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2 Timothy 1

18 verses

TL;DR

Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in faith, recalling his spiritual lineage and urging him to embrace the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to him.

Summary

In 2 Timothy 1 Paul opens as an apostle chosen by God and addresses his beloved son, Timothy, with greetings of grace, mercy, and peace. He expresses gratitude to God and recalls his constant prayers for Timothy, recalling the faith of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice as a foundation for Timothy’s own faith. Paul exhorts Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him, reminding him that God has not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. He encourages Timothy to be unashamed of the testimony of Christ, to share in the suffering of the gospel, and to hold fast to sound words of faith and love in Christ. Paul describes his role as preacher, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles, acknowledges his suffering, yet remains unashamed because of his steadfast belief in God’s promise. He instructs Timothy to keep the truths entrusted to him by the Holy Spirit, warns of the apostasy of some in Asia, and commends Onesiphorus for his faithful support during Paul’s imprisonment.

Outline
  1. Paul’s greeting and remembrance of Timothy’s lineage
  2. Exhortation to embrace God’s gifts and persevere in faith
  3. Acknowledgment of Paul’s mission and suffering
Themes
faithfulness across generationscourage in the face of persecutionthe power of the Holy Spirit
Keywords
apostlefaithpersecutionspiritgospelgiftHoliness
People
PaulTimothyLoisEunicePhygellusHermogenesOnesiphorus
Places
AsiaEphesusRome
Things
gift of Godspirit of power, love, sound mindapostasythe Holy Ghostchainsgospel
Key Verses
  • 2 Timothy 1:7: declares God’s spirit is one of power, love, and sound mind, countering fear
  • 2 Timothy 1:8: encourages sharing in the sufferings of the gospel without shame
  • 2 Timothy 1:15: alerts about apostasy in Asia, highlighting the need for vigilance
  • 2 Timothy 1:16: commends Onesiphorus as a model of faithful support
Questions
  • How does Paul’s mention of his family’s faith shape Timothy’s understanding of his own calling?
  • In what ways can the ‘spirit of power, love, and sound mind’ guide believers today?
  • Why is it important for Timothy to ‘hold fast the form of sound words’ and how does this apply to contemporary ministry?
  • What lessons can we learn from Onesiphorus’s loyalty and the warning about apostasy?
Sentiment

positive
encouraging, hopeful tone with emphasis on steadfast faith and divine empowerment