1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
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;
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
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.
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.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
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;
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,
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:
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
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.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
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.
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2 To Timothy, G5095 my dearly beloved G27 son: G5043 Grace, G5485 mercy, G1656 and peace, G1515 from G575 God G2316 the Father G3962 and G2532 Christ G5547 Jesus G2424 our G2257 Lord. G2962
3 I thank G2192 G5485 God, G2316 whom G3739 I serve G3000 from G575 my forefathers G4269 with G1722 pure G2513 conscience, G4893 that G5613 without ceasing G88 I have G2192 remembrance G3417 of G4012 thee G4675 in G1722 my G3450 prayers G1162 night G3571 and G2532 day; G2250
4 Greatly desiring G1971 to see G1492 thee, G4571 being mindful G3415 of thy G4675 tears, G1144 that G2443 I may be filled G4137 with joy; G5479
5 When I call G2983 to remembrance G5280 the unfeigned G505 faith G4102 that is in G1722 thee, G4671 which G3748 dwelt G1774 first G4412 in G1722 thy G4675 grandmother G3125 Lois, G3090 and G2532 thy G4675 mother G3384 Eunice; G2131 and G1161 I am persuaded G3982 that G3754 in G1722 thee G4671 also. G2532
6 Wherefore G1223 G3739 G156 I put G363 thee G4571 in remembrance G363 that thou stir up G329 the gift G5486 of God, G2316 which G3739 is G2076 in G1722 thee G4671 by G1223 the putting on G1936 of my G3450 hands. G5495
7 For G1063 God G2316 hath G1325 not G3756 given G1325 us G2254 the spirit G4151 of fear; G1167 but G235 of power, G1411 and G2532 of love, G26 and G2532 of a sound mind. G4995
8 Be G1870 not G3361 thou G1870 therefore G3767 ashamed G1870 of the testimony G3142 of our G2257 Lord, G2962 nor G3366 of me G1691 his G846 prisoner: G1198 but G235 be thou partaker of the afflictions G4777 of the gospel G2098 according to G2596 the power G1411 of God; G2316
9 Who G3588 hath saved G4982 us, G2248 and G2532 called G2564 us with an holy G40 calling, G2821 not G3756 according to G2596 our G2257 works, G2041 but G235 according to G2596 his own G2398 purpose G4286 and G2532 grace, G5485 which G3588 was given G1325 us G2254 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus G2424 before G4253 the world began, G5550 G166
10 But G1161 is G5319 now G3568 made manifest G5319 by G1223 the appearing G2015 of our G2257 Saviour G4990 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 who G3303 hath abolished G2673 death, G2288 and G1161 hath brought G5461 life G2222 and G2532 immortality G861 to light G5461 through G1223 the gospel: G2098
11 Whereunto G1519 G3739 I G1473 am appointed G5087 a preacher, G2783 and G2532 an apostle, G652 and G2532 a teacher G1320 of the Gentiles. G1484
12 For G1223 the which G3739 cause G156 I G3958 also G2532 suffer G3958 these things: G5023 nevertheless G235 I am G1870 not G3756 ashamed: G1870 for G1063 I know G1492 whom G3739 I have believed, G4100 and G2532 am persuaded G3982 that G3754 he is G2076 able G1415 to keep G5442 that which I G3450 have committed unto him G3866 against G1519 that G1565 day. G2250
13 Hold fast G2192 the form G5296 of sound G5198 words, G3056 which G3739 thou hast heard G191 of G3844 me, G1700 in G1722 faith G4102 and G2532 love G26 which G3588 is in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus. G2424
14 That good thing G2570 which was committed unto thee G3872 keep G5442 by G1223 the Holy G40 Ghost G4151 which G3588 dwelleth G1774 in G1722 us. G2254
15 This G5124 thou knowest, G1492 that G3754 all G3956 they which are in G1722 Asia G773 be turned away from G654 me; G3165 of whom G3739 are G2076 Phygellus G5436 and G2532 Hermogenes. G2061
16 The Lord G2962 give G1325 mercy G1656 unto the house G3624 of Onesiphorus; G3683 for G3754 he G404 oft G4178 refreshed G404 me, G3165 and G2532 was G1870 not G3756 ashamed G1870 of my G3450 chain: G254
17 But, G235 when he was G1096 in G1722 Rome, G4516 he sought G2212 me G3165 out G2212 very diligently, G4706 and G2532 found G2147 me.
18 The Lord G2962 grant G1325 unto him G846 that he may find G2147 mercy G1656 of G3844 the Lord G2962 in G1722 that G1565 day: G2250 and G2532 in how many things G3745 he ministered unto me G1247 at G1722 Ephesus, G2181 thou G4771 knowest G1097 very well. G957
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
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 day
4 longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
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.
6 For which 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.
7 For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
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;
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,
10 but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.
12 For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
13 Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto `thee' guard through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.
15 This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
17 but, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me
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.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, according to a promise of life that `is' in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timotheus, beloved child: Grace, kindness, peace, from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord!
3 I am thankful to God, whom I serve from progenitors in a pure conscience, that unceasingly I have remembrance concerning thee in my supplications night and day,
4 desiring greatly to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that with joy I may be filled,
5 taking remembrance of the unfeigned faith that is in thee, that dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that also in thee.
6 For which cause I remind thee to stir up the gift of God that is in thee through the putting on of my hands,
7 for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind;
8 therefore thou mayest not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but do thou suffer evil along with the good news according to the power of God,
9 who did save us, and did call with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, that was given to us in Christ Jesus, before the times of the ages,
10 and was made manifest now through the manifestation of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who indeed did abolish death, and did enlighten life and immortality through the good news,
11 to which I was placed a preacher and an apostle, and a teacher of nations,
12 for which cause also these things I suffer, but I am not ashamed, for I have known in whom I have believed, and have been persuaded that he is able that which I have committed to him to guard -- to that day.
13 The pattern hold thou of sound words, which from me thou didst hear, in faith and love that `is' in Christ Jesus;
14 the good thing committed guard thou through the Holy Spirit that is dwelling in us;
15 thou hast known this, that they did turn from me -- all those in Asia, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes;
16 may the Lord give kindness to the house of Onesiphorus, because many times he did refresh me, and of my chain was not ashamed,
17 but being in Rome, very diligently he sought me, and found;
18 may the Lord give to him to find kindness from the Lord in that day; and how many things in Ephesus he did minister thou dost very well know.
1 Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ by God's will, according to promise of life, the [life] which [is] in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timotheus, [my] beloved child: grace, mercy, peace, from God [the] Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I am thankful to God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, how unceasingly I have the remembrance of thee in my supplications night and day,
4 earnestly desiring to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 calling to mind the unfeigned faith which [has been] in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 For which cause I put thee in mind to rekindle the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of wise discretion.
8 Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but suffer evil along with the glad tidings, according to the power of God;
9 who has saved us, and has called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to [his] own purpose and grace, which [was] given to us in Christ Jesus before [the] ages of time,
10 but has been made manifest now by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has annulled death, and brought to light life and incorruptibility by the glad tidings;
11 to which *I* have been appointed a herald and apostle and teacher of [the] nations.
12 For which cause also I suffer these things; but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep for that day the deposit I have entrusted to him.
13 Have an outline of sound words, which [words] thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which [are] in Christ Jesus.
14 Keep, by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us, the good deposit entrusted.
15 Thou knowest this, that all who [are] in Asia, of whom is Phygellus and Hermogenes, have turned away from me.
16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he has often refreshed me, and has not been ashamed of my chain;
17 but being in Rome sought me out very diligently, and found [me] --
18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from [the] Lord in that day -- and how much service he rendered in Ephesus *thou* knowest best.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Gospel according to the power of God,
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 to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.
11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For this cause I suffer also these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me
18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord's mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.
1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God, in the hope of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my well-loved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I give praise to God, whose servant I have been, with a heart free from sin, from the time of my fathers, because in my prayers at all times the thought of you is with me, night and day
4 Desiring to see you, keeping in my memory your weeping, so that I may be full of joy;
5 Having in mind your true faith, which first was in your mother's mother Lois, and in your mother Eunice, and, I am certain, is now in you.
6 For this reason I say to you, Let that grace of God which is in you, given to you by my hands, have living power.
7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.
8 Have no feeling of shame, then, for the witness of our Lord or for me, his prisoner: but undergo all things for the good news in the measure of the power of God;
9 Who gave us salvation, marking us out for his purpose, not on account of our works, but in the measure of his purpose and his grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
10 But has now been made clear by the revelation of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who put an end to death and made life unending come to light through the good news,
11 Of which I was made a preacher and an Apostle and a teacher;
12 And for which I undergo these things: but I have no feeling of shame. For I have knowledge of him in whom I have faith, and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have given into his care till that day.
13 Keep the form of those true words which you had from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was given to you keep safe, through the Holy Spirit which is in us.
15 You have had news that all those in Asia went away from me; among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes:
16 May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus because he frequently gave me help, and had no feeling of shame because I was in chains;
17 But when he was in Rome, he went in search of me everywhere, and came to me
18 (May he have the Lord's mercy in that day); and of all he did for me at Ephesus you have full knowledge.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on 2 Timothy 1
Commentary on 2 Timothy 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 1
1. This Epistle is the last testament and swan-like death song of Paul [Bengel].
according to the promise of life … in Christ—Paul's apostleship is in order to carry into effect this promise. Compare "according to the faith … in hope of eternal life … promise," &c. (Tit 1:1, 2). This "promise of life in Christ" (compare 2Ti 1:10; 2Ti 2:8) was needed to nerve Timothy to fortitude amidst trials, and to boldness in undertaking the journey to Rome, which would be attended with much risk (2Ti 1:8).
2. my dearly beloved son—In 1Ti 1:2, and Tit 1:4, written at an earlier period than this Epistle, the expression used is in the Greek, "my genuine son." Alford sees in the change of expression an intimation of an altered tone as to Timothy, more of mere love, and less of confidence, as though Paul saw m him a want of firmness, whence arose the need of his stirring up afresh the faith and grace in Him (2Ti 1:6). But this seems to me not justified by the Greek word agapetos, which implies the attachment of reasoning and choice, on the ground of merit in the one "beloved," not of merely instinctive love. See Trench [Greek Synonyms of the New Testament].
3. I thank—Greek, "I feel gratitude to God."
whom I serve from my forefathers—whom I serve (Ro 1:9) as did my forefathers. He does not mean to put on the same footing the Jewish and Christian service of God; but simply to assert his own conscientious service of God as he had received it from his progenitors (not Abraham, Isaac, &c., whom he calls "the fathers," not "progenitors" as the Greek is here; Ro 9:5). The memory of those who had gone before to whom he is about to be gathered, is now, on the eve of death, pleasant to him; hence also, he calls to mind the faith of the mother and grandmother of Timothy; as he walks in the faith of his forefathers (Ac 23:1; 24:14; 26:6, 7; 28:20), so Timothy should persevere firmly in the faith of his parent and grandparent. Not only Paul, but the Jews who reject Christ, forsake the faith of their forefathers, who looked for Christ; when they accept Him, the hearts of the children shall only be returning to the faith of their forefathers (Mal 4:6; Lu 1:17; Ro 11:23, 24, 28). Probably Paul had, in his recent defense, dwelt on this topic, namely, that he was, in being a Christian, only following his hereditary faith.
that … I have remembrance of thee—"how unceasing I make my mention concerning thee" (compare Phm 4). The cause of Paul's feeling thankful is, not that he remembers Timothy unceasingly in his prayers, but for what Timothy is in faith (2Ti 1:5) and graces; compare Ro 1:8, 9, from which supply the elliptical sentence thus, "I thank God (for thee, for God is my witness) whom I serve … that (or how) without ceasing I have remembrance (or make mention) of thee," &c.
night and day—(See on 1Ti 5:5).
4. desiring—Greek, "with yearning as for one much missed."
mindful of thy tears—not only at our parting (Ac 20:37), but also often when under pious feelings.
that I may be filled with joy—to be joined with "desiring to see thee" (Ro 1:11, 12; 15:32).
5. When I call to remembrance—This increased his "desire to see" Timothy. The oldest manuscripts read, "When I called to remembrance"; implying that some recent incident (perhaps the contrasted cowardice of the hypocrite Demas, who forsook him) had reminded him of the sincerity of Timothy's faith.
faith that is in thee—Alford translates, "that was in thee." He remembers Timothy's faith in the past as a fact; its present existence in him is only matter of his confident persuasion or hope.
which—Greek, "such as."
dwelt—"made its dwelling" or abode (Joh 14:23). The past tense implies they were now dead.
first—before it dwelt in thee. She was the furthest back of the progenitors of Timothy whom Paul knew.
mother Eunice—a believing Jewess; but his father was a Greek, that is, a heathen (Ac 16:1). The faith of the one parent sanctified the child (2Ti 3:15; 1Co 7:14). She was probably converted at Paul's first visit to Lystra (Ac 14:6). It is an undesigned coincidence, and so a mark of truth, that in Ac 16:1 the belief of the mother alone is mentioned, just as here praise is bestowed on the faith of the mother, while no notice is taken of the father [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ].
and—Greek, "but," that is, notwithstanding appearances [Alford].
persuaded that—it dwells, or it shall dwell "in thee also." The mention of the faith of his mother and grandmother is designed as an incentive to stir up his faith.
6. Wherefore—Greek, "For which cause," namely, because thou hast inherited, didst once possess, and I trust ("am persuaded") still dost possess, such unfeigned faith [Alford].
stir up—literally, "rekindle," "revive the spark of"; the opposite of "quench" or "extinguish" (1Th 5:19). Paul does not doubt the existence of real faith in Timothy, but he desires it to be put into active exercise. Timothy seems to have become somewhat remiss from being so long without Paul (2Ti 2:22).
gift of God—the spiritual grace received for his ministerial office, either at his original ordination, or at his consecration to the particular office of superintending the Ephesian Church (see on 1Ti 4:14), imparting fearlessness, power, love, and a sound mind (2Ti 1:7).
by the putting on of my hands—In 1Ti 4:14, it is "with [not by] the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." The apostle was chief in the ordination, and to him "BY" is applied. The presbytery were his assistants; so "with," implying merely accompaniment, is said of them. Paul was the instrument in Timothy's ordination and reception of the grace then conferred; the presbyters were the concurrent participants in the act of ordination; so the Greek, "dia" and "meta." So in ordinations by a bishop in our days, he does the principal act; they join in laying on hands with him.
7. For, &c.—implying that Timothy needed the exhortation "to stir up the gift of God in him," being constitutionally "timid": "For God did not give us (so the Greek, namely, at our ordination or consecration) the spirit of fear." The spirit which He gave us, was not the spirit of timidity (literally, "cowardice," which is weakness), but of "power" (exhibited in a fearless "testimony" for Christ, 2Ti 1:8). "Power is the invariable accompaniment of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Lu 24:49; Ac 1:8; compare Ac 6:6, "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," with 2Ti 1:8, "full of faith and power." Fear is the result of "the spirit of bondage" (Ro 8:15). Fear within exaggerates the causes of fear without. "The spirit of power" is the spirit of man dwelt in by the Spirit of God imparting power; this power "casteth out fear" from ourselves, and stimulates us to try to cast it out of others (1Jo 4:18).
love—which moves the believer while "speaking the truth" with power, when giving his testimony for Christ (2Ti 1:8), at the same time to do so "in love" (Eph 4:15).
a sound mind—The Greek, is rather, "the bringing of men to a sound mind" [Wahl]. Bengel supports English Version, "a sound mind," or "sober-mindedness"; a duty to which a young man like Timothy especially needed to be exhorted (2Ti 2:22; 1Ti 4:12; Tit 2:4, 6). So Paul urges him, in 2Ti 2:4, to give up worldly entanglements, which as thorns (Lu 8:14) choke the word. These three gifts are preferable to any miraculous powers whatever.
8. therefore—seeing that God hath given us such a spirit, not that of fear.
Be not thou … ashamed—I agree with Ellicott, in opposition to Alford, that the Greek subjunctive here, with the negative, implies action completed at one time, not continued action, which the present imperative would express; thus implying that Timothy had not decidedly yet evinced such feeling of shame; though I think, Paul, amidst the desertion of others who once promised fair, and from being aware of Timothy's constitutional timidity (see on 2Ti 1:7), felt it necessary to stir him up and guard him against the possibility of unchristian dereliction of duty as to bold confession of Christ. Shame (2Ti 1:8) is the companion of fear (2Ti 1:7); if fear be overcome, false shame flees [Bengel]. Paul himself (2Ti 1:12), and Onesiphorus (2Ti 1:16), were instances of fearless profession removing false shame. He presents in contrast sad instances of fear and shame (2Ti 1:15).
of the testimony of our Lord—of the testimony which thou art bound to give in the cause of our Lord; he says "our," to connect Timothy and himself together in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before Pilate (1Ti 6:12, 13), is an incentive to the believer that he should, after His Lord's example, witness a good testimony or confession.
nor of me his prisoner—The cause of God's servants is the cause of God Himself (Eph 4:1). Timothy might easily be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as not only worldly shame, but great risk, attended any recognition of Paul the prisoner.
be thou partaker—with me.
of the gospel—rather, as Greek, "for the Gospel," that is, suffered for the Gospel (2Ti 2:3-5; Phm 13).
according to the power of God—exhibited in having saved and called us (2Ti 1:9). God who has done the greater act of power (that is, saved us), will surely do the less (carry us safe through afflictions borne for the Gospel). "Think not that thou hast to bear these afflictions by thine own power; nay, it is by the power of God. It was a greater exercise of power than His making the heaven, His persuading the world to embrace salvation" [Chrysostom].
9. Who … called us—namely, God the Father (Ga 1:6). The having "saved us" in His eternal purpose of "grace, given us in Christ before the world began," precedes his actual "calling" of us in due time with a call made effective to us by the Holy Spirit; therefore, "saved us" comes before "called us" (Ro 8:28-30).
holy calling—the actual call to a life of holiness. Heb 3:1, "heavenly calling" [Tittmann, Greek Synonyms of the New Testament]; whereas we were sinners and enemies (Eph 1:18; 4:1). The call comes wholly from God and claims us wholly for God. "Holy" implies the separation of believers from the rest of the world unto God.
not according to—not having regard to our works in His election and calling of grace (Ro 9:11; Eph 2:8, 9).
his own purpose—The origination of salvation was of His own purpose, flowing from His own goodness, not for works of ours coming first, but wholly because of His own gratuitous, electing love [Theodoret and Calvin].
grace … given us—in His everlasting purpose, regarded as the same as when actually accomplished in due time.
in Christ—believers being regarded by God as IN Him, with whom the Father makes the covenant of salvation (Eph 1:4; 3:11).
before the world began—Greek, "before the times (periods) of ages"; the enduring ages of which no end is contemplated (1Co 2:7; Eph 3:11).
10. But … now … manifest—in contrast to its concealment heretofore in the eternal purpose of God "before the world began" (2Ti 1:9; Col 1:16; Tit 1:2, 3).
appearing—the visible manifestation in the flesh.
abolished death—Greek, "taken away the power from death" [Tittmann]. The Greek article before "death" implies that Christ abolished death, not only in some particular instance, but in its very essence, being, and idea, as well as in all its aspects and consequences (Joh 11:26; Ro 8:2, 38; 1Co 15:26, 55; Heb 2:14). The carrying out of the abolition of death into full effect is to be at the resurrection (Re 20:14). The death of the body meanwhile is but temporary, and is made no account of by Christ and the apostles.
brought … to light—making visible by the Gospel what was before hidden in God's purpose.
life—of the Spirit, acting first on the soul here, about to act on the body also at the resurrection.
immortality—Greek, "incorruptibility" of the new life, not merely of the risen body [Alford], (Ro 8:11).
through—by means of the Gospel, which brings to light the life and immortality purposed by God from eternity, but manifested now first to man by Christ, who in His own resurrection has given the pledge of His people's final triumph over death through Him. Before the Gospel revelation from God, man, by the light of nature, under the most favorable circumstances, had but a glimmering idea of the possibility of a future being of the soul, but not the faintest idea of the resurrection of the body (Ac 17:18, 32). If Christ were not "the life," the dead could never live; if He were not the resurrection, they could never rise; had He not the keys of hell and death (Re 1:18), we could never break through the bars of death or gates of hell [Bishop Pearson].
11. Whereunto—For the publication of which Gospel.
I am appointed—Greek, "I was appointed."
preacher—Greek, "herald."
teacher of the Gentiles—(1Ti 2:7). He brings forward his own example in this verse and 2Ti 1:12, as a pattern for Timothy, as a public "preacher," an "apostle," or missionary from place to place, and a "teacher" in private instructing His flock with patient perseverance.
12. For the which cause—For the Gospel cause of which I was appointed a preacher (2Ti 1:10, 11).
I also suffer—besides my active work as a missionary. Ellicott translates, "I suffer even these things"; the sufferings attendant on my being a prisoner (2Ti 1:8, 15).
I am not ashamed—neither be thou (2Ti 1:8).
for—Confidence as to the future drives away shame [Bengel].
I know—though the world knows Him not (Joh 10:14; 17:25).
whom—I know what a faithful, promise-keeping God He is (2Ti 2:13). It is not, I know how I have believed, but, I know WHOM I have believed; a feeble faith may clasp a strong Saviour.
believed—rather, "trusted"; carrying out the metaphor of a depositor depositing his pledge with one whom he trusts.
am persuaded—(Ro 8:38).
he is able—in spite of so many foes around me.
that which I have committed unto him—Greek, "my deposit"; the body, soul, and spirit, which I have deposited in God's safe keeping (1Th 5:23; 1Pe 4:19). So Christ Himself in dying (Lu 23:46). "God deposits with us His word; we deposit with God our spirit" [Grotius]. There is one deposit (His revelation) committed by God to us, which we ought to keep (2Ti 1:13, 14) and transmit to others (2Ti 2:2); there is another committed by God to us, which we should commit to His keeping, namely, ourselves and our heavenly portion.
that day—the day of His appearing (2Ti 1:18; 2Ti 4:8).
13. 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 1Ti 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, 1Ti 3:9.
14. Translate as Greek, "That goodly deposit keep through the Holy Ghost," namely, "the sound words which I have committed to thee" (2Ti 1:13; 2Ti 2:2).
in us—in all believers, not merely in you and me. The indwelling Spirit enables us to keep from the robbers of the soul the deposit of His word committed to us by God.
15. all they which are in Asia—Proconsular Asia; "all who are there now, when they were in Rome (not 'be' or 'are,' but) turned from me" then; were "ashamed of my chain," in contrast to Onesiphorus; did not stand with me but forsook me (2Ti 4:16). It is possible that the occasion of their turning from him was at his apprehension in Nicopolis, whither they had escorted him on his way to Rome, but from which they turned back to Asia. A hint to Timothy, now in Asia, not to be like them, but to imitate rather Onesiphorus, and to come to him (2Ti 4:21).
Phygellus and Hermogenes—specified perhaps, as being persons from whom such pusillanimous conduct could least be expected; or, as being well known to Timothy, and spoken of before in conversations between him and Paul, when the latter was in Asia Minor.
16. The Lord give mercy—even as Onesiphorus had abounded in works of mercy.
the house of Onesiphorus—He himself was then absent from Ephesus, which accounts for the form of expression (2Ti 4:19). His household would hardly retain his name after the master was dead, as Bengel supposes him to have been. Nowhere has Paul prayers for the dead, which is fatal to the theory, favored by Alford also, that he was dead. God blesses not only the righteous man himself, but all his household.
my chain—Paul in the second, as in his first imprisonment, was bound by a chain to the soldier who guarded him.
17. found me—in the crowded metropolis. So in turn "may he find mercy of the Lord in that day" when the whole universe shall be assembled.
18. grant unto him—as well as "unto his house" (2Ti 1:16).
the Lord—who rewards a kindness done to His disciples as if done to Himself (Mt 25:45).
of—from the Lord; "the Lord" is emphatically put instead of "from Himself," for solemnity and emphasis (2Th 3:5).
in how many things—"how many acts of ministry he rendered."
unto me—omitted in the oldest manuscripts, so that the "ministered" may include services rendered to others as well as to Paul.
very well—rather as Greek, "Thou knowest better" (than I can tell thee, seeing that thou art more of a regular resident at Ephesus).