Untitled Sermon
The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when we have strength and power from God to enable us to bear them.
As is usual with Paul, when he mentions Christ and his redemption, he enlarges upon them; so full was he of that which is all our salvation, and ought to be all our desire
The phrase rekindle the gift of God did not mean that Timothy had “let the fire go out.” It was a call to action lest sluggishness set in.
stir up—literally, “rekindle,” “revive the spark of”; the opposite of “quench” or “extinguish” (1 Th 5:19). Paul does not doubt the existence of real faith in Timothy, but he desires it to be put into active exercise. Timothy seems to have become somewhat remiss from being so long without Paul (2 Ti 2:22).
C. God’s Empowerment (1:6–7)
SUPPORTING IDEA: God has equipped every believer to be useful and productive in Christian living. His Spirit enables us in whatever task God gives. But we must fulfill our responsibility by continually granting his Spirit freedom of expression.
tn Or “a spirit,” denoting the human personality under the Spirit’s influence as in 1 Cor 4:21; Gal 6:1; 1 Pet 3:4. But the reference to the Holy Spirit at the end of this section (1:14) makes it likely that it begins this way also, so that the Holy Spirit is the referent.
Here, the power to overcome all obstacles and to face all dangers. It is closely linked with the sense of παρρησία boldness.
The Greek word translated fear is used in extrabiblical literature to refer to a person who fled from battle. It is a strong term for cowardice. Boldness, not cowardice, is a mark of the Holy Spirit (Pr 28:1; Ac 4:31).
a sound mind—The Greek, is rather, “the bringing of men to a sound mind” [WAHL]. BENGEL supports English Version, “a sound mind,” or “sober-mindedness”; a duty to which a young man like Timothy especially needed to be exhorted (2 Ti 2:22; 1 Ti 4:12; Tit 2:4, 6). So Paul urges him, in 2 Ti 2:4, to give up worldly entanglements, which as thorns (Lu 8:14) choke the word.
D. The Confidence and Identity of the Believer (1:8–12)
SUPPORTING IDEA: Each truth builds on other truths. Paul had described the power that resides with in each believer because of the Holy Spirit’s life. Paul then called for boldness in identifying with the message and sufferings of Christ. He reviewed the graciousness of God on our behalf and commanded us to be bold witnesses of his goodness.
holy calling—the actual call to a life of holiness. Heb 3:1, “heavenly calling” [TITTMANN, Greek Synonyms of the New Testament]; whereas we were sinners and enemies (Eph 1:18; 4:1). The call comes wholly from God and claims us wholly for God. “Holy” implies the separation of believers from the rest of the world unto God.
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.
But … now … manifest—in contrast to its concealment heretofore in the eternal purpose of God “before the world began” (2 Ti 1:9; Col 1:16; Tit 1:2, 3).
abolished death—Greek, “taken away the power from death” [TITTMANN]. The Greek article before “death” implies that Christ abolished death, not only in some particular instance, but in its very essence, being, and idea, as well as in all its aspects and consequences (Jn 11:26; Ro 8:2, 38; Ro 8:2, 38, 1 Co 15:26, 55; Heb 2:14). The carrying out of the abolition of death into full effect is to be at the resurrection (Rev 20:14). The death of the body meanwhile is but temporary, and is made no account of by Christ and the apostles.
Most MSS (א C D F G Ψ 1739 1881 𝔐 latt sy co) have ἐθνῶν (ethnōn, “of the Gentiles”) after “teacher.” The shorter reading has poorer external credentials (א* A I 1175 pc), but is preferred because ἐθνῶν probably represents a gloss added by copyists familiar with 1 Tim 2:7. There is no easy explanation for the omission of the word if it were original here.
preacher—Greek, “herald.”
What has been entrusted to me (Grk “my entrustment,” meaning either (1) “what I have entrusted to him” [his life, destiny, etc.] or (2) “what he has entrusted to me” [the truth of the gospel]). The parallel with v. 14 and use of similar words in the pastorals (1 Tim 6:20; 2 Tim 2:2) argue for the latter sense.
sn That day is a reference to the day when Paul would stand before Christ to give account for his service (cf. 2 Tim 1:18; 1 Cor 3:13; 2 Cor 5:9–10).
The meaning of the passage is that Paul is convinced that God is strong to enable him to be faithful to his apostolic calling, in spite of the sufferings which attend it, until the day when he shall be summoned to render his final account.
that which I have committed unto him—Greek, “my deposit”; the body, soul, and spirit, which I have deposited in God’s safe keeping (1 Th 5:23; 1 Pe 4:19). So Christ Himself in dying (Lu 23:46). “God deposits with us His word; we deposit with God our spirit” [GROTIUS]. There is one deposit (His revelation) committed by God to us, which we ought to keep (2 Ti 1:13, 14) and transmit to others (2 Ti 2:2); there is another committed by God to us, which we should commit to His keeping, namely, ourselves and our heavenly portion.
With the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This describes the manner in which Timothy must hold to the standard (similar to Paul’s call for him to give attention to his life and his teaching in 1 Tim 4:11–16).
E. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (1:13–14)
SUPPORTING IDEA: Having laid the groundwork of God’s purpose and faithfulness, Paul handed to Timothy a solemn charge of ministry.
Notes for 1:14
sn That good thing (Grk “the good deposit”) refers to the truth of the gospel committed to Timothy (cf. 1 Tim 6:20).
F. Examples of Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness (1:15–18)
SUPPORTING IDEA: The battles of faith and the hardships of faithfulness are not theoretical. Paul was involved with real people who chose either to follow Christ or to reject him. This underscores the choice facing any Christian. There is no neutral position in life. We are either for Christ or against him. We are acting either in faithfulness or apostasy.
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.
That day is a reference to the day when Onesiphorus (v. 16) stands before Christ to give account for his service (cf. v. 12; 1 Cor 3:13; 2 Cor 5:9–10).
