2 Timothy 1 Study Notes

1:9-10 These verses summarize the gospel for which believers suffer. They serve as a reminder of the power of God on whom we rely. The use of exalted language suggests that Paul was also arguing that so glorious a message was worth suffering for.

1:11-12 The phrase these things refers to Paul’s imprisonment and impending death. He was confident that God would protect, literally, “my entrustment” which is either the gospel (what has been entrusted to me) or his own soul (“what I have entrusted to him”). Either way, it was this confidence in God that prevented Paul from being ashamed. His boldness came not from self-confidence but from God-confidence.

1:13 Against the opposition of the false teachers, it is important for Timothy to hold on to the teaching Paul had entrusted to him. The word for pattern could also be rendered “standard.” Timothy is to guard the pattern of teaching while he maintains faith in God and exhibits love for others.

1:14 The good deposit is the gospel.

1:15 Asia was the name of the Roman province in which Ephesus was located. Key people who could have supported Paul had failed to do so. We know nothing about Phygelus and Hermogenes. This highlights the bleak situation in which Paul found himself. Perhaps this is one reason why Timothy, the faithful one, was such a source of joy for Paul at this time.

1:16-18 Onesiphorus was also an example of faithfulness, in contrast to those who had abandoned Paul. Verse 18 is an expression of Paul’s desire that Onesiphorus persevere, continuing in faithfulness, not being pulled away by the false ways of others.