(1) v.13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus
hold- (BDAG) of holding fast to matters of transcendent importance
standard-(BDAG) as a basis for behavioral comparison standard
(NAC) The words “with faith and love” describe how Timothy was to hold the teaching Paul had given. How Timothy maintained orthodoxy was as important as the content of orthodoxy itself. Timothy’s faith was to focus on Christ Jesus. The love that flowed from that relationship provided sensible, compassionate direction in his work of teaching and directing others (see Eph 4:15–16). It would enable Timothy to teach the truth in love. Paul realized that Timothy’s faith and love were fruits of his union with Jesus Christ.
In other words, Paul did not just ask Timothy to keep the words fast, but the behavior that flows out of the words. It is not just what we teach to the children or the younger generation of Christians, but how we teach them.
(2) 1:14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
protect-(BKC) It was Timothy’s responsibility to preserve sound teaching from becoming corrupted through distortion, dilution, deletion, and addition.
through the Holy Spirit-(NAC) The task of preserving the truth of the gospel is so demanding and difficult that human strength alone cannot assure it. Maintaining the purity of the gospel demands the might and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells within all believers and provides strength for them. Paul focused on that special enabling which the Spirit makes available for use in ministry
(3) Paul mentioned Phygelus and Hermogenes (and everyone in the province in Asia) who deserted him. Then he mentioned Onesiphorus who helped him and in 2 places he added, "you know that..." Both groups of people were set as examples to Timothy.
(BKC) The many in Asia (v. 15) portray the very things Paul had been warning Timothy against—cowardice, shame, self-indulgence, infidelity.
refresh-(BDAG) to provide relief from obligation or trouble, give someone a breathing space, revive (NAC) This involved personal visits and gifts to relieve the rigors of imprisonment
v.17b he eagerly searched for me and found me
v.17b he eagerly searched for me and found me
(NAC) At the time of the writing of 2 Timothy, Paul was in a hard-to-find location. Friends had apparently lost contact with him. Their efforts to make contact with him could have made Paul’s imprisonment more difficult. Onesiphorus went to much trouble to track Paul down, and he found him after diligent effort. He shamelessly identified with the imprisoned Paul. Paul wanted Timothy to follow this example and put aside any shame (v. 8) in experiencing suffering for the gospel.
v.18b And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus
(NAC) He had a reputation for unselfish service that had apparently spread throughout the Ephesian Christian community
(NAC) Moral behavior is best learned by observing such commitment in others. Children learn this behavior from parents. Young Christians learn it from older Christians. Ultimately moral behavior cannot be taught merely by character-building courses in the public schools. Christians must see moral commitment as a sterling example in others.
Reflection: Today, we are being an example of someone around us. Are we an example of cowardice to the Gospel? Or are we an example of giving, diligent, and unselfish service like Onesiphorus?
Audrey
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