Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Timothy 1:3

Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Timothy 1:3 - 1:14

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Timothy 1:3 - 1:14

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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2Ti_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.

2Ti_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; 1Co_1:4; Eph_1:15-16; Php_1:3-4; Col_1:3-4; 1Th_1:2; 2Th_1:3; Phm_1:4).

▣ "whom I serve. . .the way my forefathers did" Paul was not conscious of Christianity being a separate or new faith from the OT (cf. Act_24:14; Act_26:5-6; Act_26:22; Romans 4; 2Co_11:22; and Php_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; 1Co_12:13; Gal_3:28; Col_3:11)!

▣ "clear conscience" See note at 1Ti_1:5.

▣ "remember" Paul remembers Timothy's life, family, and call to ministry. He uses the term mneia in four ways in 2Ti_1:3-6.

1. in 2Ti_1:3 Paul remembers Timothy constantly in his prayers

2. in 2Ti_1:4 he uses the participle form to remind Timothy of their tearful separation

3. in 2Ti_1:5 he uses a compound form (hupo + mneia) to remind Timothy of his family's sincere faith

4. in 2Ti_1:6 he uses a compound verbal form of the term (ana + mneia) to remind Timothy of his calling and equipping for ministry

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).

2Ti_1:4 Paul and Timothy had a wonderful relationship in Christ's service. Their friendship encouraged and strengthened them for ministry (cf. 2Ti_4:9; 2Ti_4:21).

2Ti_1:5 "sincere faith" Literally this is "unhypocritical." It is used in the sense of "a pure faith" (cf. 1Ti_1:5).

▣ "within you" It is uncertain from the context (and 2Ti_3:15 as well as Act_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 (see Special Topic at 1Ti_4:10).

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"

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. Php_1:6).

2Ti_1:6 "to kindle afresh" This is a present active indicative which implies an ongoing need to fan or rekindle or stir up the flame. There is the volitional aspect of giftedness (see hyperlink at 2Ti_2:1)! 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 gifts for ministry (1Co_12:7; 1Co_12:11; 1Co_12:18). Timothy's gift was recognized by Paul and his home church (cf. 1Ti_4:14).

▣ "through the laying on of my hands" This cannot be a proof text for "apostolic succession." See full note at 1Ti_4:14. Laying on of hands was used for several reasons in the Bible. See Special Topic at 1Ti_4:14.

2Ti_1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of" The 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; 1Co_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).

1. evil spirits

2. the human spirit

3. the Holy Spirit

4. things that the Spirit produces in and through human spirits

a. "not a spirit of slavery" vs. "a spirit of adoption," Rom_8:15

b. "a spirit of gentleness," 1Co_4:21

c. "a spirit of faith," 2Co_4:13

d. "a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him," Eph_1:17

e. "not a spirit of timidity" vs. "power, love and discipline," 2Ti_1:17

f. "spirit of error" vs. "spirit of truth," 1Jn_4:6

NASB, NJB        "a spirit of timidity"

NKJV     "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"

See full note at 1Ti_3:2.

2Ti_1:8-14 This is one sentence in Greek.

2Ti_1:8 "ashamed" This is a key phrase in this first chapter (cf. 2Ti_1:8; 2Ti_1:12; 2Ti_1:16; also note Mar_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, Psalms 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; Isaiah 53; Act_3:18; Act_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; 2Co_4:7-12; 2Co_6:3-10; 2Co_11:23-29)!

▣ "join with me" Because of Paul's theology about the believers close identification with Christ in death (cf. Romans 6; Gal_2:20) and suffering (cf. Rom_8:17; 2Co_1:5; Php_3:10; also in 1Pe_4:13), Paul often forms new Greek words using the preposition syn which means "joint participation in."

1. suffer with (2Ti_1:8 and 2Ti_2:3)

2. died with (2Ti_2:11)

3. live with (2Ti_2:11)

4. reign with (2Ti_2:12)

▣ "in suffering for the gospel" This is an aorist active imperative (cf. 2Ti_2:3; 2Ti_2:9; 2Ti_4:5; Rom_8:17; 1Pe_3:14; 1Pe_4:12-19). The key to this phrase is "for the gospel," not our own evil (cf. 1Pe_2:15-16). Modern Christians must recognize that suffering for the gospel is the norm, not the exception (cf. Mat_5:10-12; Joh_15:18-21; Joh_16:1-2; Joh_17:14; Act_14:22; Rom_5:3-4; 2Co_4:16-18; 2Co_6:4-10; 2Co_11:23-28; Php_1:29; 1Th_3:3; 2Ti_3:12; Jas_1:2-4).

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2Ti_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. 2Ti_1:6-8 and Special Topic at 2Ti_1:9).

This is the NT equivalent to the covenant language of the OT used of Israel. Believers in Jesus are the covenant people of God.

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▣ "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; Exo_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).

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▣ "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. This rejection of a works-righteousness is a recurrent theme in Paul's writings (cf. Rom_3:20; Rom_3:27-28; Rom_4:4-5; Rom_4:8; Rom_9:11; Gal_2:16; Gal_3:11; Eph_2:8-9; Php_3:9; 2Ti_1:9; Tit_3:5).

▣ "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; Eph_1:11). 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 to Eph_3:13, see Special Topic at 1Ti_4:10).

This predetermined plan through Christ is referred to often in the sermons of the Apostles in Acts (cf. Act_2:23; Act_3:18; Act_4:28; Act_13:29 as well as in Jesus' own words in Mar_10:45; Luk_22:20). It is possibly alluded to in Tit_1:2 (see Special Topic: Eternal at Tit_1:2) and Rev_13:8.

Israel was only the first stage in God's plan of world redemption (cf. Gen_12:3; Exo_19:5-6). The Messiah has always been the only hope for sinful humanity!

2Ti_1:10 "the appearing of" The term epiphany here refers to Christ's first coming (cf. 1Ti_6:14; Tit_2:11), but in 2Ti_4:1 and Tit_2:13 the same word refers to His Second Coming. See Special Topic: NT Terms for Christ's Return at Tit_2:13.

▣ "our Savior Christ Jesus" Savior is an OT title for YHWH (cf. Psa_106:21; Isa_43:3; Isa_43:11; Isa_43:15; Isa_43:21; Isa_49:26; Isa_60:16; Isa_63:8; Hos_13:4; Luk_1:47). In the NT it is attributed to Jesus as God's Messiah (cf. Luk_2:11; Joh_4:42; Joh_13:23; Eph_5:23; Php_3:20; 1Jn_4:14).

Only in the Pastoral Letters are both titles used in close proximity for both God the Father and God the Son.

A. God

1. God our Savior (1Ti_1:1)

2. God our savior (1Ti_2:3)

3. the savior of all men (1Ti_4:10)

4. God our savior (Tit_1:3)

5. God our savior (Tit_2:10)

6. God our savior (Tit_3:4)

B. Christ

1. our savior (2Ti_1:10)

2. the Lord Jesus Christ our savior (Tit_1:4)

3. our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Tit_2:13)

4. Jesus Christ our savior (Tit_3:6)

5. our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1Pe_1:11)

6. the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pe_2:20)

7. our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pe_3:18)

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.

▣ "who abolished death" See Special Topic below.

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▣ "brought life and immortality to light" The term "life" is used several times in the Pastoral Letters and can mean

1. eternal life (1Ti_1:16; 1Ti_6:12; Tit_1:2; Tit_3:7)

2. true life (1Ti_6:19)

3. present life and life of the age to come (1Ti_4:8)

4. promise of life in Christ (2Ti_1:1)

5. life and immortality through Christ (2Ti_1:10)

There are two related terms used in the Pastoral Letters to express never ending, new age life:

1. "corrupt" with an alpha privative (2Ti_1:10; Tit_2:7; Rom_2:7; 1Co_15:52-54)

2. "death" with an alpha privative (1Ti_6:16 and 1Co_15:53-54)

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. 1Ti_1:17; 1Ti_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.

2Ti_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. 1Ti_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 kçrussô, which meant to publicly announce or proclaim. It came to have a technical sense as a way of referring to Apostolic preaching (kçrygma) especially as it appears in the recorded sermons of Peter and Paul in the book of Acts. See Special Topic: The Kerygma of the Early Church at 2Ti_3:15.

▣ "an apostle" "Apostle" comes from one of the Greek words meaning "to send" (apostellô). Jesus chose twelve of His disciples to be with Him in a special sense and called them "Apostles" (cf. Luk_6:13). The verb form is often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. Mat_10:40; Mat_15:24; Mar_9:37; Luk_9:48; Joh_4:34; Joh_5:24; Joh_5:30; Joh_5:36-38; Joh_6:29; Joh_6:38-40; Joh_6:57; Joh_7:29; Joh_8:42; Joh_10:36; Joh_11:42; Joh_17:3; Joh_17:3; Joh_17:18; Joh_17:21; Joh_17:23; Joh_17:25; Joh_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. Act_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. 1Co_12:28; Eph_4:11). Their exact function is never specified; it may be church planting in new areas or regional leadership (cf. Act_14:4; Act_14:14; Act_18:5; 1Co_4:9; Gal_1:19; Php_2:25; 1Th_2:6).

▣ "a teacher" This is listed as a spiritual gift in Act_13:1; Rom_12:6-7; 1Co_12:28; and James 3. It is combined with the gift of pastor in Eph_4:11 and 1Ti_3:2; 2Ti_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. 2Ti_2:15; 2Ti_3:16-17).

The KJV and the NKJV have the added term "to the Gentiles." This does not occur in the Greek uncial manuscript à ^* and A, but it does occur in MSS à cf8 i², C, D, F, G, and other ancient texts. It does occur in 1Ti_2:7 and is probably an addition by early scribes. The UBS⁴ gives its exclusion a "B" rating (almost certain).

2Ti_1:12 "for this reason I also suffer these things" This must relate to 2Ti_1:8. Paul knew personally the price of spiritual leadership (cf. 2Co_4:7-12; 2Co_6:3-10; 2Co_11:24-28).

▣ "but I am not ashamed" This refers to Paul's admonition to Timothy in 2Ti_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).

For "believed" see Special Topic at 1Ti_1:16.

▣ "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.

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▣ "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 Jud_1:24). God is not only able, but He is willing to protect our profession of faith in Christ (cf. 1Pe_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.

▣ "what I have entrusted to Him" God guards believers' professions (cf. 1Pe_1:4-5). However, believers must guard their stewardship of the gospel (see full note at 1Ti_1:18, cf. 1Ti_6:20). 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. 2Ti_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).

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2Ti_1:13

NASB     "retain"

NKJV     "hold fast"

NRSV     "hold to"

TEV      "hold firmly to"

NJB      "keep"

This is the very common "I have" (echô), but it has a wide semantic range as the translations show. The form is a present active imperative. Timothy must continue to hold on to the apostolic truth passed on to him by Paul (cf. 2Ti_1:14; Tit_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. 1Ti_1:10; 1Ti_4:6; 1Ti_6:3; 2Ti_1:13; 2Ti_4:3-4; Tit_1:9; Tit_1:13; Tit_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).

2Ti_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!

▣ "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." The following is an outline comparison of the work and titles of the Son and Spirit:

1. Spirit called "Spirit of Jesus" or similar expression (cf. Rom_8:9; 1Co_15:45; 2Co_3:17; Gal_4:6; 1Pe_1:11).

2. Both called by the same terms

a. "Truth"

(1) Jesus (Joh_14:6)

(2) Spirit (Joh_14:17; Joh_16:13)

b. "Advocate"

(1) Jesus (1Jn_2:1)

(2) Spirit (Joh_14:16; Joh_16:7)

3. Both indwell believers

a. Jesus (Mat_28:20; Joh_14:20; Joh_14:23; Joh_15:4-5; Rom_8:10; 2Co_13:5; Gal_2:20; Eph_3:17; Col_1:27)

b. Spirit (Joh_14:16-17; Rom_8:9; Rom_8:11; 1Co_3:16; 1Co_6:19; 2Ti_1:14)

c. Father (Joh_14:23; 2Co_6:16)

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NASB     "the treasure which has been entrusted to you"

NKJV     "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 1Ti_1:18) their faith to God (cf. 2Ti_1:12). God in turn has entrusted to them the gospel message (cf. 1Ti_6:20). Believers are stewards of the gospel message. We will one day give an account to Him (cf. 2Co_5:10) on how we have handled this deposit of truth!

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