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Here our apostle exhorts Timothy to an holy courage and undaunted resolution in the execution of his office. As if he had said, "Be not discouraged by persection: for God hath not given us, his messengers, the spirit of fear, but of courage and fortitude; fearless we are of the frowns of men: Also the spirit of love, love to God and the souls of men, which will make the ministers of God indefatigable in their endeavours for the good of souls; Likewise the spirit of a sound mind, which enables God's ministers to curb their passions, inordinate lusts, desires, and perturbations of mind; an admirable spirit to know when to be angry and severe, and when to be mild and gentle."
Learn hence, That love is the genuine principle of obedience, and ought to be that frame of spirit, that inward affection of mind, from whence all our services to God and our neighbour do proceed.
Thus having fortified Timothy against fear, in the seventh verse, he next fortifies him against shame, in the eighth verse: "Be not thou ashamed of the testimony of our Lord; that is, of giving testimony of the gospel of our Lord, whether by preaching of it, or suffering for it; Nor be ashamed of me his prisoner: for I do not suffer as a malefactor; nay, be thou a cheerful partaker of the same sufferings as myself, and for the same cause with myself, according to the power of God; that is, being strengthened with the almighty power of God."
Learn hence, That the ministers of the gospel are to take great care that they be always ready to suffer reproach for the gospel, but that they never be a reproach unto the gospel. Suffering for Christ will be sweet, if it be not imbittered by sinning against Christ.