John Bengel Commentary - 2 Timothy 1:7 - 1:7

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John Bengel Commentary - 2 Timothy 1:7 - 1:7


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2Ti 1:7. Πνεῦμα, spirit) That is, the spirit which God has given us is not the spirit of fear, but of power, etc. Hence arises the testimony which believers give, spoken of in the following verse and in Joh 15:26-27 [ye also shall bear witness, etc.].-δειλίας) Eustathius says, δειλὸς ὁ δεδιὼς τὰς ἴλας, one that is afraid of troops of soldiers; comp. Sirach 37 :(11) 12. This derivation is quite in consonance with the sense here; comp. ch. 2Ti 2:3. The fear meant is that, of which the causes are in the mind, rather than from without. This fear within in too great a degree exaggerates the causes which are without. The act of fear always has its cause in the mind, but a courageous disposition repels and overcomes external causes.-δυνάμεως) of power. Δυνάμις, power, strength, is opposed to fear. Divine power in us, not our own, is intended; see 2Ti 1:8; and so of love and sober-mindedness. [They also, the ἀγάπη and σωφρονισμὸς (which Engl. Vers. renders a sound mind) meant, are not our own, but are created by God in us]. All these operate in us, and animate us to the discharge of our duties towards God, the saints, and ourselves. Power [strength] and sober-mindedness are the two extremes, but these in a good sense; love is in the middle, and is the bond, and as it were the check upon both, taking away [counteracting the liability to] the two bad extremes, timidity and rashness. Concerning strength or power, see 2Ti 1:8, etc.; concerning love, ch. 2Ti 2:14, etc.; concerning sober-mindedness, ch. 2Ti 3:1, etc. [These gifts are preferable to any miraculous powers whatever.-V. g.]-καὶ ἀγάπης, and of love) Moreover love embraces even those who are prisoners [in a spirit of bondage], by driving out fear; comp. 1Jn 4:18.-καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ, and of sober-mindedness) This is a verbal noun [the being sober-minded]. The duty of young men is σωφρονίζεσθαι, to act with sober-mindedness, Tit 2:4; Tit 2:6 : and Timothy was a young man, ch. 2Ti 2:22; 1Ti 4:12. He is therefore admonished to give up all the advantages and pleasures of life, ch. 2Ti 2:4, and to remove the ‘thorns,’ by which he may be entangled; Luk 8:14. The Spirit teaches this lesson; and he who learns it, is delivered from fear, and heartily embraces the testimony of his Lord.