2 Timothy 2:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

NIV: Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;

NASB: The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

CSB: This saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him;

NLT: This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him.

KJV: It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

NKJV: This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.

The phrase, "The saying is trustworthy," is unique to the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Titus 3:8). In this context, the trustworthy saying is the poetical statement to follow in verses 11–13. These verses are set apart in many translations, since they appear to have been an early hymn or poem in the church. It may have originated with Paul in this letter. Or, it may have served as a reminder, with Paul quoting a known song from the early church.

The first part of this statement begins at the end of verse 11. Believers have died—to sin and the world—with Christ (Colossians 2:20; 3:1–3) and will also experience resurrection with Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). The two words translated "died" and "live" in this verse rhyme in the original Greek: synapethanomen and syzēsomen. The same rhyming pattern is found in the next verse as well. This creates an easily-remembered phrase which would have been easily passed along by early believers.

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 4/29/2024 9:49:59 PM