*2 Timothy 1:1-18
Paul reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage, encourages him to be faithful in ministry despite opposition, and instructs him to guard the truth.
- Greetings and Thanksgiving:
- Paul begins his letter by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and he addresses Timothy as his beloved child.
- He expresses gratitude for Timothy’s sincere faith, which he first observed in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.
- Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, which he received through the laying on of Paul’s hands.
- Exhortation to Boldness:
- Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given him a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
- He encourages Timothy to embrace this spirit and to boldly proclaim the gospel, despite any challenges or opposition he may face.
- The Gospel and Suffering:
- Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul, who is imprisoned for the sake of the gospel.
- He reminds Timothy that God has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.
- Paul emphasizes that suffering for the gospel is part of this calling, but it is not cause for shame, as God is able to guard what has been entrusted to us until the day of Christ Jesus.
- Hold Fast to Sound Teaching:
- Paul instructs Timothy to hold fast to the pattern of sound teaching that he has heard from Paul, in faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
- He urges Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to him with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within him.
- Examples of Faithfulness:
- Paul mentions that many in Asia turned away from him, including Phygelus and Hermogenes, but also highlights the loyalty of Onesiphorus, who frequently refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chains.
- Paul prays for mercy for Onesiphorus’ household and for him to find mercy from the Lord on that day.
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.