2 Timothy 1:5-18
Summary for 2Tim 1:5-14: 1:5-14 a Paul gently but firmly summons Timothy to Rome (see also 4:9 b, 21 c; cp. 1 Tim 1:3-11 d, 12-17 e). Suffering seemed certain if Timothy remained faithful, and Paul wanted to strengthen Timothy’s resolve.• The allusions to the Spirit in 2 Tim 1:6-7 f and 1:14 g form an inclusio (literary bookends) around this section. 1:5 h On Timothy’s parentage, see Acts 16:1-3 i; 1 Tim 1:2 j.
• Faith means Christian faith, but Timothy’s Jewish heritage through his grandmother and mother explains how he was rooted in Old Testament instruction (2 Tim 3:14-15 k). Their Christian faith was an example for him to follow.
1:6 l fan into flames: The Spirit’s work is not automatic—it must be cultivated (see Eph 5:18-21 m; 1 Thes 5:19-20 n; cp. Acts 4:31 o; 7:55 p; 13:9 q).
• The spiritual gift is the Holy Spirit’s enablement for ministry (see 1 Cor 12:1–14:40 r; cp. Acts 6:3 s, 5 t; 11:24 u).
• when I laid my hands on you: Paul and the elders (1 Tim 4:14 v) had ordained Timothy for ministry with the ceremonial laying on of hands.
1:8 w This verse summarizes the letter. Timothy would probably experience suffering (2:3 x; 3:12 y; 4:5 z; see Heb 13:23 aa) both in coming to Rome and in his subsequent ministry as Paul’s successor.
Summary for 2Tim 1:9-10: 1:9-10 ab This passage underscores the importance of obedience (1:8 ac) and strengthens Timothy for it (cp. 1 Tim 1:15 ad; 2:5-6 ae).
• God saved us ... Christ Jesus, our Savior: God and Christ are described interchangeably in the role of Savior (see 1 Tim 1:1 af; 2:3-4 ag).
• called us to live a holy life: Salvation and godliness are linked (see 1 Tim 3:14-16 ah; 5:8 ai; Titus 2:11-14 aj; 3:4-7 ak; Eph 2:10 al).
• not because we deserved it: We deserve condemnation (see Rom 3:23-24 am; 5:6-11 an; Eph 2:8-9 ao; Titus 3:5 ap).
• that was his plan from before the beginning of time: See Titus 1:2 aq; John 17:24 ar; Eph 1:4 as, 11 at; 1 Pet 1:20 au; Rev 13:8 av. Salvation is completely removed from human merit and located exclusively in the gracious working of God.
1:10 aw God’s gift of grace has been made . . . plain in history by Christ Jesus (see Rom 16:26 ax; 1 Pet 1:20 ay).
• by the appearing: See study note on 1 Tim 6:14.
• broke the power of death: See 1 Cor 15:26 az; 2 Thes 2:8 ba; Heb 2:14 bb.
• the way to life: See 2 Tim 1:1 bc; 1 Cor 15:53-54 bd; Titus 1:2 be.
• through the Good News: Salvation is provided by Christ, but its effects are mediated through proclamation of the Good News (see Titus 1:2-3 bf; Rom 1:16-17 bg; 10:14-15 bh).
1:12 bi Paul had complete confidence as he faced his own death (see 4:17-18 bj; Rom 1:16 bk; 2 Cor 4:8-9 bl; Phil 1:20 bm); it was an example for Timothy to follow (see 2 Tim 1:8 bn).
• what I have entrusted to him (or what has been entrusted to me; literally my deposit): My deposit might be either the Good News that had been entrusted to Paul (see 1 Tim 6:20 bo) or Paul’s life and ministry that he had committed to God.
1:14 bp Timothy must guard the precious truth (literally guard the good deposit; see study notes on 1:12; 3:11) by faithfully proclaiming it and preventing false teachers from distorting it (see study note on 2:2; see also 1 Tim 6:20 bq).
Summary for 2Tim 1:15-18: 1:15-18 br Using the examples of others, both negative and positive, Paul continues urging Timothy to be faithful and to come to Rome without fear. 1:15 bs everyone ... has deserted me: The desertion took place either in Rome or in the province of Asia when Paul was arrested. Paul might have seen this as another way his life followed the pattern of Christ’s (see Matt 26:31 bt, 56 bu).
• Phygelus and Hermogenes are otherwise unknown. The context (2 Tim 1:11-14 bv) might imply that they were church leaders who sided with Paul’s opponents.
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