Chapter 1
Greeting
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus by the will of God, he was approved and appointed by God Himself. The Biblical use of the word ‘according’ typically refers to an ability. For example, giving money according to someone’s wealth means that if they are wealthy then the amount given would be higher than if they were poor. Paul was able to be an apostle of the gospel message because Jesus was able to save, and continues to save, the promise of life is real.
1:2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
He addresses the epistle to Timothy, this second epistle to him opens with nearly the same greeting as the first epistle.
Fan Into Flame the Gift of God
1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Paul thanks God and notes that he is doing so just as his ancestors did in the past, with a clear conscience. He does not specify which ancestors, but I think we can confidently attach the meaning that even though experiencing prosperity or punishment, the Israelites thanked God. God deserves our thanks for multiple reasons, but He also deserves recognition and thanks for being who He is, God. Paul notes that he remembers Timothy constantly in his prayers both during the day and during the night. When he does remember Timothy’s tears, he strongly desires to see him. He also remembers Timothy’s faith that began with his grandmother, then to his mother, and now dwells in him. Because of his strong faith, Paul encourages him to fan into flames the gift of God given to him when he laid his hands on him. Anyone who has ever camped outdoors and had to light a fire. understands Paul’s metaphor. Even barely glowing embers can be fanned into full flames. Christians are not immune to the affects of spiritual apathy or being caught up in something that either distracts one or inadvertently takes a priority in their life. Effort is needed to maintain our relationship with Jesus, but if we are down to nothing more than a barely visible glowing ember, the Holy Spirit will bring us back to full flame when we repent. Paul adds that God did not give us a spirit of fear (see below), but one of power, love, and self-control (see Zechariah 4:6; Galatians 5:22-23). We are powered by Him, not the other way around, if we feel burned out the problem is not Him, He will never leave us (see Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5), somehow we pulled away from Him.
1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
Paul tells Timothy to not be ashamed of the testimony about Jesus or be ashamed of him as a prisoner. Undoubtedly Timothy received some mocking regarding the gospel message and how it put Paul in jail. Paul calls him to share the gospel with even more boldness as the message offered through suffering displays the power of God.
1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
Paul summarizes what God has done for Timothy and him, beginning with salvation and being called to evangelize, not because of anything they did or earned, but for His own purpose and grace. Paul notes that this was not some last-minute decision, but was planned before time began. The plan included the arrival of Jesus as our Savior and how He abolished death and brought eternal life to light through the gospel. Paul additionally notes that he was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher, which is why he suffers. But he is not ashamed, as he knows that God will protect him until he is done. Paul no doubt knew that this was his last epistle he would write as he will touch on a few somber subjects, but then will quickly exchange them for words of encouragement.
1:13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Paul wants Timothy to copy how he tells the gospel message, in faith, and the love that comes from Jesus. He is telling Timothy to mimic him, by using the same lessons he used. Paul then makes an astounding statement, “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:14, NLT) I call it astounding because it is revealing a deep pain and concern. Even though everything we have read about Timothy points to him being able to defend God’s Word regardless of situation, Paul is telling him to guard the good deposit entrusted to him. In other words don’t fall for the false teaching! In the next verse we discover why this is a painful subject for Paul.
1:15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Paul reports that he has been deserted by everyone in the province of Asia, including two that Timothy apparently knew, Phygelus and Hermogenes. He then mourns the death of a faithful friend, Onesiphorus. Being deserted by companions that you cared for and then loosing a friend would put anyone in a somber mood, including the apostle Paul!
Considerations
Fear of God versus Fearing God
The word translated as ‘fear’ in verse seven is the Greek word deilias usually translated as ‘timidity’. The concept of fearing God has stirred the imaginations of believers and non-believers alike from the beginning of time. People often debate what does it mean to fear God. For many the fear of God can mean experiencing the fear of punishment, but the Bible explains that it is so much more (see Acts 9:31; Romans 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:11; 7:15; 1 John 4:18). As Christians we know that we are loved by God and we love Him, our fear is not a fear of pain or thought of pending judgment, our fear is that of respect, trust, honor, and love. If someone doesn’t know about Jesus, then fear will likely take on a different meaning. God calls us to trust Him in all things (see Proverbs 3:5-6), if we truly trust Him, we should not have any fears, right? In theory, yes, however in reality, we are still human, and being human means we are fragile, mortal, and often fearful. Admitting our fears to God helps us recognize our own limitations and in turn helps us let go of our concerns and allow God to work in our lives. God’s promises are absolute, He cannot lie (see Numbers 23:19; Psalm 89:34), plus He offers something that cannot be found anywhere else, Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV, see also Philippians 4:7) With Jesus, our fears disappear, this is part of our walk with Him, we are to give our fears to Him, be honest and tell Him!