2 Timothy 1:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

NIV: I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

NASB: For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.

CSB: I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.

NLT: I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

KJV: When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

NKJV: when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

The theme of this verse is sincere faith. Paul's only other mention of this phrase is in 1 Timothy 1:5. Here, Paul notes the historical and family connections in Timothy's faith. First, this faith was in Timothy's grandmother, Lois, mentioned only here in the New Testament. Second, Timothy's mother Eunice is noted. Acts 16 reveals that Timothy's father was a Greek—meaning a Gentile—and his mother was Jewish. Timothy's mother was devout in her beliefs, raising Timothy to know the Torah and Jewish customs. However, it may also be true that both Lois and Eunice had become Christians in Lystra during Paul's ministry there. If so, their influence in Timothy's salvation would have been even greater.

In verse 3, Paul noted that his own faith was a continuation of that of his Jewish ancestors. Here in this verse, Timothy's faith is connected with his own Jewish ancestors. Paul and Timothy were therefore family, both as fellow Jews and as fellow believers in Christ. Their spiritual connection was strong. Timothy may be away from home (in Ephesus rather than his hometown of Lystra), but was part of a godly family that had influenced his walk with God.

Second Timothy 1:3–7 encourages Timothy to be brave in the face of hardships. Paul reminds Timothy that he is being prayed for, and that he comes from a family of strong faith. Paul also reassures Timothy that they are both in service of the same God, who gave them a spirit of ''power and love and self-control.''

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.