2 Timothy 1

David Lipscomb Commentary On 2nd Timothy 12 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God,—Apart from any work or merit of his own, God chose him for the work, and it was that sovereign will which chose him as an apostle, which guided him through his eventful life, and which brought him to the prison in Rome.according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,—This indicates the object or intention of his appointment as an apostle, which was to make known, to publish abroad, the promise of eternal life. He was evidently under the ex­pectation of death at the time of writing.2 Timothy 1:2to Timothy, my beloved child:—He had tender affection for Timothy whom he had taught the faith in Christ, and who had proved himself worthy of his confidence and affection.Grace, mercy, peace,—There is invoked grace on him as un­worthy, mercy on him as exposed to suffering, peace on him as the result of his being graciously dealt with.from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.—It is the fatherly feeling in God— that which is highest in his nature and with which redemption originated— that he made his appeal for saving blessings to rest on Timothy. Christ is the dispenser of the blessings in the Father’ s house, of which there is enough for all.2 Timothy 1:3-4I thank God,—[Notwithstanding the fact that the mean­ing is somewhat obscured by the parentheses (verse 5), it seems clear that the expression of thanksgiving was for his remembrance of the “ unfeigned faith” of Timothy, and his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice.]whom I serve from my forefathers—Paul had served God from childhood, having been trained to do so by his parents. He had been earnest, zealous, and faithful in rendering service to God as he believed was right.in a pure conscience,—Not only did he worship the same God as his fathers, but, like them, he worshiped in a pure conscience. In becoming a Christian he did not, as his ene­mies charged, depart from the God of Israel, the God of his forefathers; on the other hand, he, in accepting Christ, was moved by the faith of all the godly Israelites, while those in rejecting him had apostatized from the faith. In his defense before Felix he said: “ But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.

Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.” (Acts 24:14-16; see also Romans 4:12; Romans 9:31-33; Romans 10:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:22; Philippians 3:5.)how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplica­tions, night and day longing to see thee,—Paul was now old; his end was at hand; he earnestly desired to see Timothy, to whom he was so much attached, and who had been his com­panion and helper in his imprisonment.remembering thy tears,—These tears were probably shed when he was arrested and sent to Rome and incarcerated in prison. [It is likely that the clouds of danger which were gathering quickly around Paul toward the close of his career had impressed him with a foreboding of coming evil, and had invested the last parting with Timothy with circumstances of unusual solemnity. Paul had affected others besides Tim­othy with the same great love of the truth, and the great danger threatening it so that tears were shed by strong men when he bade them farewell. (Acts 20:37-38.)]that I may be filled with joy;—[Paul’ s perpetual remem­brance of Timothy in prayer was prompted by warm affection for him, which led to a constant longing to see him that in the reunion he would be filled with joy; and it would be intensified as he recalled the tears of Timothy at their parting.]2 Timothy 1:5having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice;—This faith is not only handed down from parent to child through the teaching and training that is done to the child, but also in the qualities of heart and mind that are transmitted that lead to sincere and unaffected faith.

It is probable that both the mother and grandmother had believed in Christ, but this language might be used in reference to those who sincerely worshiped God under the Jewish dispensation and waited for the coming Savior as did Simeon and Anna. (Luke 2:33-38.) Paul makes no mention of the father, though Luke says “ his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1.)and, I am persuaded, in thee also.—[This is an expression of confidence in the sincerity and reality of Timothy’ s faith. Of him he said: “ I have no man like-minded, who will care truly for your state.” (Philippians 2:20.) ]2 Timothy 1:6 For which cause I put thee in remembrance—With these words Paul introduces an exhortation which is further elabo­rated in the whole chapter and founded in different motives. Just because Paul knew that the faith of the mother and grand­mother of Timothy dwelt in him also, he has the candor to address this exhortation to him.that thou stir up the gift of God,—Devotion to God here is compared to a flame and the image is one that is obvious when we speak of causing it to blaze or burn more brightly. The exhortation to Timothy is to use the means God had given him to keep the flame brightly glowing. The agency of man him­self is essential to keep devotion to the Lord ever warm and active. However rich the gifts God has bestowed upon us, they do not grow of their own accord, but grow and increase in strength through the constant and diligent use of them.which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.—This gift seems to have been bestowed upon Timothy by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, Paul joining them in it. and by or through his hands, the gift was bestowed. (1 Timothy 4:4.) This gift might be allowed through neglect to be withdrawn or would grow and increase in strength through the constant and diligent use of it.

The law of Moses properly understood led up to love. From the beginning point in the gospel fear is swallowed up in love.2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness;—The spirit of fear and love are here contrasted. “ There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punish­ment.” (1 John 4:18.) Fear was the leading principle in the law of Moses, love in that of Jesus Christ.

This is a grave reminder to Christians of every age and degree that all cow­ardice, all dread of danger, all shrinking from doing one’s duty for fear of man’ s displeasure, proceeds not from the Spirit of God.but of power and love and discipline.—The Spirit which Paul had bestowed upon Timothy gave power to work miracles and led to love toward God and man. A sound mind or judgment enlightened by the Spirit of God then and now is the only real sound and enlightened judgment. The man who accepts Christ and is led by him is a wise man, however ignorant or unlearned he may be in the eyes of the world. The man who rejects Jesus is a fool no matter how learned or wise or honored in the world’ s esteem. To accept Christ is the only true wisdom that leads to true love.2 Timothy 1:8 Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord,—The gospel embraces the testimony of Christ. Paul said: “ I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16.) Man might be ashamed of one who died on a cross, but of one who died to save man and con­quered death and burst asunder the bonds of the grave, none should be ashamed. [This testimony of which Timothy was not to be ashamed certainly includes the sufferings and shame of Jesus.

In these sufferings, before a mocking, scornful world, must Timothy glory; but the “ testimony” includes the suffer­ings and shame of Christ. In these before scornful men must Timothy, as an example to the suffering Christians, rather glory, but the testimony includes much more than what relates only to the sufferings of the Lord Jesus.

The Christian, in stead of being ashamed “ of the testimony of our Lord,” must, before the sinful, persecuting world, show fearlessly that its hopes and its promises are his most precious treasures.]nor of me his prisoner:—This does not imply that Timothy had been ashamed of Paul as a prisoner, but the exhortation is intended to brace him up amid dangers and to encourage him to be a partaker with Paul of the afflictions of the gospel. There is no evidence that Timothy had shown a lack of faith and courage; but with the defection of many whom he had trusted, and the near approach of Paul’ s death, it was natural for him to encourage Timothy to stand steadfast in the faith.but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;—Our sufferings with and for Christ work out for us an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Paul, in love for his son Timothy, desired that he might suffer with Christ, for that would work the highest good for him in the world to come. Paul gloried in his sufferings, sorrows, and self-denials. Every Christian should arm himself with the same spirit and seek as a true and faithful follower of Christ to suffer with him.2 Timothy 1:9who saved us, and called us with a holy calling,—The as­surance that we shall not so suffer is that God has saved us from our sins and iniquities and has called us to a pure and holy life here and a life of glory hereafter.not according to our works,—This holy calling is not on account of our works or deserts, nor is the reward reached by or through works of our own.but according to his own purpose and grace,—God purposes on account of his own love to man to call him to this holy calling and heavenly end in and through Jesus Christ.which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,—This calling of man to a higher calling through Christ Jesus was the determined will of God before the present order of affairs began— from all eternity. [With such a salvation and holy calling, we should not be ashamed of the gospel nor shrink from sufferings and hardships on its account.]2 Timothy 1:10but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus,—While it was purposed to be developed through Christ before the world began, it is now open to the world through the appearance of Jesus Christ as the Savior. [The “ appearing” here includes not only the birth, but the whole manifestation of Christ on earth, including his death and resurrection.]who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light—Jesus overcame death, conquered it, and in his work put in operation the influences that will finally destroy or abolish it. [The death thus abolished has a far more extended meaning than the separation of the soul and body that we call death. It signifies that awful punishment of sin which is best described as the exact opposite to “ eternal life.” The death with which we are acquainted by sad experience here is only the forerunner of the death eternal.

Already to the faithful believer in Jesus Christ this death of the body counts for nothing; the time will come when it will even exist no more. Christ has deprived it of its power. (1 Corinthians 15:26; 1 Corinthians 15:55; Hebrews 2:14.) It is no longer an enemy to be dreaded, but a friend to be welcomed.]through the gospel,—While these intimations and allusions to eternal life were made, neither it nor the conditions on which it could be enjoyed were ever clearly made known to the world until it was brought to light through the gospel.2 Timothy 1:11whereunto I was appointed a preacher,—A preacher is a herald or first proclaimer as distinct from teacher.

In the Scripture the term preacher or herald or original proclaimer is used in a different sense from the word teacher of its prin­ciples. and an apostle,—The person and work of the Son of God had to be declared publicly, heralded in fact, and this was the first duty of an apostle, as one sent to proclaim Jesus to be a Prince and a Savior.and a teacher.—[Having persuaded men to accept the teach­ing of Jesus, and having baptized them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, he was to teach them all that Jesus had commanded— all the beauties of the Christian life.]2 Timothy 1:12 For which cause I suffer also these things;—Because he was chosen of God as his apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles, he suffered these things. When the Lord sent him, he said: “ He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’ s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16.) Paul said to the Ephesian elders: “ And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflic­tions abide me.” (Acts 20:22-23.) When he wrote this Epistle he was a prisoner at Rome, anticipating, if not then lying under sentence of, death. The sufferings to which he refers are set forth more specifically in the following words: “ I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but if ye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little. . . . Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves. For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.

I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundant­ly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is caused to stumble, and I burn not?

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.” (2 Corinthians 11:16-31.)yet I am not ashamed;—Notwithstanding all these humiliat­ing afflictions brought upon him, he was not ashamed because he suffered them for the sake of Jesus Christ. He, like Peter and John, felt so honored that he rejoiced that he was “ counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” (Acts 5:41.)for I know him whom I have believed,—Notwithstanding all the humiliating punishments brought on him, Paul was not ashamed of it all. The ground of his confidence, even in the hour of extreme peril, was his perfect trust in the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus Christ.and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him—Paul had committed his soul, his eternal well-being, unto God.against that day.—Paul was well persuaded that God could keep his soul until that day when everyone would receive according to the deeds done in the body.2 Timothy 1:13 Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me,—Paul had taught Timothy the truths of salvation in certain words, and lest the meaning should be perverted the very form of words that he had heard of him should be used. None can be too careful in stating the truths of the Scriptures in the language of the inspired writers. When men cannot convey their thoughts in the words of the Scripture, it is generally because they do not hold sound doctrine.in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.—These truths are to be held in faith which is to be enjoyed in Christ.2 Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee—This is an exhortation to guard the wholesome words spoken through inspired men, which was extremely necessary before the teaching of the apostles and evangelists were committed to writing, in which the full gospel is expressed in the words of the Holy Spirit.

These inspired writings are in our hands, and we ought to preserve them pure without any change.guard through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.—The Holy Spirit dwelled in the apostles and in Timothy also, and by him they were enabled to understand the teaching and they were through him to keep it.2 Timothy 1:15 This thou knowest that all that are in Asia turned away from me;—The defection to which reference is here made was from Paul and his interests. It extended to those Asiatics who at one time had been attached to him, and whose at­tachments had been put to the test when in Rome during his imprisonment.

It was to have been expected of them that they would have found their way to Paul’ s prison; but, as if they put it to themselves whether they would go or not, they chose to treat him as if he were a perfect stranger to them. In the real character of their action it was turning their back on the imprisoned apostle.of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.—These seem to have been leaders of those turning away from Paul. We know nothing of them save what is here said. [It has been their destiny to be handed down to posterity as men who acted an unworthy part toward the most noble man of all time in his extremity. They did not know that such an evil im­mortality was to attach to their names.]2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus:—In contrast with the course of Phygelus and Hermogenes, he now presents as an incentive to Timothy the noble conduct of Onesiphorus, a resident of Ephesus.for he oft refreshed me,—Here he recalls the many good offices which he had performed at Ephesus, of which Timothy from his personal knowledge would know better than Paul or anyone else could tell him. He often refreshed Paul, no doubt entertained him in his home when he was weary, worn, and persecuted— a real home of refuge and an asylum for rest and encouragement.and was not ashamed of my chain;—This most likely indi­cates that Paul, in this imprisonment, as in the first Roman imprisonment, was bound to a soldier by a chain. Many who admired and honored him in his prosperity, and in the days of his success, forsook him when he was a prisoner wearing a chain.2 Timothy 1:17but, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me—Among so many prisoners in Rome, gathered from all parts of the empire, it was a difficult task to find him.

This shows that he did not fare so well as in the first im­prisonment.2 Timothy 1:18(the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day);—Paul passes over the interval between death and the judgment. It is on “ that day” when all shall appear before the Judge of all the earth, and when all the deeds done in the body shall be recompensed by the righteous Judge.and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.—These services rendered to Paul at Eph­esus are placed side by side with those things he had done for him at Rome, but as they are mentioned after, they perhaps refer to kind offices undertaken for him by Onesiphorus after his return from Rome to Ephesus; but in general to the service he had done in the service of Christ there, of which Timothy from his residence there had even better knowledge than Paul himself.

What Onesiphorus had done for Paul at Rome was, therefore, only one instance in a life marked throughout by deeds of self-sacrificing faith and love— the expression of the general kindness and beneficence of his conduct in the service of the Master. Verse 1 PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO TIMOT 2nd Timothy Chapter OnePaul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, (2 Timothy 1:1) To the promise of the life … “This preposition denotes the object or intention of his appointment as apostle, which was to make known the promise of eternal life."[4] With the shadow of death hanging over him, almost the first words regard the promise of everlasting life to Christians. ENDNOTE: [4] Ibid., p. 218. Verse 2 to Timothy, my beloved child: grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.This verse is almost identical with 1 Timothy 1:2, which see. Verse 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and dayCommentators make a lot of this reference to his forefathers; but it would appear that the thing in the back of Paul’s mind here is the fact of Christianity actually being no new, upstart faith, but the culmination of the legal faith (Judaism) so long recognized as vital, historical, legitimate, and absolutely unopposed to any legitimate government. In worshipping God through Christ, Paul was only doing the same thing which (in a sense) had been done by generations of his devout ancestors. Nevertheless, it is not out of place to see in such a reference as this the just recognition of the influence of godly ancestry upon the lives of men. In a pure conscience … Paul had always been a conscientious worshiper of God, and later of God through Jesus Christ. He had even been, at first, a conscientious persecutor; but it is hard to believe that the reference in this context is anything else than a declaration of his innocence with reference to any action against the Empire. My remembrance of thee … In the doleful circumstances, Paul did not dwell morbidly upon his impending fate but took refuge in happy remembrances of past joys. In my supplications night and day … “The genitive which is used here denotes time within which.' The accusative would have meant all night and all day.’"[5] Thus some of Paul’s prayers were uttered at night, some in the daytime, and this cannot mean that he spent all of his time praying. Before leaving this verse, it should be noted again that “Paul always maintained that the gospel was the divinely ordained sequel to Judaism; not a new religion, but the fulfillment of the “promise made of God unto our fathers’ (Acts 26:6)."[6] Carl Spain also agreed with this: “Paul was not guilty of propagating some illegal religion in the name of a strange deity, as he was so often accused."[7][5] R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of Paul’s Epistles to Timothy (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1937), p. 747. [6] Newport J. D. White, Expositor’s Greek Testament, Vol. IV (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1967), p. 153. [7] Carl Spain, Letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus (Austin, Texas: R. B. Sweet Company, 1970), p. 111. Verse 4 longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;Such was the love of Christians for each other that strong men, in the face of danger and death to loved ones, openly wept; and there are a number of examples of this in the New Testament. As Ward said, “We are not called to a hard Stoicism which condemns all emotional experience."[8] Many speculations regarding the occasion of Timothy’s tears are left in the air by the brevity of the New Testament narrative. Some think Paul was remembering the occasion at Lystra when he was stoned; others just as logically suppose that he might have been remembering the occasion of his arrest by the imperial government. We can never know exactly. ENDNOTE: [8] Ronald A. Ward, Commentary on 1,2Timothy and Titus (Waco, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1974), p. 143. Verse 5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.The great implication of this verse is that “Faith of God’s people before Christ came is not different in kind from the faith after Christ has come."[9]Eunice was a Christian of Jewish background (Acts 16:1); and, from this passage, it is inferred that Timothy’s grandmother Lois was also among the “believing Jews.” How natural it is, and how touching, that Paul under threat of impending death would have been thinking of those glorious days on the second missionary tour when he first became acquainted with this illustrious family. Timothy was a third generation Christian; and, contrary to the way it sometimes happens, his faith was not diminished. Having been reminded … There is no record of what constituted this “reminder.” It could have been a personal letter or visit from one who knew Timothy. The veil of centuries lies over it. ENDNOTE: [9] Newport J. D. White, op. cit., p. 154. Verse 6 For this cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.Stir up the gift of God … This does not mean that Timothy had let the gift die. As Gealy said: “Although the Greek verb may mean rekindle or re-light,' it also may mean agitate or stir up.’"[10] This “gift of God” was the office Timothy held as an apostolic representative. Lenski noted that “The idea that Timothy’s `charisma’ was NOT his office is evidently not correct."[11]Through the laying on of my hands … Paul also mentioned in this connection the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1 Timothy 4:14), but it is not certain if this was the same occasion as that conferring the gift mentioned here. Lipscomb was of the opinion that “This gift seems to have been bestowed upon Timothy by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, Paul joining them in it."[12] It may have been, however, a special apostolic gift through Paul, the same being another of the countless unsolved questions that arise from a study of the New Testament. In any event, the admonition to Timothy was that he should be diligent and unwavering in the service of the Lord. Disaster should be faced, not by giving in to it, but by stirring up God’s gracious gifts within men and by redoubling all vigorous effort. [10] Fred D. Gealy, The Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. XI (New York: Abingdon Press, 1955), p. 463. [11] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 754. [12] David Lipscomb, Commentary on New Testament Epistles, Vol. V (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1976), p. 200. Verse 7 For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.Spirit … Gealy’s comment on this is pertinent, thus: Although “spirit” is here properly printed with a lower case letter as referring to the inner and abiding quality and character of Christian men, yet this spirit is not native to man, nor is it his achievement. It is God’s gift. The spirit of the Christian man is really God’s Spirit.[13]Fearfulness … Timidity and cowardice are also implied by this word. “Christians do not need to have such feelings, for God wishes them to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10)."[14]Power and love and discipline … At least two of these are named as “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22). They are standard earmarks of Christian character. [13] Fred D. Gealy, op. cit., p. 464. [14] E. M. Zerr, Bible Commentary, 2Timothy (Marion, Indiana: Cogdill Foundation, 1954), p. 187. Verse 8 Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;Interestingly enough, Paul did not consider himself Nero’s prisoner at all, but “the prisoner of the Lord,” a line of thought also in evidence in Ephesians 3:1 Ephesians 4:1, and Philemon 1:1:9. The meaning of this is that Paul considered it the will of God that he should thus suffer and that he left everything safely in the hands of the dear Saviour. Be not ashamed … does not mean that Timothy was ashamed. “Had Paul meant that, he would have used the present imperative, which with the negative forbids an action already going on. Here he used the aorist subjunctive with the negative which forbids the doing of an act not yet begun."[15]Testimony of our Lord … This means the true apostolic gospel as delivered to us through the apostles, not the impressions and subjective thoughts of Christians. As Nute put it: “The phrase emphasizes the testimony borne, the message itself."[16]Suffer hardship with the gospel … Every Christian should be aware of the doctrine of suffering as it concerns the Christian life. Many people have erred with reference to Christianity through their eternally seeking the easy, convenient, popular or man-pleasing course of action, rather than adhering strictly to what is known to be the will of the Lord. The problem that precipitated these words was that of the storm of imperial opposition to Christianity following the counterfeit charges initiated by Nero. There were powerful friends of Paul in Asia, such as the Asiarchs of Ephesus, who would have found it very difficult and politically suicidal to have supported Paul in his appearance in Nero’s court. Timothy is not to be influenced by such shameful and unchristian conduct. [15] Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies from the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973), Vol. II; 2Tim., p. 119. [16] Alan G. Nute, A New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969), p. 518. Verse 9 who 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 us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,The word “God” at the end of the preceding verse precipitated here a typical Pauline digression, the next few clauses being devoted to extolling the grace and purpose of God from before times eternal. Who saved us … The past tense here indicates that Paul had reference to the primary or initial salvation of Christians, an act referred to by the apostle Peter as being “cleansed from our old sins” (2 Peter 1:9). Paul never taught that salvation subsequent to that first cleansing was irrevocable. Called us with a holy calling … This may be understood as a synonymous reference to being saved. In the New Testament, call is always understood as a call obeyed. Before times eternal … Both the heavenly plan for man’s salvation and the means of its accomplishment have existed eternally, being therefore beyond the ruin of time or of anything that might happen in human history. It is a gross error, of course, to apply this to individuals as regards their personal salvation, except as they are united with and in Christ and fully identified with our Lord. Eternally, it has been the will of God to save those who shall be found in Christ Jesus, it being implicit in this, of course, that those who desire to remain “in Christ” shall certainly be able to do so. Verse 10 but hath now been manifested by the appearance of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,As Gealy accurately stated: The assumption is that before he was born Christ existed with God. Birth in his case did not mean the beginning; it rather signified the appearance in history of the divine Saviour previously existing but until now concealed.[17]The appearing … is not merely a reference to the birth of Christ, but to the whole thesis of the incarnation, together with the life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord. Abolished death … This is too strong a translation here. Wuest stated the true meaning to be, “He made death … of none effect."[18] The Christian gospel indeed robbed death of its terrors and enabled the Christian to face it with sanity, composure and hope. Life and immortality … Due to the erroneous and hurtful notions of the Greeks regarding immortality, Paul did not here use the usual Greek term, but instead chose a word which actually means “incorruption” (American Standard Version margin (1901)). This inherently demands the conception that the body itself shall be raised to eternal life. As Lenski commented, “This assures also our blessed bodily resurrection.” The word Paul used thus means more than a mere immortality, after the Greek notion, but eternal life for both soul and body of the redeemed. [17] Fred D. Gealy, op. cit., p. 469. [18] Kenneth S. Wuest, op. cit., p. 123. Verse 11 whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.In these brief words, Paul reviewed the years of ceaseless activity on the mission field and all over the world of that era. Now, with the looming prospect of death, the apostle lets his thought dwell upon the blessed hope of everlasting life following the resurrection, a doctrine that Paul had extensively taught throughout his mission on earth. See 1 Corinthians 15, etc. Verse 12 For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.The problem of this verse regards just what Paul committed, or entrusted to God. As Hendriksen phrased it, “Is it the gospel or is it myself and my complete salvation?"[19] We shall not argue this point, simply because it is true both ways and was possibly intended by Paul himself to be understood in both ways. Approaching the end of life, Paul found no nagging uncertainty, no shadow of doubt, no waning confidence in the Lord, but an overwhelming certainty; and the basis of that certainly shines in this verse. It was grounded, not primarily upon what he believed, but upon WHOM he had believed, namely the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Saints of all ages have found in this marvelous text sufficient confidence and trust to fortify them against all the misfortunes of life and to enable them to face death itself in the beautiful serenity of full confidence in the Lord. The thought of this verse … Is expressed in a metaphor drawn from the common action of one person entrusting another with some precious deposit, to be kept for a time and restored whole and uninjured. All the words in this sentence are part of this metaphor.[20]As Ward noted: The Greek reads literally, “my deposit,” which some scholars regard as the gospel or as souls in Paul’s pastoral care; others see in it a reference to Paul himself, his soul.[21]Although, as noted above, the passage is true any way it may be interpreted, the thought of the Last Day, as well as the impending execution of the apostle, seems to suggest that it was particularly Paul’s own soul that he probably had in mind in this metaphor. [19] William Hendriksen, op. cit., p. 235. [20] A. C. Hervey, The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 21,2Timothy (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 4. [21] Ronald A. Ward, op. cit., p. 155. Verse 13 Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.Based upon the fact of the Greek word for “pattern” having sometimes been used to describe the rough draft or sketch used by artists as a preliminary to a painting, some have concluded that Paul merely meant that Timothy should cling to the general outline received from Paul and then go ahead and fill in the details according to his own imagination. However, this conception of what this passage means is rejected. Hendriksen pointed out that just the opposite is intended here. The model or sketch is “the faith and love which is in Christ Jesus,” and this is neither uncertain nor elastic. The meaning of the root form of this word ([@tupos]), according to Vine, “is the impress of a seal, the stamp made by a die, a figure, image, form or mold."[22] The great disaster which has befallen modern Christianity is precisely that of departing from the pattern, despite the frequent warnings in the New Testament against it, some even going so far as to affirm that there is no pattern given. Hebrews 8:5 and Acts 7:43 should be studied in connection with the admonition here. ENDNOTE: [22] W. E. Vine, Greek Dictionary, Vol. II (Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell, 1940), p. 33. Verse 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee guard through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.“The good thing” here is the gospel which long ago had been committed to Timothy when he became a preacher of the word of God; but at the time of this letter, with the death of the apostle looming ahead, there was a special sense in which the propagation of the truth would be left in the hands of Timothy, committed to his trust. It was especially necessary that in those days before the New Testament was available the utmost concern should have been exercised on the part of men like Timothy in order to be positively certain that they preserved and transmitted to posterity the true teachings and writings of the inspired men. We may surely believe that Timothy lived up to this trust. Through the Holy Spirit that dwelleth in us … Supernatural guidance through the blessed Spirit gave the apostles possession of “all truth”; and this is a promise that the same Holy Spirit would aid men like Timothy in the guarding of it. Verse 15 This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.All that are in Asia … This does not refer to any general desertion of the faith by Christians throughout Asia, but to the turning away from Paul of any who might have been of help to him in his trial before the imperial government of Nero. The two men named here are examples of those who refused to help Paul. No one knows anything at all about these men, their names standing here in the sacred text and bearing the perpetual infamy which is their deserved reward. Were they among Paul’s friends among the Asiarchs (Acts 19:31) of Ephesus? Whoever they were, it seems that Paul had hoped for their support, hence the disappointment evident here. Turned away from me … This does not refer to deserting the truth, but to the refusal to stand by the apostle in his trial. Christians who might have been guilty of such a thing would, of course, have suffered the most bitter pangs of sorrow and remorse. The savage persecution under Nero would sorely test the strongest; and there were many who simply would not be able to give up their lives for the holy faith. It is doubtless in view of this extenuating circumstance that Paul here expressed no criticism of those who turned away from him, no bitterness, no resentment, only the tragic fact itself being narrated, taking comfort in the blessed remembrance of one who had not forsaken him (2 Timothy 1:17). Verse 16 The Lord grant 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 diligently, and found meThe house of Onesiphorus … This plea that the Lord would grant mercy to this man’s house seems to imply that mercy had not been granted to Onesiphorus; and, from this, many have speculated that he had already been put to death, but there is no way to be certain about this. It is just as possible that Onesiphorus, like the apostle,, had been imprisoned and was awaiting execution, and that the mercy Paul hoped would be extended to his house would be that of their not being arrested and charged similarly, that is, mercy from Nero’s persecution. The latter view of course would explain the omission of his name in Paul’s plea for mercy “for his house.” It is idle speculation to dwell upon the long and diligent search, through many frustrations and dangers, which Onesiphorus conducted before he found Paul, or upon the manner of his refreshing the apostle, etc. True knowledge of all these things has not been given. Verse 18 (the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.The parenthesis here is alleged by some to be an authentic New Testament example of prayers offered for the dead, but there is no proof at all that Onesiphorus was dead; and, even if he was, the expression of this fervent hope on Paul’s part cannot be called a prayer, except in the most accommodative sense. It is not in the form of a prayer, qualifying rather as a prayerful hope, and not as a petition in the form of a specific request. Carl Spain wisely observed that, “If Onesiphorus was awaiting trial, Paul avoids language that might be used against him."[23] Before any proposition that justifies prayers for the dead could be supported by this passage, it would have to be proved that Onesiphorus was dead, and Paul’s omission of his name in 2 Timothy 1:16 simply does not constitute any such proof. As DeWelt noted: Where was Onesiphorus when this letter was written? If he was in Rome, and Paul was writing from Rome to Ephesus, how could Paul (in a letter addressed to Timothy in Ephesus) greet someone who wasn’t there? Does this prove he was dead? How ridiculous![24]Lenski affirmed that “The analogy of Scriptures is solidly against anything in the nature of prayers for the dead,"[25] a fact no student of the word may deny. A further word on this from Hendriksen will suffice: Paul at times expresses the wish that eschatological blessings be granted to those who, while the apostle is writing, are still living on earth (1 Thessalonians 5:23 b); (and therefore) the conclusion that Onesiphorus had actually died is not necessary.[26]It is best, therefore, to view this rather difficult passage, not as any kind of prayer on behalf of the dead; but, as Gealy suggested, “It may be that we should see in the prayer - it is not in the form of direct address - merely a gracious fervent wish or expression of hope."[27][23] Carl Spain, op. cit., p. 123. [24] Don DeWelt, Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus (Joplin, Missouri: College Press, 1961). [25] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 776. [26] William Hendriksen, op. cit., p. 240. [27] Fred D. Gealy, op. cit., p. 477.

“THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

Chapter One

IN THIS CHAPTER

1. To notice the great love that existed between Paul and Timothy

2. To examine the exhortations to faithful service given by Paul to Timothy

3. To contrast the people who abandoned Paul, with a faithful friend like Onesiphorus

SUMMARY The apostle Paul begins this letter to his “beloved son” with a prayer for grace, mercy and peace in his behalf. Thankful to God for the unceasing memories that he has of Timothy in his prayers night and day, Paul greatly desires to see the young man. Seeing him again will bring great joy as Paul is mindful of Timothy’s tears and his unfeigned faith (2 Timothy 1:1-5).

Paul’s purpose in writing begins in earnest with a series of exhortations toward steadfast service. He encourages Timothy to stir up the gift of God which was in him by the laying on of Paul’s hands, to not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord nor of Paul His prisoner, and to hold fast the pattern of sound words which he had heard from Paul, keeping it by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Timothy is then reminded of those who had forsaken Paul, but also how Onesiphorus had proven to be a true friend and brother by virtue of his courage, diligence, and service (2 Timothy 1:6-18).

OUTLINE

I. (2 Timothy 1:1-5)

A. (2 Timothy 1:1-2 a)1. From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:1) a. By the will of God b. According to the promise of life in Christ Jesus 2. To Timothy, his beloved son (2 Timothy 1:2 a) 3. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord (2 Timothy 1:2 b)

B. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)1. Thanks offered to God by Paul (2 Timothy 1:3) a. Whom he serves with pure conscience, as did his forefathers b. For without ceasing he remembers Timothy in his prayers night and day 2. Greatly desiring to see Timothy (2 Timothy 1:4-5) a. For he is mindful of Timothy’s tears b. For Paul himself desires to be filled with joy c. For he remembers the genuine faith that is in Timothy

1. Which dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice
2. And which Paul is persuaded is in Timothy also

II. TO ZEAL AND COURAGE (2 Timothy 1:6-12)

A. STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD (2 Timothy 1:6-7)1. Which was in him through the laying on of Paul’s hands (6) 2. For God has given a spirit, not of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

B. DON’T BE ASHAMED (2 Timothy 1:8-12)1. Of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul His prisoner (8a) 2. Share with Paul in the suffering of the gospel according to the power of God (2 Timothy 1:8-12) a. Who saved us and called us with a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9-10)

1. Not according to our works
2. But according to His own purpose and grace a) Given to us in Christ before time began b) But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ 1/ Who abolished death 2/ And brought light and immortality to light through the gospel b. For the gospel Paul was appointed a preacher, apostle and teacher (2 Timothy 1:11-12)
3. For such things he suffers
4. But he not ashamed a) For he knows Whom he has believed b) And is persuaded that He is able to keep what Paul has committed to Him until that Day

III. TO AND LOYALTY (2 Timothy 1:13-18)

A. BE (2 Timothy 1:13-14)1. Hold fast the pattern of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13) a. Which he had heard from Paul b. In faith and love which are in Christ Jesus 2. Keep that good thing (2 Timothy 1:14) a. Which was committed to you b. Keep it by the Holy Spirit who dwells is us

B. BE LOYAL (2 Timothy 1:15-18)1. All in Asia have turned away from Paul, including Phygellus and Hermogenes (2 Timothy 1:15) 2. In contrast, the example of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18) a. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus

1. For he often refreshed Paul
2. He was not ashamed of Paul’s chains
3. Arriving in Rome, he sought Paul diligently and found him
4. He also ministered to Paul in many ways at Ephesus b. May the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus in that Day

REVIEW FOR THE CHAPTER

1. What are the main points of this chapter?

• Introduction (2 Timothy 1:1-5)
• Exhortations to zeal and courage (2 Timothy 1:6-12)
• Exhortations to steadfastness and loyalty (2 Timothy 1:13-18)

2. How does Paul describe Timothy in his salutation? (2 Timothy 1:2)

• My beloved son

3. How did Paul serve God? (2 Timothy 1:3)

• With a pure conscience, as did his forefathers

4. What two things came to Paul’s mind when concerning Timothy? (2 Timothy 1:4-5)

• His tears
• The genuine faith that was in him

5. What two women had this genuine faith before Timothy? (2 Timothy 1:5)

• His grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice

6. What did Paul remind Timothy to stir up? (2 Timothy 1:6)

• The gift of God which was in him through the laying on of Paul’s hands

7. What had God given Paul and Timothy? (2 Timothy 1:7)

• Not the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

8. What two things did Paul not want Timothy to be ashamed of? (2 Timothy 1:8)

• The testimony of our Lord
• Paul His prisoner

9. How has God saved us and called us with a holy calling? (2 Timothy 1:10)

• Not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace

10. What has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ? (2 Timothy 1:10-11)

• God’s purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ before time began

11. What two things has Jesus done according to verse 10?

• Abolished death
• Brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

12. To what three functions had Paul been appointed relating to the gospel? (2 Timothy 1:11)

• Preacher, apostle, teacher

13. Though Paul suffered, why was he not ashamed? (2 Timothy 1:12)

• He knew Whom he had believed
• He was persuaded that He is able to keep what he had committed to Him until that Day

14. What was Timothy to hold fast? (2 Timothy 1:13)

• The pattern of sound words heard from Paul

15. How was he to keep that good thing that was committed to him? (2 Timothy 1:14)

• By the Holy Spirit who dwells in him

16. Who had turned away from Paul? (2 Timothy 1:15)

• All those in Asia
• Including Phygellus and Hermogenes

17. What four good things are said about Onesiphorus? (2 Timothy 1:16-18)

• He often refreshed Paul
• He was not ashamed of Paul’s chains
• When he arrived in Rome, he diligently sought until he found Paul
• He ministered to Paul in Ephesus in many ways

18. What two things did Paul desire of the Lord? (2 Timothy 1:16 2 Timothy 1:18)

• Mercy be granted to the household of Onesiphorus
• Mercy be granted to Onesiphorus in that Day

Questions by E.M. Zerr For 2nd Timothy 11. What kind of life is meant in first verse? 2. State the title ascribed by Paul to Timothy. 3. Who are meant by Paul’ s forefathers verse 3 ? 4. How could he serve God from these forefathers ? 5. Did this service include his persecuting activities? 6. For what does he thank God ? 7. Of what is he mindful ? 8. State some things that might cause these. 9. What does he call to remembrance ? 10. Does this mean that faith is born in us? 11. What saying of Solomon does this suggest? 12. State the meaning of unfeigned faith. 13. What should Timothy stir up? 14. Why could this not have been gift of inspiration? 15. In what way was this gift bestowed? 16. What spirit had God given them? 17. Are we not to fear God? 18. Of what should Timothy not be ashamed? 19. In what way is Paul the prisoner of the Lord? 20. What is here said that means fellowship? 21. With what calling has God honored us? 22. Was this because we had worked for it? 23. State the objects of “ which” verse 9. 24. Through what means was this gift made ? 25. At which time was it arranged? 26. By what fact was it made manifest? 27. Did Jesus cause death to cease among men ? 28. What did he bring to light ? 29. What is the gospel in this place? 30. State the appointment Paul had. 31. Why specially mention the Gentiles? 32. State his present experience for this cause. 33. How had it affected his feeling toward Christ? 34. What persuasion was his foundation? 35. Identify “ that day” verse 12. 36. What form must be held ? 37. Explain meaning of sound words. 38. State Timothy’ s source of these words. 39. What must he keep? 40. How did he happen to have it? 41. By what influence did he have it ? 42. Compare with some part of Eph. 4. 43. How have the people in Asia treated Paul? 44. Does he restrict himself to general mention ? 45. For whom does he ask God to have mercy? 46. For what service was it to be? 47. What indicates his sincerity of interest? 48. State where else he had favored Paul. 49. What is meant by “that day” verse 18 ? 50. Explain all this in light of Matt. 25.

2 Timothy 1:1

2 Timothy 1:1. Paul began his first epistle to Timothy by saying his apostleship was by the commandment of God and Christ. This one begins by saying it is by the will of God; hence a command of God is an expression of His will. In the other he says Christ is our hope, and in this he says it is according to the promise of life in Christ. The general thought in each place is the same as in the other.

2 Timothy 1:2

2 Timothy 1:2. My dearly beloved son. The last word is from HUIOS, and it is explained in detail at 1 Timothy 1:2. The salutation or good wishes expressed here are virtually repeated in all of Paul’s epistles, and are commented upon at 1 Corinthians 1:3.

2 Timothy 1:3

2 Timothy 1:3. Serve from my forefathers means he had been a servant of God all his life, and that he had served Him according to what they had taught him. Pure conscience denotes that Paul had always done what he thought was right. Since we know that he did grievous wrong when he was persecuting Christians, we should under stand that it is not enough just to be conscientious, but the conscience must act in harmony with faith which is produced by the word of God. (See Romans 10:17 and 1 Timothy 1:19.) Paul thanked God for his favorable remembrance of Timothy, so that he offered daily prayers concerning him.

2 Timothy 1:4

2 Timothy 1:4. Mindful of thy tears refers to some occasion when they had to separate. Since no definite information is available as to when it was, we must be satisfied with the thought that Timothy had a tender feeling for Paul as his father in the Gospel. The memory of those tears made Paul likewise to have a longing to see again his own “beloved son.”

2 Timothy 1:5

2 Timothy 1:5. Unfeigned faith means one that is sincere and not merely a pretended one. Faith cannot be inherited, but it can be induced by righteous parents or other relatives. Paul attributes the faith of Timothy (at least in part) to the influence of his mother and grandmother. There is a lesson in the case for all parents, to encourage them In training up their children in the way they should go.

2 Timothy 1:6

2 Timothy 1:6. Timothy is here told to stir up the gift, and in 1 Timothy 4:14 it is “neglect not” the gift. Both phrases mean the same, for if a man stirs up a gift, he certainly will not neglect it. This was not the gift of inspiration, for such a gift could not be stirred up. An inspired man speaks or writes “as the Spirit gives him. utterance” (Acts 2:4). This gift, whatever it was, came to Timothy by the laying on of the hands of Paul, with endorsement of elders. (See Comments at 1 Timothy 4:14.)

2 Timothy 1:7

2 Timothy 1:7. The word fear is from an original here that is always used in a bad sense, meaning “timidity, fearfulness, cowardice.”–Thayer. Christians do not need to have such feelings, for God wishes them to be “strong in the Lord and the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). The love considered in this passage is a sincere desire to do that which will be beneficial for others, even though it might require some unpleasant reproof. Such service would call for good judgment or discretion, which is the meaning of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:8

2 Timothy 1:8. Timothy was still at Ephesus where there had been much encountering with false teachers. Under such conditions it was appropriate that Paul exhort him not to be ashamed to bear testimony (declare the evidences in favor of) for Christ. Nor of me his prisoner. Paul was in Rome when he wrote this epistle, having been arrested and brought into the jurisdiction of Nero Caesar the second time. Timothy was urged not to be backward about pressing the claims of the Gospel upon the people, even though the great apostle was at the time a prisoner for that very Cause.

His prisoner means that Paul was being held in chains because of his devotion to Christ. To be a partaker denotes that he should be willing to endure similar persecutions for the sake of Christ, and in so doing he would be having fellowship with the apostle. According to the power of God. Romans 1:16 says that the Gospel is the “power” of God unto salvation, and it is from the same Greek word as the one in our verse. Hence a sincere belief in the Gospel will enable one to meet and overcome all persecutions for His sake.

2 Timothy 1:9

2 Timothy 1:9. Who hath saved us refers to God, because he is the source of all good things, and who arranged this salvation through his Son. Before the world began. The Englishman’s Greek New Testament renders this phrase, “before the ages of time.” Moffatt renders it, “ages ago.” The idea could well be expressed by saying that God had the plan of salvation decided upon before anyone else even heard about it. The plan did not predestinate any certain persons to salvation, but God did determine to save all who would accept the holy calling when it was given to them. And while all who accept the call on its divine terms will be saved, it will not be on the merit of works performed, for man cannot do anything to “earn” salvation. The whole arrangement is based on the grace (unmerited favor) of God, and made possible through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross.

2 Timothy 1:10

2 Timothy 1:10. The plan of salvation through Christ was not fully revealed to man for ages, even after some of its preliminaries were being arranged with certain special servants (Matthew 13:17; Ephesians 3:5; 1 Peter 1:12). But when Jesus came to the earth he opened up the complete plan, which began with His death and resurrection. These are the facts of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and when they occurred, the hope of life and immortality was brought to light–was revealed to the world.

2 Timothy 1:11

2 Timothy 1:11. After the facts of the Gospel had taken place, they had to be made known to mankind, in Order that they might be heard of and believed (Romans 10:14). For this purpose Paul was appointed as one of the preachers as stated in the passage just cited. But a mere preacher could not spread the good news without being sent with power to speak with inspiration, as Romans 10:15 declares, hence Paul now states that he was appointed to be an apostle, which is defined in the lexicon as, “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.” Teacher of the Gentiles. All nations were to be offered the blessings of the Gospel, but Paul was chosen by the Lord to be sent especially to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 2:7).

2 Timothy 1:12

2 Timothy 1:12. For the which cause I also suffer. It might seem strange that a man would be persecuted for preaching the good news of salvation. The mere fact of offering salvation was not what brought persecution to Paul, but it was because he claimed that it was obtained through Christ. The Jews were the ones who caused the persecutions, because they had rejected Christ and disliked all men who professed faith in Him. In Acts 4:2 the Jews did not all object to the preaching of a resurrection (some of them professed to believe in it themselves), but it was because it was being preached “through Jesus.” I am not ashamed.

Paul’s confidence amidst persecutions is because of the knowledge he has of Christ in whom he believes. Paul had committed his entire interests of soul and body into the care and keeping of Christ, and he firmly believes that it is all in good hands. Against (or until) that day means the day of judgment. It is often referred to In such indefinite language because of the unequalled importance of it, for which reason it needs no other specification.

2 Timothy 1:13

2 Timothy 1:13. Form means pattern or example, and sound denotes a condition of good health. The verse means for Timothy to adhere to the pattern of (spiritually) healthy words which he had received from Paul. He was to maintain such a course in faith and love. He should do so because he believed them and because he had love (interest in the welfare of all) in his heart. All of these motives were desirable and possible in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:14

2 Timothy 1:14. That good thing refers to the “faith” that is mentioned in the preceding verse. Timothy was to keep it by holding fast to it and exposing any false teaching that might be attempted against it. The Holy Ghost (or Spirit) is in the church or body of Christ, and all faithful members of that body are made strong by the comforting influence of the divine Guest.

2 Timothy 1:15

2 Timothy 1:15. Regardless of whether this refers to residents of Asia, or former professed friends of Paul, the significant fact is that he was deserted in the midst of his persecutions for the cause of Christ. Such treatment was to be expected, for Jesus taught his disciples while he was with them that they would be hated for His sake (Matthew 10:22 Matthew 24 Matthew 9), and Paul teaches the same thing in chapter 3:12 of this epistle. Nothing more is known of Phygellus and Hermogenes than is stated here. Paul’s specifying them among the large number who had turned against him, indicates that they had been especially active in opposing the apostle’s work.

2 Timothy 1:16

2 Timothy 1:16. According to Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Bible Dictionary, Onesiphorus was a former resident of Ephesus, but his household only is mentioned directly in this verse, also in chapter 4:19. This indicates that he was dead at the time this epistle was written, but his memory was to be honored by well-wishing for his famiy. While he was living he often refreshed the apostle. That word is from , which Thayer defines, “to refresh,” then he explains it to mean, “one’s spirit, by fellowship, consolation, kindnesses.” Robinson defines it, “to refresh, to cheer.” Such ministrations could be accomplished by either the bestowal of bodily needs, or by words of cheer, or both. Not ashamed of my chain.

Paul was literally fastened by a chain and was under sentence of death. But Onesiphorus did not let that keep him from showing friendship for the apostle, as some others might do according to Mark 8:38; being ashamed of a disciple of Christ is counted as being against Him (Matthew 25:45).

2 Timothy 1:17

2 Timothy 1:17. Onesiphorus “proved his faith by his works” in that his interest in Paul was not profession only. He could have contributed material refreshment to hint while absent, by sending necessities of life to him. Such a service would not have exposed him to danger for his life or to shame of being a friend to a prisoner in chains, had he been unwilling to suffer any inconvenience to himself. But his interest in and devotion to Paul was more intense than that as we shall see. When he had occasion to be in Rome, he made diligent inquiry until he contacted the apostle, so as to give him the comfort of his presence.

2 Timothy 1:18

2 Timothy 1:18. That day is commented upon at verse 12. The reward prayed for on behalf of the faithful brother was to be given at the day of judgment. This is especially significant if he was dead at the time of this epistle according to verse 16. Paul refers to some kindnesses that he bestowed upon him while he yet lived and the apostle was at Ephesus, Timothy also being in that city at the same time.