*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.