Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does 2nd Timothy Chapter 1 mean?

Chapter 1 includes a greeting (2 Timothy 1:1–2) and encouragement to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3–5), followed by words reminding Timothy of his faith. Paul traces Timothy’s faith back to his grandmother, then to his mother, and then to him. Timothy is encouraged to “fan into flame” the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6–7). Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of Jesus or of Paul in his imprisonment. Paul gives some information about his own situation and continues to encourage Timothy to follow sound teaching and “guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:8–18).

The introduction covers verses 1–2 and includes the author (Paul) and information about him, the recipient (Timothy), and information about him, followed by a brief greeting. This was a common form for ancient letter writing and often used by Paul.

Verses 3–5 speak of Paul’s prayers for Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3), his desire to see him (2 Timothy 1:4), and a reminder of Timothy’s sincere faith. This faith was strong in Timothy’s family, reaching back to his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul’s letters often mention Timothy as a ministry partner, so this extended passage of gratitude is to be expected. At a time when others are abandoning Paul—according to the later parts of this letter—he is glad to count Timothy as a faithful friend.

Verses 6–14 bring much encouragement to Timothy. This is unique, considering that Paul is in a desperate situation. He writes from a Roman jail and expects to soon die. Regardless of his circumstances, he reminds Timothy of his gift (2 Timothy 1:6), of his power from God (2 Timothy 1:7), and tells him not to be ashamed of Paul or of the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8–12). Given that Paul often mentions the concepts of bravery and courage to Timothy, this might have been a spiritual weakness which Paul was helping him to address.

The final verses encourage Timothy to remain true in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14), mention two men who left Paul (2 Timothy 1:15), and speaks favorably of the household of Onesiphorus, a man who helped him while he was in jail (2 Timothy 1:16–18). When others were abandoning him, Onesiphorus seems to have taken the time to track Paul down, even in a gigantic city jail system, and provide him with support.

Chapter Context
Chapter 1 establishes Timothy’s spiritual background. Paul expresses gratitude for Timothy, by reminding him of his past, in order to set the stage for later teachings. Paul first expresses gratitude for Timothy’s prior faithfulness, and reminds him of how God called him into ministry. From that point, Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and to guard the truth of the gospel message. Later chapters will explain why Paul feels these traits are necessary, both for the sake of the world and for Timothy in general.

Verse by Verse

Verse 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 begins with his name, his title, and the authority behind his ministry. He was then known as Paul, though his birth name was Saul, a name he had left behind during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:9).

Paul calls himself “an apostle of Christ Jesus.” In most of his letters, Paul stresses his servant relationship to Christ, using the Greek word doulos, translated as “slave” or “bondservant.” Here, though, Paul emphasizes his authority. This is the same title Paul used of himself in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:1). Paul serves according to the plans of God, not his own designs.

Paul often speaks of “promise” in association with Christ, especially in Ephesians 3:6: “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” When referring to death, Paul elsewhere spoke of life in Christ: “it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20). For Paul, life and Christ were so intertwined that they were often spoken of together.

Context Summary
Second Timothy 1:1–2 introduces Paul’s last letter in the New Testament. This opening features many of Paul’s customary phrases. This greeting also clearly identifies Timothy as the letter’s intended audience. Timothy is often mentioned in the New Testament as one of Paul’s closest and most loyal friends. Paul is waiting in jail for his execution by the Romans, making this possibly his last chance to send a written message to his longtime friend.

Verse 2. To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse 2 completes the introduction, identifying the letter’s recipient and offering a greeting frequently used by Paul. This letter is written to Timothy, one of four personal New Testament letters by Paul. The others are 1 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Timothy was the only person to receive two personal letters from Paul in the New Testament. Here, Timothy is called “my beloved child.” In 1 Timothy 1:2, he was called “my true child in the faith.” This was a spiritual relationship, most likely referring to leading Timothy to faith in Christ. Timothy and Titus were the only two men called “true child” by Paul (Titus 1:4).

This verse includes an appeal to “Grace, mercy, and peace.” This is the same opening greeting used by Paul in 1 Timothy. The reference to “God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” offers two important insights. First, both the Father and Jesus are mentioned together as equals. This underlines the emphasis on God as a Trinity, as reflected in the introductions to many of Paul’s letters. Second, the title “Christ Jesus” is used three times in the first two verses in a symmetrical manner. This cleanly sets the introduction apart from the main body of the letter. The title “Christ Jesus” is used a total of twelve times throughout 2 Timothy, with six of these occasions in the first chapter alone.

Verse 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.

Paul’s prayers of thanks for Timothy are offered to the same God served by both Paul and his ancestors. This one phrase offers several key themes. Paul points out that his service is to the same God as his Jewish ancestors. It’s important to remember that Jesus Christ did not come as a change in God’s plan, but the fulfillment of the plan God had from the very beginning. Paul’s Jewish heritage was one of hope, looking forward to the coming Messiah. These words clearly connect Paul’s ancestry with the importance of Timothy’s godly family line in verse 5.

Paul’s prayers were sincere. He also stresses “a clear conscience,” something Paul mentions elsewhere in his writings (Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 3:9; Hebrews 13:18). Likewise, Paul spoke of his constant prayer in other letters (Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3–4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Philemon 1:4), noting prayer as one of his major activities and ministries. The reference to “night and day” was the common Jewish way of referring to an entire day (as in Genesis 1), since for Jews the day began at sunset.

Context Summary
Second Timothy 1:3–7 encourages Timothy to be brave in the face of hardships. Paul reminds Timothy that he is being prayed for, and that he comes from a family of strong faith. Paul also reassures Timothy that they are both in service of the same God, who gave them a spirit of ”power and love and self-control.”

Verse 4. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

Paul continues his encouragement from the previous verse. Here, he acknowledges Timothy’s grief over Paul’s imprisonment. In his writing, “tears” represent profound sadness for Paul. Paul spoke of shedding tears himself on several occasions (Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18). As part of the encouragement, Paul tells Timothy he longs to see him. In fact, at the end of this letter, Paul urges Timothy to visit him in Rome (2 Timothy 4:21).

Paul’s desire to see Timothy was not only for Timothy’s sake, but also for his own. Timothy was one of his closest friends in ministry. They had served together for several years, including in Paul’s ministry work leading up to this current imprisonment. Though many had abandoned Paul along the way, Timothy was consistently noted as a source of joy. Paul’s letters make it clear that Timothy was one of his closest and dearest friends. Paul describes him as a fellow worker (Romans 16:21), Paul’s “beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17), a brother (2 Corinthians 1:1), a servant of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1), like a son (Philippians 2:22), and a true child in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2).

Verse 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.

The theme of this verse is sincere faith. Paul’s only other mention of this phrase is in 1 Timothy 1:5. Here, Paul notes the historical and family connections in Timothy’s faith. First, this faith was in Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, mentioned only here in the New Testament. Second, Timothy’s mother Eunice is noted. Acts 16 reveals that Timothy’s father was a Greek—meaning a Gentile—and his mother was Jewish. Timothy’s mother was devout in her beliefs, raising Timothy to know the Torah and Jewish customs. However, it may also be true that both Lois and Eunice had become Christians in Lystra during Paul’s ministry there. If so, their influence in Timothy’s salvation would have been even greater.

In verse 3, Paul noted that his own faith was a continuation of that of his Jewish ancestors. Here in this verse, Timothy’s faith is connected with his own Jewish ancestors. Paul and Timothy were therefore family, both as fellow Jews and as fellow believers in Christ. Their spiritual connection was strong. Timothy may be away from home (in Ephesus rather than his hometown of Lystra), but was part of a godly family that had influenced his walk with God.

Verse 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,

Prior verses noted the source and reality of Timothy’s Christian faith. Here, Paul encourages Timothy to expand on the spiritual gifts he has been given. While some interpreters have explained this “gift of God” as a spiritual gift, the New Testament most often uses this phrase as a reference to salvation. In John 4:10, Jesus spoke of salvation as the “gift of God.” On the two other occasions Paul uses the phrase, we find: “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) and “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Given how Paul typically uses this phrase Timothy’s “gift of God” appears to be a reference to salvation.

Timothy was to “fan into flame” his salvation. Based on the reference to laying on of hands, Paul likely has in mind both Timothy’s salvation and his calling to serve others. This becomes clear throughout the letter, as Paul commands him to serve as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3–4) who is to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). The idea is one of fully implementing power: fanning a flame makes it stronger, brighter, and hotter.

Verse 7. for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

The opening phrase of this verse may explain why Paul dwells so much on concepts such as bravery and spiritual strength when writing to Timothy. It’s possible this represented a spiritual weakness which Paul was helping Timothy to overcome. Perhaps Timothy was content in his role of serving alongside Paul and did not prefer to be the outspoken leader of a large movement of Christians. And yet, this was the role Timothy held in Ephesus at the time Paul wrote this letter. However, Paul urged Timothy to stand strong. Rather than fear, God had given a spirit or attitude of “power and love and self-control.”

“Power” has always been an important part of God’s work in the church. In the next verse, Paul notes again the “power of God.” In 2 Timothy 3:5, he will speak against those who have an appearance of godliness, but deny its power.

“Love” was also vital theme for Paul (1 Corinthians 13) as well as a prominent topic in the teachings of Jesus. Self-control was a theme in 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 2:9, 15) and appears here again. Paul routinely reminded believers under his care to exhibit self-control, as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Verse 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,

According to verse 7, Christians are given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. So, Timothy is not to be “ashamed.” Two areas are mentioned. First, Timothy was not to be ashamed of the “testimony about our Lord,” or the gospel. Paul’s famous statement in this area is Romans 1:16 that declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Second, Timothy was not to be ashamed of Paul and his imprisonment. Certainly, some believers would seek to distance themselves from a Christian leader in jail. This is a natural human tendency when others are persecuted, since we’re hoping to avoid the same situation in our own lives. Timothy was told not to fall to this temptation. This may also connect to Hebrews 13:23, which speaks of Timothy’s release from prison. However, the timing of that event is uncertain.

Rather than being “ashamed,” Timothy was to welcome the opportunity to stand with persecuted brothers. This power Timothy had would help him endure when suffering was necessary for the spread of the gospel. This verse is a clear example of how God specifically calls believers, at times, to suffer for the cause of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).

Context Summary
Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted brothers and sisters. Timothy is encouraged to hold to accurate, healthy Christian teachings. Paul also refers to various ministry partners who have supported—or abandoned—him.

Verse 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,

In this verse, Paul transitions from the idea of suffering for the sake of gospel to the holy life to which Christians are called. Both Paul and Timothy had been saved and were given a calling to serve others in ministry. Salvation is not on the basis of great deeds, but only by the power of God (Ephesians 2:8–9). The same is true of a calling to serve others in ministry: it’s not the result of our own efforts. It is God’s purpose and grace which can be found behind the calling of every person who serves in ministry.

The last phrase in this verse speaks deeply regarding the sovereignty of God. The calling believers have to salvation and ministry has existed since before time began. This amazing truth should humble every believer, including the greatest ministry leaders. We should all recognize that our work is not based on our performance or gifts, but on the divine calling of God.

Verse 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,

Speaking of the gospel, Paul writes that it has been revealed through Jesus Christ. The word “manifested” here is from the Greek phanerōtheisan, which means to “uncover, explain, reveal, or show.” In prior generations, God had revealed His message through various prophets. During the time Paul lived, Jesus had appeared and revealed the gospel to all people (Hebrews 1:1–4). Paul wrote in Romans 3:21, “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it.” In 1 Timothy 3:16, Paul also spoke of Jesus, saying, “He was manifested in the flesh.”

This verse also contrasts death with life. Jesus ended the scourge of spiritual death, and provided life through the gospel. This message is the “good news” of Christ as the resurrected Messiah. In addition to life, Jesus brought “immortality,” or eternal life (John 3:16). The believer in Christ has abundant life now (John 10:10) and eternal life in heaven with the Lord and other believers. This is through the gospel, not works, emphasizing again the gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Verse 11. for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

This short verse tells not only why Paul served, but the three key roles in which he served. He served because of the gospel, as noted in the prior verse. He was “appointed” or called to be “a preacher and apostle and teacher.” Though closely related, these three terms are each rich in meaning.

Paul’s role as “preacher” is from the Greek kēryx. This term specifically refers to a herald: a person who declares news, especially on behalf of a king. The modern world would define this role somewhat like an ambassador.

The term “apostle” comes directly from the Greek apostolos, and literally means a “sent one.” The original 12 disciples—excluding Judas Iscariot but including Matthias—served as the first apostles (Acts 1). Others, including Paul, were mentioned as apostles in the early church in an official sense. In Ephesians 4:11, apostles were mentioned alongside prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as those called to equip the saints.

Paul was literally an apostle—a “sent one”—in the sense of being sent by God to deliver the gospel to new lands. Today, people may serve in missionary roles like Paul but do not serve in the same manner as an early apostle. The official office of an “apostle,” a person who authenticated the gospel of Christ, as Paul and Peter did, is no longer active in the church.

Paul’s role as a “teacher,” the Greek word didaskalos, referred to someone who gave instruction. In the Jewish tradition, this was the same meaning of the title Rabbi, an honor often bestowed on Jesus during His ministry.

Verse 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’s suffering under persecution was due to his work as a preacher, apostle, and teacher (2 Timothy 1:11). Yet, he was “not ashamed” (Romans 1:16). Paul provides two reasons to explain why he was not reluctant to suffer for Christ. First, he could suffer for the sake of Jesus, because he knew Jesus, and Jesus’ suffering gave Paul power to endure all things (Philippians 4:13).

Second, Paul said he was not ashamed to suffer because he trusted Christ to be the ultimate foundation, not his own efforts. There is some uncertainty about what Paul is referring to when he says that Christ “is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” However, this particular reference to a “day” is most likely a reference to the moment after death when Paul would give account of his work before Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:9–10). This is also supported by 2 Timothy 1:18 where Paul will say of Onesiphorus, “May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!” There, too, Paul refers to the moment where a believer stands before the Lord.

Some translations use a capital D for “day.” This reflects a slightly different interpretation. If this is the capital-d-“Day,” then this means the “Day of the Lord,” or the moment when Jesus will return in ultimate victory (Revelation 6:17; 16:14).

Verse 13. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

In previous verses, Paul has focused on his own life. Here, he transitions to instructions for Timothy. In particular, Timothy should be using Paul as a reference for teaching, preaching, and leadership. Paul used a similar reference in 1 Timothy 6:3. This broader idea of “sound doctrine” was also important to Paul. He mentions it in 1 Timothy 1:10 as well as Titus 1:9 and 2:1. This concept of “soundness” comes through the Greek root word hugiaino, which refers to “health, safety, or wholesomeness.” The term is used here as a metaphor for accuracy, truth, and benefit. In other words, “sound doctrine” is God’s revealed truth, not the flawed opinions of mankind.

Timothy learned this teaching directly from Paul rather than through Scripture as believers do now. While Scripture is the source of sound doctrine, much emphasis is given in this letter regarding the importance of personally training others. Sound doctrine cannot survive unless it is understood, and then passed along to others (2 Timothy 2:2).

The second half of the verse reminds us that doctrine is not merely meant to change our knowledge, it is meant to affect our behavior. A person who cares about accurate, faithful understanding of the gospel will seek to live by the same faith and love offered by Jesus. Rather than only studying God’s truth and ignoring its implications (James 1:22), Timothy was to care about both his life and his teaching (1 Timothy 4:15–16).

Verse 14. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Paul has mentioned both God the Father and Jesus Christ in the early parts of this letter. In this verse, the Holy Spirit becomes the focus. He “dwells within us.” The Holy Spirit began this indwelling work at Pentecost (Acts 2). In Romans 5:5 Paul noted, “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Interestingly, this is the only time the Holy Spirit is mentioned specifically in 2 Timothy. Paul also wrote about the Spirit in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1).

The Holy Spirit’s role here is that of protection and strength. Similar words were used to end Paul’s first letter to Timothy: “guard the deposit entrusted to you” (1 Timothy 6:20). Just as Paul had been entrusted (2 Timothy 1:12), Timothy had likewise been entrusted with much. Paul instructed him to guard the investment in his life and persevere as a devoted follower of Christ.

Verse 15. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Unfortunately, not all Christians remain faithful to the gospel, or to each other. In contrast to both Paul’s and Timothy’s faithfulness, Paul refers to certain believers in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. Much of Paul’s missionary activity had taken place here, including the city of Ephesus, which is where Timothy was when Paul wrote this letter. During Nero’s persecution of Christians following the fires of Rome in AD 64, many Christians sought to distance themselves from Paul after his arrest. This is a very normal, very human reaction: hoping to avoid a similar fate.

Paul specifically mentions two men who seem to have abandoned him. These are Phygelus and Hermogenes. It is uncertain whether these men left Paul in Rome or somewhere else, though Rome seems most likely. This suggestion is also strengthened by Paul’s words later in this letter. In 2 Timothy 4:9–10, Paul mentions those who had left him in Rome. They included at least one deserter, as well as others Paul had sent to do ministry. At the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy, only Luke—the author of the books of Luke and Acts—was still with him (2 Timothy 4:11). Luke may have even been the man who wrote down Paul’s letter for him, though this is uncertain.

Verse 16. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,

Paul again switches topics, this time from those who have deserted him to a person who had blessed him: Onesiphorus. This man is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:19; there it is suggested that he is with Timothy in Ephesus, along with Prisca and Aquila. Based on his name, Onesiphorus was likely a Gentile.

This verse notes several positive attributes of Onesiphorus. Not only has Onesiphorus not been “ashamed” to associate with a despised criminal like Paul, he has provided much-needed comfort and support. He likely brought food and drink to Paul, frequently visiting him in jail. His ministry was one of presence, focusing on encouragement to Paul during his most difficult days. As Paul taught earlier (2 Timothy 1:8, 12), Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment.

If Paul’s reference is literal, he was physically “chained” during this second imprisonment. This may have been similar to Peter’s imprisonment in Acts 12:6–7. Paul also mentioned being in chains several times in Acts (Acts 21:33; 28:20), as well as his other letters (Ephesians 6:20; Colossians 4:18), and again in 2 Timothy 2:9.

Verse 17. but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me —

The prior verse mentioned Onesiphorus as someone who remained loyal to Paul in his imprisonment. It seems this man provided reassurance, and most likely food and water, to Paul while Paul was under Roman arrest. However, Onesiphorus was not from Rome—he was in Ephesus when Timothy received this letter. This probably means he was the one tasked with delivering the letter to Timothy. Paul notes “when he arrived in Rome,” clearly indicating Onesiphorus was there for a time, but was not originally from that city.

When he came to Rome, Onesiphorus made great effort to track down Paul. As a jailed criminal, Paul’s location would have been difficult to determine. Rome was the capital city of an empire. More than one million people lived there in the first century. With record-keeping and jails being very different from what they are today, finding one man would have been a tall order. Eventually, however, Onesiphorus located Paul, offering important assistance and encouragement to him when others had turned away (2 Timothy 1:15).

According to the Orthodox tradition, Onesiphorus was a bishop at Colophon and later at Corinth. He supposedly became a martyr in Parium near Ephesus. However, these details are traditions from outside of Scripture and are uncertain. This is the only biblical book that speaks of Onesiphorus and his actions.

Verse 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’s attitude toward Onesiphorus is extremely positive, offering a blessing on his behalf. Paul expected Onesiphorus would be blessed in heaven because of his Christ-like actions towards Paul. Paul gave a blessing to the household of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16) and later refers to the “household” of Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 4:19 rather than the man by name. Some Catholic traditions interpret this as a prayer for the dead. However, this interpretation exaggerates the known information from this text and is in contradiction with other passages that speak of the Lord as the one to whom believers should pray.

The last phrase “you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus” adds an extra insight into this man’s service. In addition to his ministry to Paul in Rome, Onesiphorus had been an important servant in Ephesus where Timothy served and likely where Onesiphorus lived. He was a man whose passion was to serve the Lord, whether at home or away, leaving a legacy. His acts impacted one of the greatest Christian leaders of all time.

End of Chapter 1.

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