2 Timothy 1:1-5

 

Introduction

 

The book of Second Timothy was the last book the Apostle Paul had penned before his home going. Paul was martyred in 68 A. D. under Nero so the dating of this book can be 67-68 A.D. The essence of this book speaks about Christian character and how that is applied to being a warrior or soldier in the army of Christ. It speaks of spiritual conflict and how the soldier of Christ must not be entangled in worldly affairs. It also contains warnings about apostasy and how the word of God is the tool to combat it. The faithful Christian must never lose heart when others, even Christians, fail them. The book speaks about being strong in the faith and ever moving forward.

 

　

2 Tim 1:1 (KJB)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

 

Paul did not choose to be an apostle of Jesus Christ but on the road to Damascus, he was saved and given his ministry that he would be an apostle. The word “apostle” means one that is sent. His ministry was ordained of the Lord by the will of God. Isn’t it interesting that God chose a person who tried to destroy the church to actually help build them and increase their outreach and that is not even to mention the fact he wrote thirteen books of the new Testament. Therefore, never count anyone out for salvation, even the most vilest person you know. Then Paul states that his Apostleship came by the will of God according to the promise of life in Christ. Here he might be referencing the fact that many Old Testament promises were fulfilled in Christ and the life he has in view, is eternal life. (Titus 1:2 KJV) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

 

2 Tim 1:2 (KJB)

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Paul shows his fatherly affection for Timothy as he once again calls him his dearly beloved son. He was speaking of Timothy being his son in the faith but his personal affection toward him made him feel like Timothy was his progeny. Two things may be in view as Paul used this term, First, Timothy may have been saved under Paul’s ministry, and secondly, that Timothy was of such a high Christian reputation that Paul adopted him as his son in the faith. I would probably go with the second one because Timothy had a Christian upbringing in a Christian home, so he was in contact with the true gospel since he was a child.

 

(2 Tim 1:5 KJV) When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (2 Tim 3:15 KJV) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Grace is the bestowing of something completely undeserved such as salvation and stemming from that grace is the peace that passes all understanding.

 

Paul also speaks of God’s mercy upon Timothy. That would be the daily mercy or compassions needed for each day in the life of the believer. Every day we Christians sin and we need the mercy of God when these things happen, whether they are intentional or unintentional.

 

Peace in the middle of turmoil. Peace in the middle of tragedy.

 

The word peace comes from the Greek word “eirene” which means a cessation of hostilities. When a person becomes saved the war between them and God is over. (Rom 5:1 KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: There was a theological discipline called “Irenic Theology” which attempted to bring harmony among Christianity and thus do away with all the factions. This theological thought was the forerunner of today’s neo-evangelical and ecumenical movement.

 

Our Father - One cannot have the Father unless they have the Son - 1 John 2:23; 1 John 5:12 - Notice the term "our Father." This term is speaking of the limited Fatherhood of all the believers He has chosen for salvation and is not speaking of the universal fatherhood of God in either creation or salvation.

 

2 Tim 1:3 (KJB)

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

 

Paul here thanks God that he serves Him with pure conscience, from the forefathers. Paul is not stating here that he is keeping the law of Moses to maintain his salvation but he is referencing the faith of the forefathers such as Abraham who’s ministry was based upon faith and not the keeping of the law, which was not around yet. As for the law, Paul, like every Christian, keeps the law perfectly because we are in Christ and it was His sacrifice upon Calvary which fulfilled every aspect of the law of God and therefore when a person becomes saved, that same pure righteousness of keeping the law in Christ is imputed to them as the Holy Spirit dwells in them. Then Paul tells Timothy that he continually prays for him because he knows the troubles that Timothy will face on a daily basis concerning the Faith. Paul continually brings Timothy before the Throne of Grace.

 

2 Tim 1:4 (KJB)

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

 

Paul had known that his earthly days were coming to an end and not only did he remember Timothy in his prayers both day and night, he also wanted to see Timothy once again before his home going. Probably before they parted company once before there was great tears of joy and sorrow, but Paul knew that if he saw Timothy once again, there would be great joy on the part of them both. Paul is probably referring to the time he left Timothy in Ephesus and he went on to Macedonia. (1 Tim 1:3 KJV) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, It is believed that in the “city of Victory,” otherwise known as “Nicopolis” in Macedonia is where Paul was arrested for the final time.

 

2 Tim 1:5 (KJB)

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

 

Unfeigned - Without hypocrisy or insincerity

 

Paul continues his thoughts from verse 4 as he brings in a new remembrance. Timothy was under spiritual tutelage from when he was a youngster. He had the teachings of two family members, his grandmother and his mother. Since Paul speaks about them having faith without hypocrisy, they both must have heard the Gospel and became saved at an earlier time and when Timothy was born, he was brought up hearing the true Gospel. Paul was persuaded that Timothy was saved because the word “dwelt” speaks about something inhabiting someone and the word is also used concerning the Holy Spirit indwelling in a saved person. (Rom 8:11 KJV) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Since Paul was speaking about the true faith indwelling them, it was the Holy Spirit who indwelled them all and brought them into all truth and that is why Paul’s spirit was able to find a kinship with the whole family. Paul’s spirit bore witness with their spirit. The order was probably Lois believed first, and then Eunice, and then of course Timothy had the benefit of both.

Back