaker also compares our knowledge of Christ to climbing a mountain, where the view becomes clearer and more expansive as we grow in our understanding and experience of Him.
Christian Maturity
By Denny Kenaston1.6K1:27:13MaturityROM 15:132TI 1:12HEB 5:13HEB 13:201PE 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of applying the Word of God in our lives. He encourages Christians to mature in their faith by allowing the Word of God to shape their hearts and help them discern between good and evil. The speaker shares his personal experience of starting a writing business and the challenges he faced in the business side of things. He also highlights the value of trials in our lives, as they can lead to growth and a deeper reliance on God. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to persevere through difficult times and trust in God's perfecting work in their lives.
Suffering Connected With the Deposit
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:08:31SufferingPHP 2:172TI 1:122TI 2:12TI 3:162TI 4:2In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of an old man who was betrayed and captured by soldiers. Despite having the opportunity to escape, the old man chose to wait for the soldiers and welcomed them when they arrived. He asked for one hour to pray before being taken away. The speaker emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord in times of change and adversity. He encourages the audience to have a strong deposit of faith in Christ, knowing that He is able to keep them safe. The speaker also warns against self-confidence and urges the audience to be prepared for persecution and to persevere in their faith.
One Special Moment
By Jim Cymbala1.2K16:47Christian LifeGEN 6:14EXO 2:3PSA 46:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:122TI 1:12HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his daughter's rebellion and how he tried various methods to help her, but nothing worked. Eventually, God spoke to him and told him to build a basket and give it to Him, letting go of control. The speaker emphasizes the importance of fully committing to God and letting go of our burdens, trusting that He will take care of them. He encourages the audience to have faith and believe that God will work on their behalf, giving Him all the glory.
Commitment
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:08:13JOB 5:8PSA 31:5PSA 37:5ROM 12:12TI 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of committing ourselves fully to the Lord Jesus. He explains that true commitment brings peace and blessings, as we trust that we are in good hands. The speaker also highlights the significance of committing our bodies to the Lord, as He can keep them pure and blameless. Furthermore, the sermon emphasizes the need for a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ, beyond superficial understanding, in order to stand firm in our faith and resist the enemy's attempts to compromise us.
Study in Daniel 3 Daniel-3
By William MacDonald77143:47StudiesDAN 1:8DAN 2:28DAN 3:18MAT 6:332TI 1:121PE 1:6REV 13:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights the moment when King Nebuchadnezzar sees a fourth man in the fiery furnace, who he describes as the Son of God. The preacher emphasizes that the Son of God is always present with his people in times of trial. He also mentions the trend towards a unified religion in the world today, citing a meeting in Assisi where representatives of different religions were encouraged to embrace the same beliefs. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one's faith, as demonstrated by Daniel and the three Jewish men in the story.
2 Timothy - Part 4
By John Hunter57655:512TI 1:62TI 1:122TI 1:141JN 2:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 2 Timothy chapter 1, specifically verses 6-14. He encourages Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him and not be afraid, as God has given him the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. The preacher emphasizes that the Gospel is a message of power, salvation, holiness, eternal purpose, grace, and life. He reminds Timothy to continue proclaiming the truth of God, even in difficult times, as the Gospel brings freedom and salvation from sin.
Why We Must Be Saved
By Robin McKeown54827:36SalvationGraceLUK 7:362TI 1:12Robin McKeown emphasizes the necessity of salvation, illustrating that we have nothing to pay and nothing to do for our redemption, as Christ has completed the work on the cross. He references the story of a sinful woman who, despite her past, finds forgiveness through her faith in Jesus, contrasting her with those who believe they can earn their way to heaven. McKeown stresses that salvation is a gift, not a transaction, and warns that neglecting this gift leaves one speechless before God. He urges listeners to accept the finished work of Christ and not to walk away without salvation, as the consequences are dire. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in Jesus, who offers rest and redemption.
Nothing to Pay
By Robin McKeown50126:21Christian LifeMAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 22:11LUK 7:42LUK 7:47JHN 19:302TI 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the redemption of rebels and sinners. The believer is reminded that the price for their salvation has been fully paid by Jesus. The preacher also highlights the story from Matthew 22 about a man who was found without a wedding garment at a wedding feast. This man was speechless when confronted by the king and was cast into outer darkness. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that when it comes to salvation, there is nothing we can do or say to earn it, as it is a free gift from God.
Paul's Peace
By Leonard Ravenhill1701:26:52Faithfulness of GodPeace in TrialsPaulMAT 5:9JHN 16:33ROM 5:1ROM 8:312CO 4:17PHP 4:71TH 5:242TI 1:12HEB 9:261PE 1:19Leonard Ravenhill preaches on 'Paul's Peace', emphasizing the Apostle Paul's unwavering faith and peace amidst trials and tribulations. He reflects on how Paul, despite facing immense suffering and persecution, remained steadfast in his mission, drawing strength from his relationship with Christ. Ravenhill highlights that true peace comes from reliance on God's faithfulness rather than our circumstances, encouraging believers to embrace their challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth. He reminds the congregation that, like Paul, they can find boldness and access to God through the sacrifice of Jesus, who triumphed over sin and death.
The Believer's Hope
By Major Ian Thomas1157:21Assurance in ChristFaith2CH 20:12ISA 41:10JHN 14:13ROM 8:312CO 12:9EPH 5:20PHP 4:61TH 5:162TI 1:12HEB 11:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the believer's hope in Christ, illustrating how true assurance comes from recognizing our inadequacy and relying on God's sufficiency. He recounts the story of Jehoshaphat, who learned to turn to God in times of crisis, demonstrating that faith involves not just belief but active appropriation of God's promises. Thomas encourages believers to abandon self-reliance and embrace a life led by Christ, who empowers us to face challenges with confidence and praise. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the transformative power of faith in action.
Dependence on Christ-God's Prescriptions
By John Newton3PSA 91:4ROM 4:20ROM 5:82TI 1:12HEB 10:23JAS 4:7John Newton preaches about the importance of relying on the Lord's mercy and faithfulness, even in times of weakness and insufficiency. He emphasizes the lesson Paul learnt of rejoicing in his own poverty and emptiness so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. Newton encourages putting trust in Jesus, who has the power, authority, and compassion to save completely, and highlights the need to have unwavering faith despite obstacles. He also addresses the concept of yielding to God's sovereignty, finding peace in His care, and seeking patience and submission to His will for true peace and healing.
The Word of Contentment
By A.W. Pink2ContentmentSurrender to GodPSA 23:4ECC 12:7LUK 23:46JHN 10:29ROM 12:1PHP 4:191TH 5:232TI 1:12HEB 10:311JN 3:1A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' final words on the cross, 'Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.' This act of surrender reflects Christ's perfect faith, confidence, and love towards the Father, showcasing a deep communion that was restored after a period of darkness. Pink highlights the contrast between being in the hands of sinful men and the security found in the Father's hands, illustrating the eternal safety of believers. He encourages Christians to yield their spirits to God, just as Christ did, and to find comfort in the assurance of God's love and care. Ultimately, Pink calls for a life of submission to God, leading to a peaceful death in His presence.
What Will Your End Be?
By Anton Bosch2DEU 34:7JOS 14:11MAT 10:22MAT 21:28MRK 10:31PHP 1:62TI 1:12HEB 3:14HEB 12:2REV 1:8Anton Bosch preaches on the importance of how we end our lives rather than how we begin, using examples from the Bible such as Solomon, Samuel, and Saul who started well but ended tragically. He emphasizes the need to maintain spiritual vitality and zeal for God until the end, drawing inspiration from figures like Moses and Caleb who remained strong and faithful in their old age. Bosch highlights the significance of enduring to the end, holding fast to sound teaching, faith, and love, and entrusting everything to God to ensure a secure future.
Our Daily Homily - 2 Timothy
By F.B. Meyer1StewardshipTrust in God2TI 1:12F.B. Meyer emphasizes the dual nature of deposits in his sermon on 2 Timothy, illustrating how believers entrust their souls to Christ while He, in turn, entrusts His Gospel and glory to them. He encourages the congregation to be diligent stewards of the treasures God has given them, highlighting the importance of being 'meet for the Master's use.' Meyer reflects on the transformative power of Scripture, which is God-breathed and refreshes the soul, urging believers to maintain a high view of Christ as both Savior and Judge. He concludes with a call to live in a way that honors the trust placed in them by God, fostering a deep relationship with Him through prayer and service.
Assurance of Salvation
By John R. Rice12TI 1:12John R. Rice preaches on the importance of assurance of salvation, emphasizing that those who gladly receive God's word are baptized and publicly identify as Christians. He shares his personal journey of initially doubting his salvation but finding certainty through Scripture, highlighting verses like John 3:36 and Romans 10:13 that assure believers of eternal life through faith in Jesus. Rice addresses common reasons for doubt, such as feeling unworthy or depending on good works, and encourages relying solely on Jesus for salvation, emphasizing the need to trust in God's promises and the assurance found in His Word.
Confidence ("Cast Not Away Your Confidence" - "Confidence by the Faith of Him")
By Hans R. Waldvogel1Confidence In GodFaithPSA 37:5PRO 28:26ISA 40:31ROM 4:202CO 1:9EPH 3:12PHP 4:132TI 1:12HEB 10:351JN 5:14Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence in God rather than in ourselves or worldly things, which are ultimately unreliable. He warns against the folly of trusting in our own hearts and encourages believers to draw near to God with boldness and confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. Waldvogel reminds us that true confidence comes from recognizing our weakness and relying on the Living God who raises the dead. He urges the congregation to cast away any confidence that is not rooted in Christ, as it is only through Him that we can find strength and assurance. The sermon concludes with a call to hope and trust in God's faithfulness, reinforcing that our confidence in Him will lead to great rewards.
Established and Kept
By C.H. Spurgeon1God's FaithfulnessDivine ProtectionPSA 91:2PSA 121:7ISA 41:10LAM 3:22ROM 8:31PHP 1:62TH 3:32TI 1:12HEB 13:51PE 5:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the faithfulness of the Lord in his sermon 'Established and Kept,' reminding us that while we encounter unreasonable and wicked men, we need not be troubled by them. Instead, we can find solace in God's unwavering promises and His ability to establish and protect us from evil. Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in God's faithful nature, assuring us that He will fulfill His purpose for our lives and provide divine protection against all adversities. The sermon calls for a prayerful reliance on the Lord, who is our true refuge and source of strength.
A Knowledge of Christ, and of Interest in Him
By John Gill1Faith in ChristAssurance of SalvationEPH 2:82TI 1:12John Gill preaches on the profound knowledge of Christ and the believer's interest in Him as the ultimate support in life and death, particularly in light of the passing of Mr. Joshua Hayes. He emphasizes that true faith is not merely historical but involves a deep, personal knowledge of Christ, who is able to keep what we commit to Him. Gill illustrates how this knowledge provides comfort and assurance, especially in the face of death, as believers can trust in Christ's ability to save and sustain them. He reflects on the importance of committing one's soul to Christ, highlighting that this relationship is essential for both present peace and future hope. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the significance of knowing Christ and the comfort it brings in all circumstances.
The Spirit Commited to God
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne1Commitment to GodAssurance in AfflictionRUT 1:20PSA 22:12PSA 31:5ISA 30:21ISA 46:4LUK 23:46JHN 10:281TI 1:152TI 1:12HEB 13:8Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound significance of committing our spirits to God, drawing parallels between Christ's final words on the cross and the believer's journey. He highlights that both the afflicted and the redeemed can find solace in entrusting their souls to the Lord, especially during times of temptation, affliction, and even death. M'Cheyne encourages believers to recognize the preciousness of their souls and the importance of placing them in the hands of the Redeemer, who is capable of delivering and preserving them. He reminds the congregation that in moments of despair, they can echo Christ's words, finding hope and assurance in God's truth. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt commitment to God, urging listeners to prepare their spirits for the eternal journey ahead.
St. Paul's Perfect Faith.
By Daniel Steele02TI 1:12Daniel Steele preaches about St. Paul's perfect faith and entire sanctification, emphasizing Paul's unwavering trust in Christ even in extreme circumstances like hunger and poverty, showcasing a faith that leads to victory over sin and evil. Paul's self-abnegation and sacrificial love for others reflect his holiness of heart and life, demonstrating his readiness to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. His complete deliverance from covetousness and love of human applause exemplifies his sanctified state and his dedication to serving Christ above all else.
He Who Loves Us
By Erlo Stegen0God's LoveFaithfulnessISA 49:15DAN 10:11JHN 3:16ROM 11:332TI 1:12Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound love of God for humanity, illustrated through the life of Daniel, who remained faithful to God despite the challenges of exile. He highlights that God's love is not only for Daniel but extends to all, even while we were still in sin, as demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus. Stegen encourages believers to recognize their worth in God's eyes and to respond to His great love with faithfulness and gratitude. He reminds us that God's faithfulness and omnipotence assure us that we are cherished and remembered, even in our struggles. The sermon calls for reflection on how we respond to such immense grace and love.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
By Aaron Hills0ROM 1:16ROM 6:23ROM 10:111CO 1:181CO 1:23GAL 1:8EPH 1:71TH 5:232TI 1:122TI 2:15Aaron Hills preaches about the unashamed power of the Gospel of Christ, emphasizing the moral sublimity of Paul's assertion amidst the corrupt and decadent Roman world. He highlights the essential elements of the Gospel as revealed by Paul, including the Divine, Atoning, and Crucified Christ, salvation conditioned on faith, and the doctrine of Sanctification. Hills addresses the reasons why some may be ashamed of the Gospel, such as rejecting fundamental doctrines, ignoring Gospel conditions, and seeking to dilute its power with human additions. He stresses the importance of not being ashamed of the Gospel, as it brings assurance of God, reveals the worth and immortality of the human soul, and has the power to reform societies and elevate individuals.
A Man's Interest in Christ May Be Known
By William Guthrie0ISA 8:20MAT 25:12MRK 9:24JHN 8:44ROM 8:18ROM 8:382CO 13:52TI 1:122PE 1:101JN 5:13William Guthrie preaches about the certainty of knowing one's interest in Christ, emphasizing that it is attainable through examining oneself and aligning with Scripture. He highlights the importance of having a saving covenant with God, cautioning against false confidence and the narrow path to Christ. Guthrie stresses the need to allow Scripture to determine one's condition and the reasons why many struggle to have a clear knowledge of their state in Christ. He addresses common mistakes and hindrances in understanding one's interest in Christ, urging diligence, self-examination, and reliance on God's Word for clarity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am not ashamed - Though I suffer for the Gospel, I am not ashamed of the Gospel; nor am I confounded in my expectation; his grace being at all times sufficient for me. For I know whom I have believed - I am well acquainted with the goodness, mercy, and power of Christ; and know that I cannot confide in him in vain. That which I have committed unto him - This is variously understood. Some think he means his life, which he had put, as it were, into the hands of Christ, in order that he might receive it again, in the resurrection, at the great day. Others think he means his soul. This he had also given into the hands of his faithful Creator, knowing that although wicked men might be permitted to take away his life, yet they could not destroy his soul, nor disturb its peace. Others think that he is speaking of the Gospel, which he knows will be carefully preserved by the great Head of the Church; for, though he shall be soon called to seal the truth with his blood, yet he knows that God will take care that the same truth shall be proclaimed to the world by others, whom God shall raise up for that very purpose.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For the which cause--For the Gospel cause of which I was appointed a preacher (Ti2 1:10-11). I also suffer--besides my active work as a missionary. ELLICOTT translates, "I suffer even these things"; the sufferings attendant on my being a prisoner (Ti2 1:8, Ti2 1:15). I am not ashamed--neither be thou (Ti2 1:8). for--Confidence as to the future drives away shame [BENGEL]. I know--though the world knows Him not (Joh 10:14; Joh 17:25). whom--I know what a faithful, promise-keeping God He is (Ti2 2:13). It is not, I know how I have believed, but, I know WHOM I have believed; a feeble faith may clasp a strong Saviour. believed--rather, "trusted"; carrying out the metaphor of a depositor depositing his pledge with one whom he trusts. am persuaded-- (Rom 8:38). he is able--in spite of so many foes around me. that which I have committed unto him--Greek, "my deposit"; the body, soul, and spirit, which I have deposited in God's safe keeping (Th1 5:23; Pe1 4:19). So Christ Himself in dying (Luk 23:46). "God deposits with us His word; we deposit with God our spirit" [GROTIUS]. There is one deposit (His revelation) committed by God to us, which we ought to keep (Ti2 1:13-14) and transmit to others (Ti2 2:2); there is another committed by God to us, which we should commit to His keeping, namely, ourselves and our heavenly portion. that day--the day of His appearing (Ti2 1:18; Ti2 4:8).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the which cause I also suffer these things,.... The present imprisonment and bonds in which he now was; these, with all the indignities, reproaches, distresses, and persecutions, came upon him, for the sake of his being a preacher of the Gospel; and particularly for his being a teacher of the Gentiles: the Jews hated him, and persecuted him, because he preached the Gospel, and the more because he preached it to the Gentiles, that they might be saved; and the unbelieving Gentiles were stirred up against him, for introducing a new religion among them, to the destruction of their idolatry and superstition; and the sufferings which he endured were many; and he was appointed to them, as well as to the Gospel, which he preached. Nevertheless I am not ashamed; neither of the Gospel, and the truths and ordinances of it, for which he suffered; but he continued to own and confess it constantly, and to preach it boldly; none of these things moved him from it: nor of the sufferings he endured, for the sake of it; since they were not for murder, or theft, or sedition, or any enormity whatever, but in a good cause; wherefore he was so far from being ashamed of them, that he took pleasure in them, and gloried of them. Nor was he ashamed of Christ, whose Gospel he preached, and for whom he suffered; nor of his faith and hope in him. For it follows, for I know whom I have believed. A spiritual knowledge of Christ is necessary to faith in him: an unknown Christ cannot be the object of faith, though an unseen Christ, as to bodily sight, may be, and is. Knowledge and faith go together: they that truly know Christ, believe in him, and the more they know him, the more strongly do they believe in him: such who spiritually and savingly know Christ, have seen the glories of his person, and the fulness of his grace; and they approve of him, as their Saviour, being every way suitable to them, and disapprove of all others; they love him above all others, and with all their hearts; and they put their trust in him, and trust him with all they have; and they know whom they trust, what an able, willing, suitable, and complete Saviour he is. This knowledge which they have of him, is not from themselves, but from the Father, who reveals him to them, and in them; and from himself, who gives them an understanding that they may know him; and from the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: and be it more or less, it is practical, and leads to the discharge of duty, from a principle of love to Christ; and is of a soul humbling nature, and appropriates Christ to a man's self; and has always some degree of certainty in it; and though it is imperfect, it is progressive; and the least measure of it is saving, and has eternal life connected with it: and that faith which accompanies it, and terminates on the object known, is the grace, by which a man sees Christ in the riches of his grace; goes to him in a sense of need of him; lays hold upon him as a Saviour; receives and embraces him; commits its all unto him; trusts him with all; leans and lives upon him, and walks on in him till it receives the end of faith, even eternal salvation. And I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. By that which he had committed to him is meant, not the great treasure of his labours and sufferings for Christ, as if he had deposited these in Christ's hands, in order to be brought forth at the great day of account to his advantage; for though his labours and sufferings were many, yet he always ascribed the strength by which he endured them to the grace of God; and he knew they were not worthy to be compared, nor made mention of, with the glory that was to be revealed in him. Rather this may be understood of the souls of those he had been instrumental in the converting of, whom he had commended to Christ, hoping to meet them as his joy and crown of rejoicing another day; though it seems best of all to interpret it either of his natural life, the care of which he had committed to Christ, and which he knew he was able to preserve, and would preserve for usefulness until the day appointed for his death; or rather his precious and immortal soul, and the eternal welfare and salvation of it: and the act of committing it to Christ, designs his giving himself to him, leaving himself with him, trusting in him for eternal life and salvation, believing he was able to save him to the uttermost; even unto the day of death, when he hoped to be with him, which is far better than to be in this world; and unto the day of the resurrection, when both soul and body will be glorified with him; and to the day of judgment, when the crown of righteousness will be received from his hands. And what might induce the apostle, and so any other believer, to conclude the ability of Christ to keep the souls of those that are committed to him, are, his proper deity, he having all the fulness of the Godhead, or the perfections of deity dwelling in him; his being the Creator and upholder of all things; his having accomplished the great work of redemption and salvation, by his own arm; his mediatorial fulness of grace and power; and his being trusted by his Father with all the persons, grace, and glory of the elect, to whom he has been faithful. And now the consideration of all this, as it was a support to the apostle, under all his afflictions, and sufferings for the Gospel, and in a view of death itself, so it may be, as it often has been, a relief to believers, under all the sorrows of this life, and in a prospect of death and eternity. Philo the Jew (b) speaks in like manner as the apostle here of , "the depositum of the soul": though he knew not where to commit it for safety, as the apostle did, and every true believer does. (b) Quis rer. Divin. Haeres. p. 498, 499.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12 Paul had complete confidence as he faced his own death (see 4:17-18; Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 4:8-9; Phil 1:20); it was an example for Timothy to follow (see 2 Tim 1:8). • what I have entrusted to him (or what has been entrusted to me; literally my deposit): My deposit might be either the Good News that had been entrusted to Paul (see 1 Tim 6:20) or Paul’s life and ministry that he had committed to God.