2 Timothy 1:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

NIV: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

NASB: For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

CSB: Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.

NLT: This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

KJV: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

NKJV: Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Prior verses noted the source and reality of Timothy's Christian faith. Here, Paul encourages Timothy to expand on the spiritual gifts he has been given. While some interpreters have explained this "gift of God" as a spiritual gift, the New Testament most often uses this phrase as a reference to salvation. In John 4:10, Jesus spoke of salvation as the "gift of God." On the two other occasions Paul uses the phrase, we find: "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23) and "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Given how Paul typically uses this phrase Timothy's "gift of God" appears to be a reference to salvation.

Timothy was to "fan into flame" his salvation. Based on the reference to laying on of hands, Paul likely has in mind both Timothy's salvation and his calling to serve others. This becomes clear throughout the letter, as Paul commands him to serve as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3–4) who is to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2). The idea is one of fully implementing power: fanning a flame makes it stronger, brighter, and hotter.

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.