2 Timothy 2:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

NIV: You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

NASB: You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

CSB: You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

NLT: Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.

KJV: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

NKJV: You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul returns to his focus on Timothy in this verse, after discussing other Christian ministers at the end of chapter 1. This is the second time Paul calls Timothy his child in this letter (2 Timothy 1:2). This theme was also seen in 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2, 18). Paul saw Timothy as his spiritual son in the faith. Paul was at this time an old man, likely in his 60s, and did not have a wife or children. Instead, he had devoted his life to serving Christ. Timothy was likely the closest thing he had to an actual son.

Paul's words include a positive tone as he begins his list of word pictures. Timothy's strength was not found in himself, but in the grace of Jesus. Grace is the source of salvation (Acts 18:27; Ephesians 2:8–9) as well as the power for the Christian's daily life. We start in grace, stand in grace (Romans 5:2), and are strengthened in grace. This is comforting for us, as limited people, since we often feel weak and inconsistent. Christ, however, is eternal and invincible.

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.

Accessed 4/28/2024 2:57:34 PM