2 Timothy 1 Commentary

Paul writes to Timothy, his son in the faith, with many exhortations and warnings. He thanks God for Timothy and expresses how much he misses him. Timothy served with Paul on many missionary journeys and the two had the emotional relationship of a father and son.

Paul does not want Timothy to shrink back from following in his footsteps, even if it will lead to imprisonment and death, as it will for Paul. Paul reminds Timothy of the character of his grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice, both of whom are strong believers in Jesus. Paul also reminds Timothy of a special gift God gave him, that he keep the flame alive and use this gift to serve God, because God has not made us to be cowards, but to be strong, loving, and wise.

Paul points to the purpose God gave him, to preach the gospel and serve as an ambassador for God, reconciling sinful men to Him through faith in Jesus. It is a special purpose, one which Timothy was also given, and Paul does not want Timothy to abandon that calling through fear of rejection by the world. Paul has suffered for Christ without shame, for he fully believes Jesus will reward him on the Day of Judgment.

Paul presents two examples to Timothy of faithless and faithful men. Phygelus and Hermogenes, who have betrayed Paul and are following untrue doctrines. These men are not to be imitated. But Onesiphorus is a man worth imitating: he visited Paul in prison and encouraged him, and was not embarrassed to be associated with him. Paul prays that God will show great mercy to Onesiphorus on the Day of Judgment for his service to God.