2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:1-12

The apostle begins his epistle, after proper salutations, with expressions of his affection to Timothy, and general acknowledgments of his joy in, and dependence upon, the grace of that gospel which he was employed to preach. 2 Tim. I. 1—12.

TIM. I. 1.

PAUL an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus;

To Timothy my dearly beloved son

TIMOTHY I. 1.

IPAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, (whose eternal counsels, with reference to me, were manifested in that wonderful manner in which I was set apart for the service of the gospel, agreeably to the promise of eternal life, which is given us in Christ Jesus, and by which I am animated in all my labours and sufferings,) Send this second epistle to Timothy, my beloved son; whose humble and faithful services in the gospel I have so long proved, and whom I love with the affection of a father. Nor can I express this affection better than by wishing, as I most sincerely do

Paul thanks God for the faith of Timothy and his

that grace, mercy, and peace, may attend thee, from God, the gracious and merciful Father of all true believers, and from Christ Jesus, his Son and our Lord, who is also our Peace.

I give thanks unto this blessed God, whom I serve, after the example of [my] pious progenitors, with a pure conscience, that, through his goodness, laying the case upon my heart, I am incessantly mindful of thee in my prayers night and day, so that I scarce ever rise up in the morning, or lie down in the evening, without allowing thee a share in my devout remembrance; Desiring earnestly to see thee, as I am mindful of thy tears, which flowed so plentifully at our last separation, that I might be filled with joy, in an interview with so dear and amiable a friend. And indeed thou hast, as it were, an hereditary title to my regard, as I also keep in remembrance the undissembled faith which is in thee, and which first dwelt in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, who believed in Christ before thee, and have been happily instrumental in communicating to thy heart those good impressions which they felt on their own; and I am persuaded that [it is] in thee too, and that thou still retainest it in the midst of all opposition: For which cause I am the more encouraged to remind thee of stirring up the gift of God,ᵃ which is in thee by the imposition of my hands;ᵇ whereby those miraculous communications of the Spirit were imparted to thee, which it will be thy duty to cherish, by frequently engaging in those devotional exercises and active services for which they are intended to qualify thee. Exert thyself therefore with cheerfulness and boldness, without dreading any opposition that may arise; for God hath not given us the spirit of cowardice and fear, but of courage, and of love, and of wisdom;ᶜ and if we conduct ourselves

ᵃ Stirring up the gifts] Αὐτζωπυρίν. The metaphor is plainly borrowed from stirring up fire when it is almost extinct; and some have imagined it might refer to that part of the priests’ office which consisted in trimming the lamps in the temple, and supplying them with oil in order to keep them continually burning; (see Raphel Polyb. in loc.) while others have thought it alludes to the form of flames

in which the Spirit descended. Acts ii. 3. See 1 Thes. v. 19, and note there. Compare Gen. xlv. 27. Septuag. ᵇ Imposition of my hands.] See the note on 1 Tim. iv. 14. ᶜ God hath not given us, &c.] Perhaps Paul added this under an apprehension, that the tender spirit of Timothy might have been something terrified by the prospect of persecution,

recomm to him courage in defence of the gospel.

prudently, under the influences of a spirit of universal love, we may hope that his Spirit will work mightily in us, to fit us for those services which his Providence may point out. Be not therefore ashamed of that sacred truth, which is the testimony of our Lord, taught by his mouth, confirmed by his death and resurrection, and the descent of his Spirit; nor of me, who am now his prisoner; but resolutely own thy regard to me, and take thy share in the afflictions which may lie in thy way, while bearing a courageous testimony to the truth of the gospel, according to the evidence derived to it from the miraculous power of God; Who hath saved us from that ruin into which the world hath fallen by its fatal apostasy, and hath called [us,] out from the rest of mankind by an holy calling, not according to any distinguished merit of our own works, but according to his own purpose, and those rich overflowings of grace given to us in Christ Jesus from eternal ages,⁴ as he was appointed, in the everlasting and immutable counsels of God, to be a Redeemer and Saviour unto us. But this long concealed grace is now made manifest by the illustrious appearance of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who, by what he has done and suffered in human flesh for the salvation of his faithful servants, hath in effect abolished death, has deposed it from its tyrannical empire, and thrown a light on the important doctrine of life and immortality by the gospel;⁵ which gives

⁴ Given to us in Christ Jesus from eternal ages.] I see no reason for rendering it, as Dr. Whitby would do, according to his purpose before all ages, and the grace given us in Christ Jesus. The grace might be said to be given us in Christ, as the Father stipulated with him, through his hand, as well as for his sake, to give us that grace which we do actually receive.

⁵ Thrown a light upon life and immortality.] Life and immortality is put by a usual Hebraism of immortal life, as Archbishop Tillotson well observes (Vol. III. p. 112) in his discourse on these words; in which he has shown, how uncertain the heathens were as to the doctrines of a future state of retribution, and the comparative obscurity of that light in which it was placed under the Old Testament. The former article

is much illustrated by Dr. Whitby’s learned and excellent note. But what Mr. Warburton has written upon this subject, in his Divine Legation, Vol. I. and what is said upon it, in the last edition of the critical inquiry into the opinions of the ancient philosophers, has done abundantly more than any thing else to vindicate the propriety of this expression: and I must refer to these learned and ingenious writers for the most satisfactory commentary on these words of the apostle. But the learned and pious Dr. Hogdes (who, so far as I can judge, has given us a greater variety of new and plausible interpretations of scripture than any other divine in the Hutchinsonian scheme) contends, that the word ἀφόρησιν ought to be rendered incorruption, and that Christ himself is to be

Reflections on the discovery

us a more express assurance and more lively view of it than any former dispensation had ever done, or could possibly do. This is that important message of God to men, for the proclamation and confirmation of which I was appointed an herald and apostle, and particularly had it in my charge, while others were more immediately sent to the circumcision, to be myself a teacher of the Gentiles; For which cause I also suffer these hard things, which press me in this state of confinement: but, though my condition may seem infamous, I am not ashamed of these bonds, or any of the reproaches and insults with which they are attended; for I know to whom I have trusted all my most important concerns, and am fully persuaded that he is well able to keep that precious immortal soul which I have deposited with him, even unto that great and important day when the promised salvation shall be completed.⁶

IMPROVEMENT.

Who, that attentively considers the holy calling with which we are called, according to the grace given us in Christ Jesus, 8,9 can endure the thought of being ashamed of Christ’s gospel, or any of his servants, to whatever difficulties they may be exposed, with whatever infamy they may be loaded? For ever adored be 10 that Prince of life, who hath deposed death from his throne; who

understood both by life and incorruption; so that the text must refer to his throwing light on Psal xvi. 10, 11, and on other scriptures, where it was foretold that the Messiah should be the light of the world, and bestow incorruptible light upon others, by raising himself from the grave before he was corrupted there. But if any should still think this expression refers to the future state, to which Dr. Hodges apprehends it has no regard, he would have him consider it as applicable to the Gentiles only; on which account he supposes the apostle presently after speaks of his being appointed as their teacher, ver. 11. This violent interpretation (for such on the whole it appears to me) is intended to obviate the objection which arises from this text, against several new criticisms, by which this ingenious writer would find references to a future state and

the resurrection, in passages of the Old Testament, in which they were never before thought of. See Dr. Hodges’s Elihu, p. 251, 252.

That which I have deposited with him.] Philo and Josephus have many passages, (several of them collected by Dr. Whitby, in his note on this text,) in which both the soul and the law are in different views called ταχαίωμ, the depositum of God. The soul, as it is said, is to be returned into the hands of God, and committed to his care at death, and this, they tell us, may be done more cheerfully, in proportion to the degree in which care has been taken to maintain the honour of his law with due fidelity. There is to be sure a similarity of sentiment with regard to the gospel, but Paul might have used this expression, without borrowing the hint from any Jewish writer whatever.

of immortality by the gospel.

hath enlightened, by rays reflected from his own beautiful and resplendent countenance, the regions of the invisible world, over which so dark a veil had before been spread! Let our eyes be fixed more and more on this illustrious Object, and, confiding in the power and grace of Christ, let us all immediately and daily commit to him that invaluable jewel of an immortal soul which God hath given us. We may surely survey it with a mixture of delight and terror, till we have thus provided for its safety; and then may that terror be allowed to disappear, and give place to a rational delight, and we may justly congratulate ourselves while we adore our Saviour.

Let the proclamation of this gospel be most welcome to us, and let us call up all the strength and vigour of our souls to assert and advance it; for God hath given us the Spirit, not of fear, but of courage, sobriety, and charity. Whatever gifts we have received, let us stir them up to their proper use, and let one generation of Christians deliver down to another a sense of the excellency of their holy religion. Pious women may take encouragement from the success of Lois and Eunice on Timothy, who proved so excellent and useful a minister; as perhaps some of the worthiest and most valuable ministers the church of Christ has ever been able to boast of, have had reason to bless God for those early impressions which were made upon their mind by the religious instructions of persons in the same relations.

To conclude, let us learn, by the repeated example of the apostle, to be earnest in prayer for our Christian friends; and if we find our hearts excited to remember them in our prayers day and night, let us, with him, return our thanks to God, that he puts such benevolent affections into our hearts; for every good disposition that springs up there is implanted and cherished by him.

2 Timothy 1:13

The apostle exhorts Timothy strenuously to retain the gospel in the midst of all discouragements and oppositions, and to go through the duties of his ministerial office, in dependence upon the grace of God; mentioning the treachery of several Asiatics, and the extraordinary fidelity and zeal of Onesiphorus. 2 Tim. I. 13—Chap. II. 7.

TIM. I. 13. HOLD fast the form of sound ENCOURAGED by that confidence which I have been expressing in the power and fidelity of my Lord, to whom I have intrusted the care of my immortal interests and coneerns, be thou, O Timothy, engaged resolutely

Paul comp ains that all the Asiatics had e

to retain, and exactly to adhere to the form of sound words,ᵃ that system of Divine and everlasting truths which thou hast heard of me; keep it, not merely in thy memory, but in thine heart, with cordial faith, and that sincere, fervent love, which is the great badge of our being in Christ Jesus, and which will finally secure our being owned by him as his true disciples. And as thou desirest to have the same cheerful confidence, let it be thy care to keep that good thing which is deposited with thee,ᵇ even the gospel of Christ lodged in thine hands: assert its honours, by the aids of the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us, and which will, I trust, enable thee to act with that integrity and zeal which so arduous and important a service requires.

Thou knowest this, that all those of Asia,ᶜ who are at Rome, and were known to me by a profession of Christianity, are turned from me, and have proved treacherous friends, after all their forward pretences; of which number are Phygellus and Hermogenes,ᵈ whom it is with great concern that I am obliged particularly to point out on such an occasion. But it is with proportionable pleasure that I mention another person, of a very different character, whose affection and zeal was illustrated by their baseness and disingenuity. May the Lord grant his mercy to his family! I mean to the household of Onesiphorus; for he hath often refreshed me, both by his visits and liberalities, and hath not been ashamed of my chain; (Eph. vi. 20;)

ᵃ Form of sound words.] Archbishop Tillotson explains this, of that profession of faith which was made by Christians at their baptism; (Works Vol. II. p. 38;) and the author of Miscellanea Sacra observes, that it is not said that Timothy received this form by immediate inspiration, but heard it of Paul, as, according to him, the word of wisdom was given only to the apostles. Chap. ii. 2; iii. 14; 1 Tim. iii. 15

ᵇ That good thing which is deposited.] See he note on ver. 12.

ᶜ Those in Asia, &c.] The Asiatics were infamous for their cowardice and effemincy. Paul probably alludes to their behav-

iour at Rome, (chap. iv. 16,) of which Timothy might have been informed by travellers. But Dr Whitby refers this to those of Ephesus who had deserted the apostle, giving ear, as he supposes, to the seduction of Cerinthus and the Ebionites, by whom he had been represented as a despiser of the Mosaic law. Nevertheless, I prefer the former interpretation, as evidently more natural.

ᵈ Phygellus and Hermogenes] Probably he mentions these two persons as known to Timothy, or as having distinguished themselves by their profession, so that there was particular reason to expect a different conduct from them.

imates imot y to courage and resolution.

but has rather esteemed it his honour to own me, while I was under disgrace and persecution in so good a cause. But being here in Rome, he sought me out so much the more diligently on that very account, and, when he had found [me,] took every opportunity of expressing his unfeigned love and veneration for a servant and apostle of Christ in such a circumstance. The Lord grant unto him, that, after having enjoyed all the blessings of a long and useful life, he may find mercy of the Lord in that great day, to which our eyes and hopes, as Christians, are continually directed. And on how many occasions he ministered [to me] in Ephesus, thou very well knowest, as thou wert an eye witness to it, while we were together there.

Thou therefore, my dearly beloved son Timothy, animated by such an example of fidelity and courage, be strong, in humble and continual dependence upon the grace which is in Christ Jesus, and resolve never to be ashamed of any of his faithful servants under disgrace and difficulties, while adhering to his cause. And the things which thou hast heard from me, and which I have solemnly testified again and again before many witnesses, in one place and another, these commit thou with all diligence and care to faithful men, who may be able also to teach others; that so there may be, throughout all ages, a succession of such, who shall deliver them down from one to another, even till the end of time, according to God’s gracious purposes in revealing them to us. And especially do thou see to it thyself, that thine own temper and conduct be such as may engage them to fidelity in bearing their testimony. Therefore, as thy lot is cast in a time when we are called to suffer so many severe things for the truth, prepare thyself steadily and resolutely to endure afflictions and hardships, as it becomes a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and one whom he hath honoured with a distinguished rank in his army, that thou mayest marshal and lead on

• Commit to faithful men.] This is be his appropriate office to admit them to quoted by many, as an argument that the ministry, and solemnly commit the opie were not left to choose their own gospel to them. Compare the note on misters. But if they did choose them, Tit. i. 5. I propose them to Timothy, it might yet

o . .

Reflections on the duty of ministers

others. And, to pursue the metaphor, remember, that no one who goes out to war entangles himself with secular affairs, but relinquishes every other calling and employment, that he may please him under whom he is enlisted, and be ready to receive and execute his commands. Accordingly keep thyself as much as possible disengaged from worldly business, and from every thing which might tend to take off thy thoughts from thy great work, and render thee less active in thy sacred warfare. And thou also knowest, that if any one wrestles, or contends in any other of those games for which Greece is so celebrated, if he do gain an advantage over his antagonist, he is not crowned, unless he wrestle, or perform any other athletic exercise, according to the law of the respective contention. So let us take care to learn the rules which Christ has laid down to direct us in our attempts, and act according to them. And be not impatient, though the expected and promised reward should be long delayed; for thou well knowest that the husbandman must first labour, and wait while the harvest is growing, through succeeding weeks and months, [and then] partake of the fruits produced by his toils.

Consider the things which I say as matters of high importance, in which thou art intimately concerned; and may the Lord give thee a good understanding in all things, and enable thee to act in a manner suitable to the instructions thou hast received.

IMPROVEMENT.

chap. i. 1 LET us all be exhorted to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and, in humble dependence upon it, let us go forth cheerfully to our work and warfare as Christians. This is a strength so great, and communicated with so rich a freedom that the Christian minister, under his peculiar difficulties, will find it adequate to them all. Let such particularly apply to

Must first labour.] It was entirely to point in question. We must therefore the apostle’s purpose to remind Timothy acquiesce in this transposition, and the that the labour of the husbandman must like is necessary in several other places. precede the harvest; but whether he was See Heb. viii 4, in the original. See Vol. to receive these fruits not was not the II. p. 214, note 1.

to maintain the gospel.

themselves the exhortations and consolations which are here spect. given or suggested. Let them strenuously retain the form of ii. sound words, which the inspired apostles have delivered, with chap. faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. To this orthodoxy of i. 13 principle, which a due regard to this great and only standard will teach them, let them add orthodoxy of temper. And, as 14 they desire that Christ may keep what they profess to have deposited with him, let them faithfully keep what he has lodged in their hands. And may the Holy Spirit dwell in them, to make them faithful in all, and direct them in their efforts to defend the gospel, to spread its influence on the hearts of men, and transmit it from one generation to another; lodging it with chap. faithful men who may teach others, when their teachers and faii. 2 thers in Christ shall rest from their labours. Such a succession may God continue in his churches; and may he prosper the work of those who are employed in humble and faithful attempts to promote so good a cause, by forming for this important charge those who, like Timothy, have early known the scripture, and felt its power on their hearts.

Let such as are setting out in this holy warfare remember the caution which the apostle gives. May they not unnecessarily encumber themselves with secular cares, which would render them 4 less fit to please the great General under whose banner they are enlisted. Let them strive lawfully, if they hope for the crown, and, cultivating the ground with diligence, let them wait with patience, if they desire at length to reap that blessed harvest. Nor let that general apostasy from the power of religion, which is the shame of the present day, deter them; but rather let it whet their pious zeal to own, with more strenuous attachment, the cause of Christ and of his faithful servants. And, when they have done all, may they ever retain an humble sense of their dependence on the Divine mercy: and the Lord grant to us all, ministers and people, that we may find it in that great day!