Exploring the Scripture
The second letter to Timothy is directed to Paul’s young traveling companion, now in charge of several congregations in Asia Minor. The letter provides encouragement, spiritual guidance, and practical suggestions for Christian leadership and in facing difficulties. We can read this letter as guidance to all young ministers beginning their service.
After greeting Timothy as “my beloved child” (v. 2), Paul recalls the young man’s tears, remembers him in prayer, and longs to see him. Paul offers thanks for Timothy and the living faith of his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois. He already has mentioned his ancestors in the faith (v. 3), endorsing traditions passed from generation to generation. Eunice and Lois provided a strong foundation, an inheritance not to be taken lightly, but to be transmitted to others.
Paul urges Timothy to develop the ministerial gifts granted by the “laying on of…hands” (v. 6). The Hebrew scriptures mention the laying on of hands for consecrating Levitical priests and Moses’s successor, Joshua. In the Gospels, it is associated with healing or blessing. By Timothy’s day, it had come to represent the gift of the Holy Spirit in confirmation and ordination. The original fire of commitment must be kept alive and active through service, dedication, and faithful witness empowered by the Spirit.
Because Timothy had received the Holy Spirit, he had no reason to be afraid for himself or the church. God provides effective tools to combat fear: the power of the Holy Spirit, the love and grace of God, and inner self-discipline honed by walking daily with Christ. These tools may represent the gifts granted by the Spirit to Timothy at his ordination. In an early Christian creed (v. 9–10), God’s grace is proclaimed from the beginning of creation and made visible through the life and death of Jesus Christ.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit and the centrality of Christ can strengthen Timothy to share his witness boldly, without apology or embarrassment. He did not need to be ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment or public abuse since they resulted from a faithful witness. Nor should Timothy fear for Paul’s life. He can rely on God’s grace to be present in Paul’s suffering and any future persecution that Timothy might face.
God called Timothy for God’s purposes—not because of his capacities and skills, but because he was willing to respond and dedicate his gifts to God’s service. Paul’s calling was to share the gospel of new life with the Gentiles. Thus, he faces martyrdom for his faith. “But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust” (v. 12). The God who transformed him will continue to accept him in grace until “that day” (v. 12)—possibly the end times, or possibly the end of Paul’s lifetime.
Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to apostolic teachings and the love of Jesus Christ. They are treasures worth guarding and sharing. The passage upholds a living faith, received from ancestors, testified by the Holy Spirit, and valuable in facing trials and difficulties. It still provides counsel and assurance to Christian leaders and followers. The Holy Spirit will help preserve the gospel truths and the continuity of faith, even in the face of martyrdom.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Our faith is built on the testimonies and teachings of our family and predecessors.
- God blesses us with tools to combat fear: power, love, and self-discipline in Christian practices.
- Paul challenged Timothy to witness boldly, without embarrassment or shame.
- The gospel principles and the love of Jesus Christ are treasures worth guarding and sharing.
Questions to Consider
- How deeply do you trust God’s faithfulness to be with you in all circumstances?
- When have you used the power of God, love, and self-discipline to combat fear?
- What keeps you from witnessing Jesus Christ? How much is based on fear and shame?
- How does your congregation share the gospel principles with others?