2 Timothy 2:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

NIV: if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

NASB: If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us;

CSB: if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;

NLT: If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.

KJV: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

NKJV: If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

Paul continues his hymn from verse 11, adding the concepts of stamina and authority.

Endurance here is from the Greek word hypomenomen, and includes the idea of "remaining, lasting, enduring or suffering." This is a theme found throughout 2 Timothy. Those who endure are the true believers who will also reign with Christ in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6). This endurance is proof of their salvation—those who are saved will always endure, and those who do not were never saved in the first place. The Greek words for "endure" and "reign" in this line, hypomenomen and symbasileusomen, share the same ending as "died" and "live" in the previous verse. This creates a pattern of four rhyming words in two lines for easy recall by readers and hearers in the original language.

The next phrase, "if we deny him, he also will deny us," presents a contrast with those who endure. If a believer endures, he or she reigns. If a person denies Christ, He will deny eternal life to them. The idea is that of denouncing or rejecting, not simply closing a door to someone. God rejects those who renounce or reject Christ (John 3:18, 36).

Second Timothy 2:1–13 presents a series of examples Paul wants Timothy to consider. Among these are soldiers, athletes, farmers, Jesus Christ, and Paul himself. Rather than give extensive details, Paul encourages Timothy to consider how each of these applies to his own life. The context for all of this is ''suffering,'' meaning the hardships endured for the sake of Christ. Those who endure do so by the power of God, not their own efforts.

Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.

In chapter 1, Paul gave Timothy encouragement by reminding him of his heritage and spiritual power. Here, in chapter 2, Paul expands on these commands. Rather than giving minute details, Paul presents a series of examples and tells Timothy to consider them carefully. Paul's instructions here set the stage for the warnings coming up in the next chapter. Timothy—and all believers—need to be prepared and right-minded, because the world is going to become spiritually darker and darker.

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.