2 Timothy 1:13 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

NASB: Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

CSB: Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

NLT: Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me — a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

KJV: Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

NKJV: Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which 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).

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.

Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy's path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy's background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter.

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.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.