2 Timothy 1 Study Notes
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1:1 As Paul wrote, awaiting death, he reminded Timothy that the purpose of his apostleship had been to proclaim the gospel, the promise of life.
1:2 Paul called Timothy “my true son in the faith” (1Tm 1:2).
1:3-5 Paul and Timothy both had a heritage of faith. Timothy had a Greek father (Ac 16:1,3) but a godly Jewish grandmother and mother (Ac 16:1; 2Tm 1:5). When Paul said he prayed for Timothy constantly night and day, he used a common expression for continual prayer. Timothy was often on his mind and in his prayers throughout each day.
1:6 The phrase rekindle the gift of God did not mean that Timothy had “let the fire go out.” It was a call to action lest sluggishness set in. On “gift of God,” see note at 1Tm 4:14. The laying on of . . . hands probably refers to Timothy’s ordination (1Tm 4:14). This passage focuses on Paul’s part in the event while 1Tm 4:14 focuses on the involvement of the full group of elders.
1:7 Spirit here probably refers to the Holy Spirit. The Greek word translated fear is used in extrabiblical literature to refer to a person who fled from battle. It is a strong term for cowardice. Boldness, not cowardice, is a mark of the Holy Spirit (Pr 28:1; Ac 4:31).
aphtharsia
| Greek pronunciation | [ahf thahr SEE ah] |
| CSB translation | immortality |
| Uses in 2 Timothy | 1 |
| Uses in the NT | 7 |
| Focus passage | 2 Timothy 1:10 |
The apostle Paul uses aphtharsia (incorruption, immortality) in reference to two concepts: physical state and temporal aspect. With respect to physical state, aphtharsia refers to the state of not being subject to perishing or decay (i.e., incorruption). For example, in 1Co 15, Paul uses aphtharsia four times to refer to the resurrection body. So, the Christian’s corruptible, earthly body will be changed to incorruption (i.e., the state of being imperishable) through resurrection from the dead (1Co 15:42,50,53-54). Naturally, that which is incorruptible is also immortal. The relationship of these two concepts provides the bridge to the temporal aspect of aphtharsia, in which the term refers to a continuous state or process (immortality). Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality (i.e., continuous life) to light through the gospel (2Tm 1:10).
1:8 Paul warns Timothy not to be embarrassed by the gospel message about a Jew executed as a criminal by the Romans or by having a colleague imprisoned by the Romans.
1:9-10 These verses summarize the gospel for which believers suffer. They serve as a reminder of the power of God on whom we rely. The use of exalted language suggests that Paul was also arguing that so glorious a message was worth suffering for.
1:11-12 The phrase these things refers to Paul’s imprisonment and impending death. He was confident that God would protect, literally, “my entrustment” which is either the gospel (what has been entrusted to me) or his own soul (“what I have entrusted to him”). Either way, it was this confidence in God that prevented Paul from being ashamed. His boldness came not from self-confidence but from God-confidence.
1:13 Against the opposition of the false teachers, it is important for Timothy to hold on to the teaching Paul had entrusted to him. The word for pattern could also be rendered “standard.” Timothy is to guard the pattern of teaching while he maintains faith in God and exhibits love for others.
1:14 The good deposit is the gospel.
1:15 Asia was the name of the Roman province in which Ephesus was located. Key people who could have supported Paul had failed to do so. We know nothing about Phygelus and Hermogenes. This highlights the bleak situation in which Paul found himself. Perhaps this is one reason why Timothy, the faithful one, was such a source of joy for Paul at this time.
1:16-18 Onesiphorus was also an example of faithfulness, in contrast to those who had abandoned Paul. Verse 18 is an expression of Paul’s desire that Onesiphorus persevere, continuing in faithfulness, not being pulled away by the false ways of others.