2 Timothy chapter 1

vs 1-2

Hey, this looks fairly similar to the last letter I did. Written by Paul, sent to Timothy.

vs 3

This is the sort of sentence that high school kids write and get bad marks for in their creative writing. The NASB at least tries to take a few commas out. So Paul serves God with a clear conscience, just as his forefathers did. And he thanks God when he remembers Timothy in his prayers.

vs 4

Paul has been reminded of Timothy's tears (I don't quite know what this means), but it is this reminding that makes him want to go and see Timothy, and such a visit would fill him with joy.

Most probably Timothy is upset because Paul is on his way to be executed, or at least has been in prison for a long time. He might also be upset because things aren't going so well for him in Ephesus.

vs 5

Timothy's grandmother and mother were both Christian (or at least failthfully Jewish), and this has flowed on to Timothy. Not in a hereditary way, though - notice that Paul needed to be convinced that this sincere faith was in him. It's interesting that his father or grandfather aren't mentioned. This might suggest that only the female lineage was affected by the message, or that Jewishness comes through your mother.

vs 6

Another reference to a gift of God being given through the laying on of hands. Last letter it was through a prophecy and a laying on of hands from the elders. Whether laying on hands is some symbol of acceptance is uncertain - certainly there's no reason God couldn't cause people to gain gifts at range. In other parts of the Bible, it does seem exclusive to gifts being given or things happening, but necessary to the acceptance of people, whether it be to the church or to a ministry by the church.

vs 7

Because Timothy's gift was one of speaking, he was to go and use it! But even way back in the stupid ages, public speaking was still frightening. But through the Holy Spirit, Timothy should be dominated not by timidity, but by power, love and self-discipline.

vs 8

Perhaps we are now in the stupid ages - I mean, all we are afraid of is that people will think we're stupid or bad at speaking. Paul here is saying "Don't be ashamed to be linked to Christ or to me - sure, I'm in gaol and they nailed Christ to a cross, and it seems that things are in fact only getting worse for those who do testify to him. But come and suffer with me, huzzah!"

vs 9

And we do this crazy thing by the power of God who not only saved us, but has separated us from the normal life people lead. God was moved by grace to act on our behalf, but he also has his own purposes. He's had a plan for ages, and everthing is going according to plan. Yes, that includes your suffering.