| Home | New Testament Studies | 1&2 Timothy Table of Contents | Previous Section | Next Section |
÷÷2 TIMOTHY 1
2 TIMOTHY 1
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Salutation | Greeting | Salutation | Introduction | Greeting and Thanksgiving |
| 1:1-2 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1-2 |
| 1:2a | 1:2a | 1:2a | ||
| 1:2b | 1:2b | 1:2b | ||
| Loyalty to the Gospel | Timothy's Faith and Heritage | Thanksgiving and Exhortation | Thanksgiving and Encouragement | 1:3-5 |
| 1:3-14 | 1:3-7 | 1:3-7 | 1:3-7 | |
| The Gifts That Timothy Has Received | ||||
| 1:6-11 | ||||
| Not Ashamed of the Gospel | An Appeal to Show Courage (1:8-2:13) |
|||
| 1:8-12 | 1:8-14 | 1:8-10 | ||
| Be Loyal to the Faith | 1:11-14 | |||
| 1:13-18 | 1:12 | |||
| 1:15-18 | 1:15-18 | 1:15-18 | 1:13-14 | |
| 1:15-18 |
READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
÷2 TIMOTHY 1:1-2
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-2
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise
of life in Christ Jesus, 2to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
1:1 "Paul" Saul of Tarsus is first called Paul in Acts 13:9. It is probable that most Jews of the diaspora had a Hebrew name (Saul) and a Greek name (Paul). If so, then Saul's parents gave him this name, but why, then, does "Paul" suddenly appear in Acts 13? Possibly others began to call him by this name he began to refer to himself by the term "little" or "least." The Greek name Paulos meant "little." Several theories have been advanced about the origin of his Greek name:
Some have seen this "leastness" as the origin of the self-chosen title. However, in a book like Galatians, where he emphasizes his independence from and equality with the Jerusalem Twelve, this is somewhat unlikely (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11).
▣ "an apostle" This came from the Greek word "send" (apostellō). Jesus chose twelve men to be with Him in a special sense and called them "Apostles" (cf. Luke 6:13). This term was often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. Matt. 10:40; 15:24; Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48; John 4:34; 5:24,30,36,37,38; 6:29,38,39,40,57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8,18,21,23,25; 20:21). In Jewish sources, an "apostle" was someone sent as an official representative of another, similar to "ambassador" (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20).
▣ "Christ" This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term messiah, which meant "an anointed one." It implied "one called and equipped by God for a specific task." In the OT three groups of leaders—priests, kings, and prophets—were anointed. Jesus fulfilled all three of these anointed offices (cf. Heb. 1:2-3). He is the promised One who was to inaugurate the new age of righteousness.
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRIST JESUS AS LORD
▣ "Jesus" This Aramaic name meant "YHWH saves," "YHWH is salvation,"or "YHWH brings salvation." It is the same as the Hebrew name "Joshua." "Jesus" is derived from the word for salvation, hosea, suffixed to the covenant name for God, "YHWH." It was the name communicated by God through an angel to Mary (cf. Matt. 1:21).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.
▣ "by the will of God" This same introductory phrase is used in 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; and Col. 1:1. Paul was convinced that God had chosen him to be an Apostle. This special sense of calling started at his Damascus road conversion (cf. Acts 9:1-22; 23:3-16; 26:9-18). Paul often asserted his God-given authority and calling to affirm his writings as being uniquely from God (i.e., inspired, cf. 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:9-13; 1 Thess. 2:13).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE WILL OF GOD
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NKJV | "according to the promise of life" |
| NRSV | "for the sake of the promise of life" |
| TEV | "sent to proclaim the promised life" |
| NJB | "in accordance with his promise of life" |
| Peshitta | "by the promise of life" |
Paul is asserting that his salvation, calling, and equipping for ministry are all based on God's promises of real life, eternal life through Christ (cf. 2 Tim. 1:1,2,9,13). Paul alludes to this concept of God's having and giving life several times in the Pastoral Letters (cf. 2 Tim. 1:1; 1 Tim. 6:15-16,19; Titus 1:2). God is the only source, giver, and sustainer of life.
1:2 "to Timothy, my beloved son" This is imagery for Paul being Timothy's spiritual father in the gospel (cf. 2 Tim. 2:1; Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4). This opening paragraph shows their mutual love.
▣ "Grace, mercy and peace" Notice the commonality and differences in Paul's opening greetings
Notice that there is variety, but some elements are standard
SPECIAL TOPIC: GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE IN PAUL
▣ "from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" The opening phrase which follows "grace, mercy and peace" has one PREPOSITION (apo) linking the Father and the Son in an equal grammatical relationship (cf. 1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4 and 2 Tim. 1:2). This was a grammatical technique used by Paul to assert the Deity of Jesus.
"Father" is not used in the sense of sexual generation or chronological sequence, but intimate family relationship. God chose family terms to reveal Himself to humanity (cf. Hosea 1; 2, where God is shown as passionate, faithful lover, and Hosea 11:3-4,8-9 where He is shown as loving father and mother).
The Deity of revelation is not the Prime Mover or the First Cause of Greek philosophy, but the Father of Christ Jesus. The Bible is not a human-reasoned philosophy but a divine self-disclosure, a revelation which cannot be discovered by human analysis.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRIST JESUS AS LORD
▣ "Lord" God revealed His covenant name — YHWH — to Moses in Exod. 3:14. It was from the Hebrew VERB "to be." The Jews were later afraid to pronounce this holy name, when they read the Scriptures, lest they take it in vain and break one of the Ten Commandments (cf. Exod. 20:7; Deut. 5:11). Therefore, they substituted another word, Adon, which meant, "husband, owner, master, lord." This is the source of the English translation of YHWH as Lord.
When the NT authors called Jesus "Lord" (kurios), they were asserting the Deity of Jesus. This affirmation became the early church's baptismal formula, "Jesus is Lord" (cf. Rom. 10:9-13; Phil. 2:6-11).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.
SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD (Adon and Kurios)
÷2 TIMOTHY 1:3-14
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 1:3-14
3I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers
did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may
be filled with joy. 5For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother
Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which
is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the
gospel according to the power of God, 9who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10but now has been revealed by
the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11for
which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 12For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed;
for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 13Retain
the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard, through the
Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
1:3 "I thank God" It was typical of ancient Mediterranean letters to include a prayer of thanksgiving at the beginning of the letter. Paul usually followed this pattern (cf. Rom. 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 1:15-16; Phil. 1:3-4; Col. 1:3-4; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:3; Philemon 4).
▣ "whom I serve. . .the way my forefathers did" Paul was not conscious of Christianity being a separate or new faith from the OT (cf. Acts 24:14; 26:5-6,22; Romans 4; 2 Cor. 11:22; and Phil. 3:5). In Gal. 6:15-16 he uses the OT title "the Israel of God" to describe the church. In Rom. 2:28-29 he asserts that the true children of Abraham are by faith, not ethnic descent (cf. Rom. 9:6). There is no Jew or Greek (cf. Rom. 3:22; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11)!
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (ekklēsia)
▣ "clear conscience" See note at 1 Tim. 1:5.
▣ "remember" Paul remembers Timothy's life, family, and call to ministry. He uses the term mneia in four ways in 2 Tim. 1:3-6.
It is theologically helpful and encouraging to look back over our lives and see God's hand which was involved at every stage (family faith, personal faith, call and equipping for ministry, and godly friends and mentors).
1:4 Paul and Timothy had a wonderful relationship in Christ's service. Their friendship encouraged and strengthened them for ministry (cf. 2 Tim. 4:9,21).
1:5 "sincere faith" Literally this is "unhypocritical." It is used in the sense of "a pure faith" (cf. 1 Tim. 1:5).
▣ "within you" It is uncertain from the context (and 2 Tim. 3:15 as well as Acts 16:1) whether this refers to Judaism (Timothy's grandmother and possibly mother) or Christianity (Timothy's conversion). It obviously refers to faith in YHWH and His redemptive plan.
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
| ▣ | |
| NASB | "I am sure that it is in you as well" |
| NKJV | "I am persuaded is in you also" |
| NRSV | "I am sure, lives in you" |
| TEV | "I am sure that you have it also" |
| NJB | "I am sure dwells also in you" |
| Peshitta | "I am sure now in you also" |
This is a PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. This phrase in Greek is a strong affirmation of continuing confidence in the Spirit's work in Timothy's life and ministry (cf. Phil. 1:6).
1:6 "to kindle afresh" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE which implies an ongoing need to fan or rekindle or stir up the flame. There is the volitional aspect of giftedness. This is not meant to imply that Timothy had let the flame of God's call and giftedness burn low, but that in difficult situations like his current assignment, he should take strength from God's previous call and equipping.
▣ "the gift of God" The root of the term "gift" (charisma), which is from "grace" (charis). This could refer to the Holy Spirit or, better in this context, to his gifts of ministry. Every believer has a supernatural gift or gift for ministry (1 Cor. 12:7,11,18). Timothy's gift was recognized by Paul as well as his home church (cf. 1 Tim. 4:14).
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRITUAL GIFTS
▣ "through the laying on of my hands" This cannot be a proof text for "apostolic succession." See full note at 1 Tim. 4:14. Laying on of hands was used for several reasons in the Bible.
SPECIAL TOPIC: LAYING ON OF HANDS
1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of" The most complete ancient Greek texts of the NT were written in all capital letters (uncials), so capitalization in modern translations is a matter of interpretation. There is no DEFINITE ARTICLE in the Greek text. There are also NT parallels for a small "s" (cf. Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 2:12) yet in both contexts the Holy Spirit is specifically mentioned. Most modern translations have "a spirit..." (i.e., KJV, ASV, NKJV, NASB, RSV, NRSV, NEB, REB and NIV). However, others assume the Holy Spirit is being referred to here (cf. TEV, NJB and the William's translation of the NT). In reality it could be purposeful ambiguity (cf. NEB and NJB).
God has given each believer the greatest gift, the Spirit, as well as a spiritual gift(s) for ministry but also a bold and powerful desire to serve, to share, to go, to be Christlike.
Robert Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament, has an interesting discussion of the uses of the term "spirit" in the NT (pp. 61-63).
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NJB | "a spirit of timidity" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "a spirit of fear" |
| NRSV | "a spirit of cowardice" |
| TEV | "the Spirit. . .does not make us timid" |
There are one negative and three positive aspects to the giftedness of God.
| ▣ | |
| NASB | "discipline" |
| NKJV | "sound mind" |
| NRSV | "self-discipline" |
| TEV, NJB | "self-control" |
| Peshitta | "good discipline" |
See full note at 1 Tim. 3:2.
1:8-14 This is one sentence in Greek.
1:8 "ashamed" This is a key phrase in this first chapter (cf. 2 Tim. 1:8,12,16; also note Mark 8:38; Rom. 1:16). Here its grammatical form is an AORIST PASSIVE (deponent) SUBJUNCTIVE; it does not imply that Timothy was ashamed, but is rather an admonition not to start being ashamed.
Paul may have been alluding to the OT concept of sin bringing problems and righteousness bringing blessings (cf. Deuteronomy 27-28; Job, Psalm 73). Paul was not suffering for sin but for Christ.
▣ "of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner" Paul admonished Timothy to continue to preach the sufferings of Christ (cf. Gen. 3:15; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Zechariah 11-14; Acts 3:18; 26:23) and also to identify with Paul as a spiritual prisoner of the gospel and a physical prisoner because of the gospel! Preach the good news regardless of the cost or consequences (cf. Gal. 4:17; 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 6:3-10; 11:23-29)!
▣ "join with me" Because of Paul's theology about the believers close identification with Christ in death (cf. Rom. 6; Gal. 2:20) and suffering (cf. Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10; also in 1 Pet. 4:13), Paul often forms new Greek words using the PREPOSITION sun which means "joint participation in."
▣ "in suffering for the gospel" This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE (cf. 2 Tim. 2:3, 9; 4:5; Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 3:14; 4:12-19). The key to this phrase is "for the gospel," not our own evil (cf. 1 Pet. 2:15-16). Modern Christians must recognize that suffering for the gospel is the norm, not the exception (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21; 16:1-2; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 6:4-10; 11:23-28; Phil. 1:29; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; James 1:2-4).
SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?
1:9 "who has saved us and called us" These are two AORIST ACTIVE PARTICIPLES joined by "and" (kai). In Rom. 8:29-30 the "calling" comes before the "saving," referring to God's sovereignty (election), but here the calling is referring to ministry (called with a calling, cf. 2 Tim. 1:6-8).
This is the NT equivalent to the covenant language of the OT used of Israel. Believers in Jesus are the covenant people of God.
SPECIAL TOPIC: SALVATION (GREEK VERB TENSES)
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (ekklēsia)
▣ "with a holy calling" This could refer to God as holy, but probably in context it refers to God's will for a holy covenant people. God's will has always been for a people "made in His image" (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) to reflect His image to the world (cf. Gen. 12:3; Exod. 19:5-6)! The work of the Messiah has restored the image of God lost in the rebellion of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. The goal of Christianity is Christlikeness (cf. Rom. 8:29; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 1:4).
▣ "not according to our works" This was Paul's main preaching point to the Judaizers of Acts 15 and the book of Galatians. The false teachers of the Pastoral Letters also have a Jewish works-righteousness mentality which was based on the Mosaic Covenant (i.e., Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; 30:15,19). This rejection of a works-righteousness is a recurrent theme in Paul's writings (cf. Rom. 3:20; 27-28; 4:4-5; 8; 9:11; Gal. 2:16; 3:11; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5). The New Covenant (i.e., Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36) is a grace-based covenant.
▣ "according to His own purpose and grace" God's will and character cannot be separated. He has acted on fallen mankind's behalf based on who He is (cf. Eph. 1:4-5, 11). The gospel reflects the heart of the Father, the loving actions of the Son and the power of the Spirit. Salvation was God's idea, God's initiation and God's provision!
▣ "which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" The gospel was not "plan B." It was always God's plan to redeem fallen mankind, mankind made in His image and made for fellowship with Him. As Genesis 3 records mankind's rebellion, it also records God's promise and plan (cf. Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:25-26; Eph. 2:11-3:13).
This predetermined plan through Christ is referred to often in the sermons of the Apostles in Acts (cf. Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:28; 13:29 as well as in Jesus' own words in Mark 10:45; Luke 22:20). It is possibly alluded to in Titus 1:2 and Rev. 13:8.
Israel was only the first stage in God's plan of world redemption (cf. Gen. 12:3; Exod. 19:5-6). The Messiah has always been the only hope for sinful humanity!
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
1:10 "the appearing of" The term epiphany here refers to Christ's first coming (cf. 1 Tim. 6:14; Titus 2:11), but in 2 Tim. 4:1 and Titus 2:13 the same word refers to His Second Coming.
SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
▣ "our Savior Christ Jesus" Savior is an OT title for YHWH (cf. Ps. 106:21; Isa. 43:3,11,15,21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8; Hosea 13:4; Luke 1:47). In the NT it is attributed to Jesus as God's Messiah (cf. Luke 2:11; John 4:42; 13:23; Eph. 5:23; Phil. 3:20; 1 John 4:14).
Only in the Pastoral Letters are both titles used in close proximity for both God the Father and God the Son.
The Pastoral Letters, written in the mid to late sixties, were also reacting against the Roman Emperor's claims of being both God and savior (as well as these titles' use in the Mystery Religions). For Christians these titles were reserved for YHWH and His Messiah.
SPECIAL TOPIC: OUR SAVIOR (title)
▣ "who abolished death" See SPECIAL TOPIC: NULL AND VOID (KATARGEŌ)
▣ "brought life and immortality to light" The term "life" (zoā) is used several times in the Pastoral Letters and can mean
There are two related terms used in the Pastoral Letters to express never ending, new age life:
This is not the Greek concept of every human having an immortal pre-existing "soul." Believers' immortality begins with their personal repentant faith in Christ. God is the only source of immortality (cf. 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16). He gives it freely through Christ (and Christ alone).
▣ "through the gospel" This Greek term originally meant "a reward for bringing good news." It came to uniquely refer within Christianity to God's wonderful message of forgiveness and acceptance through Jesus' life, teachings, death and resurrection. It later became the term used to describe the books about Jesus' life (i.e., the four Gospels). Jesus is the good news of God's love and provision for sinners.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH
1:11 "for which I was appointed" This is AORIST PASSIVE INDICATIVE. In this verse Paul is asserting his God-given gifts and tasks related to the gospel (cf. 1 Tim. 2:7).
▣ "a preacher" This is not so much a gift as it is a task (cf. TEV). Preaching is never listed as a gift, but in a sense is a vital aspect of all the leadership gifts (cf. Eph. 4:11), which all involve proclamation. This NOUN is from the VERB kērussō, which meant to publicly announce or proclaim. It came to have a technical sense as a way of referring to Apostolic preaching (kērygma) especially as it appears in the recorded sermons of Peter and Paul in the book of Acts.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH
▣ "an apostle" "Apostle" comes from one of the Greek words meaning "to send" (apostellō). Jesus chose twelve of His disciples to be with Him in a special sense and called them "Apostles" (cf. Luke 6:13). The VERB form is often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. Matt. 10:40; 15:24; Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48; John 4:34; 5:24,30,36,37,38; 6:29,38,39,40,57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3,8,18,21,23,25; 20:21). In Jewish sources, the term was used of someone sent as an official representative of another, similar to "ambassador."
This term had a special authoritative meaning. It was used of those who knew Christ during His physical life and ministry (cf. Acts 1:21-26). Paul claimed that he also had seen the Lord in his Damascus vision and call (cf. Acts 9). These men were uniquely called and equipped by the Spirit to record and explain the events, teachings, and miracles of Jesus' earthly life.
The term came to be used of an ongoing gift in the church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11). Their exact function is never specified; it may be church planting in new areas or regional leadership (cf. Acts 14:4,14; 18:5; 1 Cor. 4:9; Gal. 1:19; Phil. 2:25; 1 Thess. 2:6).
▣ "a teacher" This is listed as a spiritual gift in Acts 13:1; Rom. 12:6-7; 1 Cor. 12:28; and James 3. It is combined with the gift of pastor in Eph. 4:11 and 1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:24. When used as a separate gift, it may refer to the training of new converts, but when linked to pastor it may refer to the training of believers in doctrine (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17).
The KJV and the NKJV have the added term "to the Gentiles." This does not occur in the Greek uncial manuscript א* and A, but it does occur in MSS אi2, C, D, F, G, and other ancient texts. It does occur in 1 Tim. 2:7 and is probably an addition by early scribes. The UBS4 gives its exclusion a "B" rating (almost certain).
SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM
1:12 "for this reason I also suffer these things" This must relate to 2 Tim. 1:8. Paul knew personally the price of spiritual leadership (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 6:3-10; 11:24-28).
SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?
▣ "but I am not ashamed" This refers to Paul's admonition to Timothy in 2 Tim. 1:8 and v.16. Paul's problems were in a sense evidence of his success in gospel proclamation (cf. Gal. 6:17)!
▣ "for I know whom" Notice that the emphasis is on personal relationship, not circumstances.
▣ "I have believed" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE which is literally "I have believed and continue to believe." It refers to Paul's salvation experience on the road to Damascus (cf. Acts 9).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, FAITH, OR TRUST
▣ "I am convinced" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. It refers to Paul's confidence in God and from God, even amidst the persecution and imprisonments that he experienced.
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE
▣ "He is able to guard" The phrase "He is able" is a wonderful descriptive designation for God (cf. Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:20 and Jude 1:24). God is not only able, but He is willing to protect our profession of faith in Christ (cf. 1 Pet. 1:4-5) and our faithful lifestyle! Not only is salvation a God-initiated, God-produced and God-consummated event, but so too, is the Christian life.
SPECIAL TOPIC: DESCRIPTIVE TITLES FOR GOD
▣ "what I have entrusted to Him" God guards believers' professions (cf. 1 Pet. 1:4-5). However, believers must guard their stewardship of the gospel (see full note at 1 Tim. 1:18, cf. 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim . 1:14). Christianity is a covenant with benefits and privileges, but also with requirements and responsibilities!
▣ "that day" This is an OT way of referring to the end time (cf. 2 Tim. 1:18). The OT clearly revealed one climactic intervention of God into human history. However, from the progressive revelation of the NT believers now know there are two comings, the incarnation (the inauguration of the kingdom of God) and the Second Coming (the consummation of the kingdom of God).
| 1:13 | |
| NASB | "Retain" |
| NKJV | "hold fast" |
| NRSV | "hold to" |
| TEV | "hold firmly to" |
| NJB | "keep" |
| Peshitta | "abide with you" |
This is the very common "I have" (echō), but it has a wide semantic range as the translations show. The form is a PERFECT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Timothy must continue to hold on to the apostolic truth passed on to him by Paul (cf. 2 Tim. 1:14; Titus 1:9).
▣ "the standard" The term "standard" in Greek meant "to sketch" and was used of an architect's designs (i.e., a blueprint). Paul had given Timothy the overall theological plan.
▣ "of sound words" This is a recurrent theme in the Pastoral Letters which refers to healthy teachings (cf. 1 Tim. 1:10; 4:6; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3,4; Titus 1:9,13; 2:1,2). This verse obviously reflects the presence and problems caused by the false teachers.
▣ "in the faith and love" This refers to the manner in which leaders are to retain, pass on, and defend the truth of the gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 13).
1:14 "Guard through the Holy Spirit" This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Note that believers must guard, but the Holy Spirit is the means and power by which it is done!
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE
▣ "who dwells in us" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. There is a fluidity between the work of the Spirit and the Son. G. Campbell Morgan said that the best name for the Spirit is "the other Jesus" (cf. John 16:13-15). The following is an outline comparison of the work and titles of the Son and Spirit:
SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS AND THE SPIRIT
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT
| ▣ | |
| NASB | "the treasure which has been entrusted to you" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "that good thing which was committed to you" |
| NRSV | "the good treasure entrusted to you" |
| TEV | "the good things that have been entrusted to you" |
| NJB | "that precious thing given in trust" |
This refers to something entrusted to another for safe keeping. This is possibly a word play on the term pistis, which is translated into English as belief, trust, or faith. Believers have entrusted (see full note at 1 Tim. 1:18) their faith to God (cf. 2 Tim. 1:12). God in turn has entrusted to them the gospel message (cf. 1 Tim. 6:20). Believers are stewards of the gospel message. We will one day give an account to Him (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10) on how we have handled this deposit of truth!
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ORTHODOXY OF THE PASTORALS
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
÷2 TIMOTHY 1:15-18
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 1:15-18
15You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away
from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus for he often
refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains; 17but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me, and found
me— 18the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services
he rendered at Ephesus.
1:15 "all who are in Asia" This is a hyperbole. Paul is emphasizing that most/many were afraid and stopped associating with him.
▣ "turned away from me" Some of Paul's helpers (cf. 2 Tim. 4:10,16) deserted him in his imprisonment (cf. 2 Tim. 1:8,16) but not necessarily deserted their faith in Christ. This was probably related to Paul's Roman trial.
▣ "Phygelus and Hermogenes" Nothing is known about Phygelus or Hermogenes.
1:16-18 Verses 16-18 are an extended prayer (AORIST ACTIVE OPTATIVE).
1:16 "Onesiphorus" This is one believer and his family (or house church) who did not desert Paul (cf. 2 Tim. 4:19). In unspecified ways (emotionally, financially) this man encouraged Paul while he was in prison, as well as provided a needed ministry in Ephesus (cf. 2 Tim. 1:18).
1:18 "The Lord. . .the Lord" In Hebrew there is a clear distinction between YHWH (Lord) and Adon (Lord, cf. Ps. 110:1). In Greek both are translated as kurios. It seems that this prayer is addressed to the Messiah and refers to the "day of YHWH," an OT idiom for the end of time (a day of blessing or judgment).
This seems like a strange prayer to us. Some commentators have assumed that Onesiphorus had died, if so this is the only prayer in the Bible on behalf of the dead. Paul was asking that God bless his "house" (i.e., family or house church) because of his faithful ministry (cf. Deut. 7:9; 5:10 and the same concept in 1 Cor. 7:14).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.
SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD (Adon and Kurios)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are
responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You,
the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
| Home | New Testament Studies | 1&2 Timothy Table of Contents | Previous Section | Next Section |
Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International