2 Timothy 2:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,

NIV: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

NASB: Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,

CSB: Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel,

NLT: Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.

KJV: Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

NKJV: Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,

In prior verses, Paul has been discussing suffering like a soldier, athlete, and hard-working farmer (2 Timothy 2:1–7), for the sake of Jesus Christ. He tells Timothy to "remember" Jesus, a key theme in Old Testament worship. Worship often includes meditating upon God's previous works. For the Jewish people in particular, there are many to consider, whether it's God parting the Red Sea, bringing Abraham into a new land, or making David king.

Paul then mentions two aspects he considers part of "my gospel." First, he speaks of Jesus as "risen from the dead." The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. First Corinthians 15 develops this theme in detail, concluding, "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). Second, the gospel includes the fact that Jesus was "the offspring of David." The Messiah was to be from David's family line (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Matthew 1:1, 6). Jesus' adoptive father, Joseph, was called "son of David" (Matthew 1:20). Jesus was likewise called son of David (Matthew 9:27; 12:23 15:22; 20:23). Jesus literally fulfilled the prophecy of being a son of David who rose from the dead (Isaiah 11).

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.