2 Timothy 1

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You

I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who 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, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

(ESV)

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2 Timothy 1 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

The personal nature of 2 Timothy 1 really shines! Paul was such a gifted communicator and encourager. As he reflects back fondly on Timothy’s faith and initial calling, he reminds him that God has gifted him. Man, this is something we all long for! We need someone older and wiser to reflect back on our life and encourage us with the fact that God has been moving. He has gifted us and given us a purpose and ministry.

Paul’s encouragement of Timothy lands specifically within his skill-set and character. Paul was certainly a confrontational figure who was not afraid to speak his mind. The way Paul writes to Timothy, I get the impression that Timothy’s demeanor is warmer than Paul’s. It would not surprise me if Timothy was gentle by nature. He was most likely less confrontational and lacked the boldness of Paul.

I believe this is why Paul continues to encourage him with confidence-inducing words. He commands Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him. Paul urges him not to be ashamed to suffer for the name of Jesus. Paul didn’t mince words. He spoke his mind and tackled obstacles head-on. This type of writing indicates to me that Paul understood the weaknesses of Timothy. He knew that ministry would be hindered if Timothy did not continue to develop his spiritual maturity.

Paul knows that in order for Timothy to be effective, he will have to do things that are unnatural to his nature.

Look, Paul knows this will be hard for Timothy. He knows there is potential for him to lose a lot. That’s why Paul goes into his own testimony. He encourages Timothy not to be ashamed, and then he basically says, “Look man, here is what it cost me to be unashamed…”

Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.  15  You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2 Timothy 1:14-15 NASB

Paul knows that ministry will eat you alive if you do not guard the treasure which has been entrusted to you. It is Timothy’s time to stand up and be a bold leader for Christ. A passive-aggressive stance will not cut it. Essentially, Paul is inviting Timothy to suffer losses in order to see the true Gospel preserved. This is such a difficult message in our hyper-social environment of “likes” and “followers.”

What is hindering your personal ministry from going forward?