Bible Commentaries
2 Timothy 1

Verse 1

According to the promise of life ; called to be an apostle according to the promise of life; for the purpose, namely, of furthering the knowledge of it. The blessings which come upon believers are according to the gracious purpose and promise of God in Jesus Christ.

Verse 2

Beloved son ; spiritually, Paul having been the means of his conversion. When true religion leads one person to be the means of converting another, it forms between them a most affectionate and lasting bond of union.

Verse 3

From my forefathers ; as I have received from them, both by example and precept, the duty of living in all good conscience before God. Acts 23:1 . True religion is in all ages the same. Pious ancestors had the same spirit, and were accepted of God in the same way, with their pious posterity.

Verse 4

Thy tears ; when they parted.

Filled with joy ; in meeting him again.

Verse 6

Stir up ; as one does a smouldering fire, that it may burn brighter. This was to be done by the vigorous exercise of the gift of God ; that was in him; the spiritual gifts, namely, that had been imparted to him by the Holy Ghost in connection with the laying on of hands. Compare 1 Timothy 4:14 , and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 , where among spiritual gifts are named "the word of wisdom," "and the word of knowledge." Verse 2 Timothy 1:8 . The faith and love of parents and grandparents will not save their children or grandchildren; they also must exercise faith and love themselves, and be active in discharging their appropriate duties.

Verse 7

Fear ; timidity and cowardice, manifested in shrinking from arduous and dangerous services.

Power ; energy and courage in meeting and overcoming difficulties.

Verse 8

The testimony of our Lord ; the work of testifying for Christ.

Partaker ; with me and all the faithful.

The afflictions of the gospel ; those which they were called to suffer in preaching it.

According to the power of God ; as manifested in the manner described in the following verse, and which manifestation is to us a pledge that he will always be with us, and support us in our trials. Those who delight in the company of Christians when they are in prosperity, are in danger of being ashamed of them and of forsaking them when in adversity.

Verse 9

Given us-before the world began ; given us in God’s eternal purpose.

Verse 10

Abolished death ; put an end to its dominion over believers, and will finally deliver them for ever from its power.

Brought-to light ; revealed with greater clearness an immortal, glorious life for all believers. The eternal purpose of God to save his people is manifested by the gift of his Son to make atonement, and of the Holy Spirit to renew their hearts and lead them to devote life to his service.

Verse 12

For the which cause ; on account of preaching this gospel.

To keep that ; his soul and all its concerns.

That day ; the day of judgment. The reproaches which haters of God and his cause sometimes cast on his people, and the sufferings thus caused, only increase their confidence in him, and their assurance that, as they are here called to suffer for him, they shall hereafter reign with him.

Verse 13

The form of sound words ; the doctrines and duties of the gospel, as preached by Paul.

Verse 14

That good thing ; that good charge or trust, namely, the office of preaching the gospel and presiding over the interests of the church.

By the Holy Ghost ; by his aid.

Verse 15

All they-in Asia ; Asia in the narrower sense, the proconsular province of Asia, of which Ephesus was the capital. The word "all" is to be understood popularly of a general defection, for he immediately mentions one man of Asia who had remained faithful.

Verse 16

Onesiphorus ; a Christian of Asia, chap 2 Timothy 4:19 .

Refreshed me ; supplied my wants.

My chain ; by which he was bound to the soldier who kept him. Compare Acts 28:16 .

Verse 18

True religion gives a man hearty, steadfast friends, who, in trials when others turn away, will stand by him, sympathize with him, and if possible render him any aid which he needs.