2 Timothy 1:13
Verse
Context
Holding to Sound Teaching
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. 13Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
Sermons
John Stott
C.H. Spurgeon
Rolfe BarnardC.H. Spurgeon
John Metcalfe
Santosh PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hold fast the form of sound words - The word ὑποτυπωσις signifies the sketch, plan, or outline of a building, picture, etc.; and here refers to the plan of salvation which the apostle had taught Timothy. No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased. If God did not give a revelation of himself, the inventions of man, in religious things, would be endless error, involving itself in contortions of unlimited confusion. God gives, in his mercy to man, a form of sound words or doctrines; a perfect plan and sketch of the original building; fair and well defined outlines of every thing which concerns the present and eternal welfare of man, and his own glory. In faith and love - Faith credits the Divine doctrines. Love reduces them all to practice. Faith lays hold on Jesus Christ, and obtains that love by which every precept is cheerfully and effectually obeyed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hold fast the form--rather as Greek, "Have (that is, keep) a pattern of sound (Greek, 'healthy') words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love." "Keep" suits the reference to a deposit in the context. The secondary position of the verb in the Greek forbids our taking it so strongly as English Version, "Hold fast." The Greek for "form" is translated "pattern" in Ti1 1:16, the only other passage where it occurs. Have such a pattern drawn from my sound words, in opposition to the unsound doctrines so current at Ephesus, vividly impressed (WAHL translates it "delineation"; the verb implies "to make a lively and lasting impress") on thy mind. in faith and love--the element IN which my sound words had place, and in which thou art to have the vivid impression of them as thy inwardly delineated pattern, moulding conformably thy outward profession. So nearly BENGEL explains, Ti1 3:9.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hold fast the form of sound words,.... By "words" are meant, not mere words, but doctrines; for the servants of the Lord should not strive about words, to no profit, or be too tenacious of them. Indeed when words have long obtained, and have been very useful to convey just ideas of truth to the mind, they are not to be easily parted with, though they are not syllabically expressed in Scripture, unless other and better words can be substituted in their room; and especially they are to be tenaciously abode by, when the apparent design by dropping or changing them is to set aside the truths signified by them; such as trinity, unity, essence, person, imputed righteousness, satisfaction, &c. But here words design doctrines, the words of faith and good doctrine, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ; and which are said to be "sound", in opposition to the words and doctrines of false teachers, which are corrupt and unsound, and are pernicious, and eat as do a canker; and because they are so in themselves; they are not only sweet and pleasant, but salutary and nourishing; they are milk for babes, and meat for strong men; they are food for faith, and nourish up to eternal life. The "form" of them either intends the manner of teaching them, which should be it, apt and acceptable words, plain and easy to be understood, and not with the enticing words of men's wisdom; or a brief summary, a compendium of Gospel truth. It was usual with both Jews and Christians to reduce the principles of their religion into a narrow compass, into a short form or breviary. The Jew had his "form of knowledge, and of the truth in the law", Rom 2:20, which was a rule to himself, and an instruction to others; and such a form, or Jewish creed, may be seen in Heb 6:1. The Apostle Paul gives a summary of the Gospel, which he preached, and which he reduces to two heads; repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, Act 20:20 and an excellent compendium and abridgment of the Gospel, and a glorious form of sound words, we have in Rom 8:29 and such an one Timothy had heard and received from the apostle, as a "pattern" for him hereafter to preach by, as this word signifies; and as it is rendered in Ti1 1:16. There seems to be an allusion to painters, who first make their outlines, and take a rough draught before they lay on their colours and beautiful strokes; and which rough draught and first lines are the rule and pattern of their after work; and which they never exceed, but keep within the compass of: so there is a set of Gospel truths, which may be called the analogy or proportion of faith, which are a rule and pattern, as for hearers to judge by, so for ministers to preach according to, Ti1 6:3 And such a form or pattern was the apostle's doctrine to Timothy, and which he full well knew: and this form includes the doctrines concerning the trinity of persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit, and the proper deity and distinct personality of each of them; concerning the everlasting love of the three Persons to the elect, the covenant of grace, and the transactions in it relating to them; their personal and eternal election in Christ, and his suretyship engagements for them; the state and condition of men by the fall, and through, sin, as that Adam's sin is imputed to all his posterity, and a corrupt nature propagated from him, and that man is altogether impure, and entirely impotent all that is spiritually good; as also such doctrines as concern particular redemption by Christ, satisfaction for sin by his sacrifice, free and full pardon by his blood, and justification by his imputed righteousness: regeneration and sanctification by the powerful and efficacious grace of the Spirit of God; and the final perseverance of the saints to eternal glory, as the free gift of God. And this is a form never to departed from, but to be held fast, as Timothy is exhorted; which supposes that he had it, as he had, not only in his head, but in his heart; and that there was danger of dropping it through the temptations that surrounded him, the reproach and persecution the Gospel lay under, and through the sleight of false teachers, who lay in wait to deceive, and to take every opportunity of wringing it out of his hands; and therefore it became him, as he had it, not only to hold it forth, and publish it, but to hold it fast, in opposition to any wavering about it, or cowardice in it, or departure from it in any degree. And the argument to hold it fast follows, which thou hast heard of me; both in private conversation, and in the public ministry of the word; and which the apostle had not from men, but by the revelation of Christ; and therefore was to be depended upon, and to be abode by, or held fast, in the manner next directed to: in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus; in the exercise of faith, and from a principle of love; which two graces always go together, and have Christ, as here, for their object: though this clause, may be connected with the word "heard", and the sense be, either that Timothy had heard Paul preach these sound doctrines with great faith and faithfulness, and with much fervency and affection to Christ, and the souls of men; or Timothy had heard them himself, and embraced and mixed them with faith, and received them in love: or it may be read in connection with "the form of sound words"; the sum of which is faith in Christ, and love to him; the Gospel is the doctrine of faith; and it puts men on discharging their duty from love to Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13
Holding to Sound Teaching
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. 13Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ii Timothy - Part 1 - Continue in the Gospel
By John Stott11K50:08GospelISA 57:20MAT 6:33EPH 4:142TI 1:132TI 3:142TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the word of God and not being influenced by the world. He reminds Timothy of his past and present loyalty to the apostle Paul and urges him to continue in his teachings. The preacher then describes the conduct, religion, and beliefs of the bad men responsible for the challenges faced by the church. He also highlights the negative qualities exhibited by young people towards their parents, emphasizing the importance of honoring and obeying them. The sermon encourages listeners to remain faithful to God's teachings and to show gratitude in their lives.
Ii Timothy - Part 3 - Guard the Gospel
By John Stott7.0K45:30Gospel2TI 1:13In this sermon, Reverend John R. discusses the importance of actively applying ourselves in self-discipline to cooperate with the grace of God. He emphasizes the need to fan the inner flame into flame in order to become the men and women God wants us to be. The sermon then focuses on the responsibility of Timothy towards the truth of the gospel. Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed and to take his share of suffering, as preaching the gospel may lead to opposition and persecution. Timothy is also called to guard, suffer for, continue in, and preach the gospel, as emphasized in different chapters of 2 Timothy.
Christ -- Our Substitute
By C.H. Spurgeon5.3K41:20JHN 14:6JHN 16:13ACT 20:28EPH 4:142TI 1:132TI 2:26JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the face of false teachings and worldly philosophies. He encourages the listeners to hold fast to the faith that was delivered to them and to resist any attempts to sway them from it. The preacher highlights the unwavering strength and purity of Jesus Christ, who faced temptations and trials but remained sinless. He concludes by reminding the audience of the importance of a solid foundation in Christ, using the analogy of a house built on a rock that withstands the storms of life.
A Burden for Souls
By Rolfe Barnard3.7K53:37MAT 26:212TI 1:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a girl who had a terrible back condition and was suffering from fever and cuts on her arms and face. The girl had a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ and shared her testimony with her family. The speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and seeking His intervention in our lives. The sermon also highlights the unconditional love of God and the assurance of salvation for those who put their faith in Him.
The Form of Sound Words
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K49:49ACT 4:12ROM 1:16ROM 10:171CO 16:13EPH 4:141TH 5:212TI 1:13The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the truth of the gospel. It encourages parents to provide sound instruction in the doctrines of Christ to their children. The speaker believes that the gospel should be presented in its pure and simple form, without any distortions or dilutions. The transcript also warns of two dangers: the temptation to give up the truth due to opposition and the need to be conservative in holding onto the truth. The sermon concludes by urging believers to pray themselves into a deeper understanding and adherence to the truth.
The Law Established - Part 1
By John Metcalfe1.0K1:14:58PSA 119:105MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ACT 4:13ROM 3:312TI 1:13HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the law in relation to the gospel. He explains that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law of Moses in his human nature and took upon himself the curse of sin. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus satisfied the requirements of the law and justified believers. The preacher warns against distorting the law and adding human merit or works to the gospel, emphasizing that salvation is a result of God's grace alone.
Retaining the Standard of the Gospel
By Santosh Poonen99548:19FaithfulnessDiscernmentFalling Away2TI 1:13Santosh Poonen emphasizes the urgency of retaining the standard of the Gospel amidst the distractions and challenges of the world. He warns that as persecution increases, it will become harder to hear God's voice, urging believers to cultivate discernment and faithfulness in their walk with Christ. Poonen reflects on the historical context of the early church, highlighting the importance of using current times of peace to strengthen the body of Christ and prepare for future trials. He encourages the congregation to guard the treasure of the Gospel and to live with a sense of urgency, ensuring that their faith does not wane in the face of adversity. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the teachings of Christ, reminding believers that their actions and choices today will impact their eternal standing with God.
Lest I Should Be a Castaway
By Keith Daniel5341:15:42PSA 1:1PSA 119:37ECC 10:1MAT 25:23ROM 12:11CO 9:25EPH 4:141TI 1:192TI 1:13TIT 2:7HEB 12:15
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and the need for protection against spiritual attacks. It warns against distractions and diversions that can lead to a fall, urging listeners to dedicate themselves fully to God and His Word. The speaker highlights the dangers of moral and doctrinal shipwrecks, urging vigilance and a return to sound doctrine and spiritual grounding.
His Presence
By Michael Koulianos3251:01Stewardship of FaithGod's PresencePresence of God1KI 19:1PRO 22:28MAT 22:37JHN 15:5ROM 12:11CO 3:62TI 1:13HEB 12:1JAS 4:101PE 5:5Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of maintaining the ancient landmarks of faith and the necessity of God's presence in our lives. He draws parallels between the struggles of Elijah and the modern church, highlighting the importance of not compromising the gospel for popularity or convenience. Koulianos stresses that true ministry is rooted in a deep relationship with Jesus, and that the church must prioritize His presence above all else. He warns against the dangers of pride and the temptation to stray from foundational truths established by previous generations. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to stewarding God's presence and ensuring that the next generation experiences an even greater glory.
The Form of Sound Words to Be Held Fast.
By John Gill0Faithfulness in MinistrySound DoctrineROM 5:9ROM 10:82CO 5:19GAL 1:9EPH 1:41TI 6:32TI 1:13HEB 12:151PE 1:21JN 5:20John Gill emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the form of sound words as instructed by the Apostle Paul to Timothy. He outlines the essential doctrines that should be preserved, including the Trinity, the everlasting love of God, and the doctrine of justification by faith. Gill encourages ministers to maintain these truths with faith and love, warning against the dangers of deviating from sound doctrine. He stresses that these teachings are foundational for the church and vital for the spiritual health of believers. The charge serves as a reminder for all ministers to be steadfast in their commitment to the gospel.
Letter 78
By James Bourne01CO 9:24GAL 5:241TI 1:162TI 1:132TI 3:1James Bourne, in a sermon to M. J. and C. G. in London on April 26, 1835, addresses the challenges they face, emphasizing the necessity of enduring difficulties to obtain the prize. He warns against holding onto idols or secret sins, as seen in the story of the young man who chose worldly possessions over Christ. Bourne urges them to hold fast to faith and a good conscience, reminding them of the importance of enduring hardships as good soldiers for the incorruptible crown.
Another Gospel
By John Cheesman0MRK 10:17JHN 3:3ROM 5:61CO 1:18GAL 1:6EPH 2:11TH 5:211TI 6:32TI 1:13HEB 12:14John Cheesman delves into the comparison between the biblical gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the manmade substitute prevalent in modern evangelicalism. He emphasizes the importance of testing all formulations of the gospel against the true gospel revealed in the Word of God, citing warnings against false gospels in Scripture. Cheesman highlights the necessity of repentance, faith, and true conversion, contrasting the modern gospel's emphasis on human initiative with the scriptural truth of God's sovereignty in salvation. He warns against the dangers of false assurance and the need for a genuine heart transformation through repentance and faith in Christ.
Epistle 271
By George Fox0The Power of GodlinessSpiritual AuthorityGEN 1:2ISA 19:14JHN 3:19ROM 6:17EPH 4:301TH 5:192TI 1:132TI 3:5George Fox emphasizes the danger of straying from the light, spirit, and power of God, leading to confusion and a lack of true form in life. He warns that those who follow their own wills and reject divine authority fall into a perverse spirit, resulting in a chaotic existence devoid of true purpose. Fox highlights the importance of maintaining the covenant with God and the necessity of both form and power in faith, as mere outward appearances without spiritual substance lead to condemnation. He calls for a return to the true forms established by God, which are essential for a sound and godly life.
The True Church
By John W. Kennedy0ACT 2:42EPH 4:3PHP 3:142TI 1:13HEB 13:131PE 2:9John W. Kennedy preaches about the continual spiritual struggle for the existence of the true Church, emphasizing the importance of holding firmly to the fellowship of the Church and resisting temptations to compromise, organize, or become sectarian. He highlights the spiritual life and Scriptural order of the Church going hand in hand, with believers being priests and witnesses, and the assembly serving as the focal point of Christian service and responsibility. Kennedy stresses that the true Church is not meant to be attractive to the world but to witness to the life of Christ, leading others to a divine change and entrance into a higher spiritual life.
The General's Prophecy
By Eli Brayley02TI 1:13Eli Brayley delivers a powerful sermon reflecting on a prophetic quote by General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, warning about the dangers of religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell. Brayley emphasizes the importance of remembering the ancient ways and passing down knowledge from generation to generation, as urged in Paul's second letter to Timothy. He laments the stark differences in modern Christianity compared to the faith of our forefathers, highlighting the lack of spiritual fervor and the failure to uphold foundational traditions.
Sermons on Saints' Days. No. 3, St Mark's Day
By J.H. Newman02TI 1:13J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of stability in sound doctrine, emphasizing the need for Christians to prove their faith and love by believing in the genuine Gospel and adoring the true Savior. He warns against the common notion that faith in the heart is everything while neglecting doctrinal accuracy, highlighting the scriptural emphasis on guarding the doctrines delivered to the Saints. Newman discusses the Apostolical ministry as a means to guard the foundations of faith and enable believers to press forward to perfection, contrasting the effects of dispensing with episcopal succession in various churches and the doctrinal deviations that followed.
Why Do We Need Creeds?
By Andrew J. Webb01CO 15:3EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 1:13JUD 1:3Andrew J. Webb discusses the importance of creeds, confessions, and catechisms in summarizing and preserving the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. Creeds like the Apostles Creed provide concise summaries of core beliefs, while confessions offer more comprehensive statements on various doctrines, particularly those related to salvation. These standards help maintain unity in the Church, ensuring that teachings align with Scripture and preventing the spread of heresy. Despite the fallibility of men who wrote these standards, they serve as valuable tools for guiding believers in sound doctrine and worship.
Sermons for Saints' Days and Holidays. (No. 4. St. Philip and St. james.)
By J.H. Newman01CO 16:22GAL 1:8EPH 4:141TI 1:32TI 1:13TIT 2:72PE 3:161JN 4:1JUD 1:3J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of true love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need to understand and believe in His divine nature as revealed in Scripture and interpreted by the Church. He uses the examples of St. Philip and historical heresies to caution against deviating from Apostolic doctrine in the pursuit of warm feelings or sentiments towards Christ. Newman highlights the necessity of adhering to the 'form of sound words' and the Apostolic teachings to avoid falling into dangerous errors that may lead to separation from the true faith and compromise with false teachings.
Catena patrum.—no. Iv. Testimony of Writers in the Later English Church to the Eucharistic Sacrifice
By J.H. Newman0PRO 4:251CO 16:13EPH 4:142TI 1:13JUD 1:3Edward Bouverie Pusey preaches about the challenges faced by the Church in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, particularly during the time of Queen Elizabeth, in navigating the complexities of the Reformation. He highlights the struggles of the reformers, such as Cranmer, in attempting to unite the discordant elements of Protestantism into one Episcopal body, leading to vacillation and confusion. Pusey emphasizes the importance of preserving the true doctrine amidst the turbulent times, acknowledging the difficulties faced by those who sought to uphold the faith while combating both Roman Catholic corruptions and Protestant innovations. He underscores the need for a calm and steady adherence to the principles of the Church Catholic, despite the challenges and temptations to compromise.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hold fast the form of sound words - The word ὑποτυπωσις signifies the sketch, plan, or outline of a building, picture, etc.; and here refers to the plan of salvation which the apostle had taught Timothy. No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased. If God did not give a revelation of himself, the inventions of man, in religious things, would be endless error, involving itself in contortions of unlimited confusion. God gives, in his mercy to man, a form of sound words or doctrines; a perfect plan and sketch of the original building; fair and well defined outlines of every thing which concerns the present and eternal welfare of man, and his own glory. In faith and love - Faith credits the Divine doctrines. Love reduces them all to practice. Faith lays hold on Jesus Christ, and obtains that love by which every precept is cheerfully and effectually obeyed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hold fast the form--rather as Greek, "Have (that is, keep) a pattern of sound (Greek, 'healthy') words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love." "Keep" suits the reference to a deposit in the context. The secondary position of the verb in the Greek forbids our taking it so strongly as English Version, "Hold fast." The Greek for "form" is translated "pattern" in Ti1 1:16, the only other passage where it occurs. Have such a pattern drawn from my sound words, in opposition to the unsound doctrines so current at Ephesus, vividly impressed (WAHL translates it "delineation"; the verb implies "to make a lively and lasting impress") on thy mind. in faith and love--the element IN which my sound words had place, and in which thou art to have the vivid impression of them as thy inwardly delineated pattern, moulding conformably thy outward profession. So nearly BENGEL explains, Ti1 3:9.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hold fast the form of sound words,.... By "words" are meant, not mere words, but doctrines; for the servants of the Lord should not strive about words, to no profit, or be too tenacious of them. Indeed when words have long obtained, and have been very useful to convey just ideas of truth to the mind, they are not to be easily parted with, though they are not syllabically expressed in Scripture, unless other and better words can be substituted in their room; and especially they are to be tenaciously abode by, when the apparent design by dropping or changing them is to set aside the truths signified by them; such as trinity, unity, essence, person, imputed righteousness, satisfaction, &c. But here words design doctrines, the words of faith and good doctrine, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ; and which are said to be "sound", in opposition to the words and doctrines of false teachers, which are corrupt and unsound, and are pernicious, and eat as do a canker; and because they are so in themselves; they are not only sweet and pleasant, but salutary and nourishing; they are milk for babes, and meat for strong men; they are food for faith, and nourish up to eternal life. The "form" of them either intends the manner of teaching them, which should be it, apt and acceptable words, plain and easy to be understood, and not with the enticing words of men's wisdom; or a brief summary, a compendium of Gospel truth. It was usual with both Jews and Christians to reduce the principles of their religion into a narrow compass, into a short form or breviary. The Jew had his "form of knowledge, and of the truth in the law", Rom 2:20, which was a rule to himself, and an instruction to others; and such a form, or Jewish creed, may be seen in Heb 6:1. The Apostle Paul gives a summary of the Gospel, which he preached, and which he reduces to two heads; repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, Act 20:20 and an excellent compendium and abridgment of the Gospel, and a glorious form of sound words, we have in Rom 8:29 and such an one Timothy had heard and received from the apostle, as a "pattern" for him hereafter to preach by, as this word signifies; and as it is rendered in Ti1 1:16. There seems to be an allusion to painters, who first make their outlines, and take a rough draught before they lay on their colours and beautiful strokes; and which rough draught and first lines are the rule and pattern of their after work; and which they never exceed, but keep within the compass of: so there is a set of Gospel truths, which may be called the analogy or proportion of faith, which are a rule and pattern, as for hearers to judge by, so for ministers to preach according to, Ti1 6:3 And such a form or pattern was the apostle's doctrine to Timothy, and which he full well knew: and this form includes the doctrines concerning the trinity of persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit, and the proper deity and distinct personality of each of them; concerning the everlasting love of the three Persons to the elect, the covenant of grace, and the transactions in it relating to them; their personal and eternal election in Christ, and his suretyship engagements for them; the state and condition of men by the fall, and through, sin, as that Adam's sin is imputed to all his posterity, and a corrupt nature propagated from him, and that man is altogether impure, and entirely impotent all that is spiritually good; as also such doctrines as concern particular redemption by Christ, satisfaction for sin by his sacrifice, free and full pardon by his blood, and justification by his imputed righteousness: regeneration and sanctification by the powerful and efficacious grace of the Spirit of God; and the final perseverance of the saints to eternal glory, as the free gift of God. And this is a form never to departed from, but to be held fast, as Timothy is exhorted; which supposes that he had it, as he had, not only in his head, but in his heart; and that there was danger of dropping it through the temptations that surrounded him, the reproach and persecution the Gospel lay under, and through the sleight of false teachers, who lay in wait to deceive, and to take every opportunity of wringing it out of his hands; and therefore it became him, as he had it, not only to hold it forth, and publish it, but to hold it fast, in opposition to any wavering about it, or cowardice in it, or departure from it in any degree. And the argument to hold it fast follows, which thou hast heard of me; both in private conversation, and in the public ministry of the word; and which the apostle had not from men, but by the revelation of Christ; and therefore was to be depended upon, and to be abode by, or held fast, in the manner next directed to: in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus; in the exercise of faith, and from a principle of love; which two graces always go together, and have Christ, as here, for their object: though this clause, may be connected with the word "heard", and the sense be, either that Timothy had heard Paul preach these sound doctrines with great faith and faithfulness, and with much fervency and affection to Christ, and the souls of men; or Timothy had heard them himself, and embraced and mixed them with faith, and received them in love: or it may be read in connection with "the form of sound words"; the sum of which is faith in Christ, and love to him; the Gospel is the doctrine of faith; and it puts men on discharging their duty from love to Christ.