2 Timothy 1:14 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

NASB: Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

CSB: Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

NLT: Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

KJV: That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

NKJV: That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

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.

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.

Accessed 9/7/2024 11:12:47 PM