Bible Commentaries

According to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus (κατ επαγγελιαν ζωης της εν Χριστωι Ιησου — kat' epaggelian zōēs tēs en Christōi Iēsou). “With a view to the fulfilment of the promise.” See note on Titus 1:1 for this same use of κατα — kata For κατ επαγγελιαν — kat' epaggelian see Galatians 3:29. See 1 Timothy 4:8 for the phrase “promise of life.” Here or there “life that in Christ Jesus” includes the present as well as the future.

Beloved (αγαπητοι — agapētoi). Instead of γνησιωι — gnēsiōi (genuine) in 1 Timothy 1:2. He had already called Timothy αγαπητον — agapēton (verbal adjective of αγαπαω — agapaō) in 1 Corinthians 4:17, an incidental and strong proof that it is Paul who is writing here. This argument applies to each of the Pastorals for Paul is known by other sources (Acts and previous Pauline Epistles) to sustain precisely the affectionate relation toward Timothy and Titus shown in the Pastorals.

I thank (χαριν εχω — charin echō). “I have gratitude.” As in 1 Timothy 1:12. Robinson cites examples of this phrase from the papyri. It occurs also in Luke 17:9; Acts 2:47. Χαρις — Charis in doxologies Paul uses (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 8:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 6:17; Romans 7:25). His usual idiom is ευχαριστω — eucharistō (1 Corinthians 1:4; Romans 1:8; Philemon 1:4; Philemon 1:3) or ευχαριστουμεν — eucharistoumen (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Colossians 1:3) or ου παυομαι ευχαριστων — ou pauomai eucharistōn (Ephesians 1:16) or ευχαριστειν οπειλομεν — eucharistein opheilomen (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

Whom I serve from my forefathers (ωι λατρευω απο προγονων — hōi latreuō apo progonōn). The relative ωι — hōi is the dative case with λατρευω — latreuō (see note on Romans 1:9 for this verb), progressive present (I have been serving). For προγονων — progonōn (forefathers) see note on 1 Timothy 5:4. Paul claims a pious ancestry as in Acts 24:14; Acts 26:5; Galatians 2:14; Philemon 3:4-7.

In a pure conscience (εν καταραι συνειδησει — en katharāi suneidēsei). See note on 1 Timothy 1:5; note on Acts 23:1.

Unceasing (αδιαλειπτον — adialeipton). Late and rare compound, in N.T. only here and Romans 9:2 which see. The adverb αδιαλειπτως — adialeiptōs is more frequent (in the papyri, literary Koiné, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9). The adjective here is the predicate accusative, “how I hold the memory concerning thee unceasing.” The use of αδιαλειπτως — adialeiptōs (adverb) is a sort of epistolary formula (papyri, 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 1:9).

Remembrance (μνειαν — mneian). Old word, in N.T. only Pauline (seven times, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9; Philemon 1:3).

Night and day (νυκτος και ημερας — nuktos kai hēmeras). Genitive of time, “by night and by day.” As in 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:10.

Longing (επιποτων — epipothōn). Present active participle of επιποτεω — epipotheō old word, eight times in Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:6; Philemon 1:8, etc.).

Remembering thy tears (μεμνημενος σου των δακρυων — memnēmenos sou tōn dakruōn). Perfect middle participle of μιμνησκω — mimnēskō old and common verb with the genitive, only here in the Pastorals and elsewhere by Paul only in 1 Corinthians 11:2. Probably an allusion to the scene at Miletus (Acts 20:37). Cf. Acts 20:19.

That I may be filled with joy (ινα χαρας πληρωτω — hina charas plērōthō). Final clause with ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω — plēroō (with genitive case χαρας — charas), a verb common with Paul (Romans 8:4; Romans 13:8).

Having been reminded (υπομνησιν λαβων — hupomnēsin labōn). “Having received (second aorist active participle of λαμβανω — lambanō) a reminder” (old word from υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō to remind, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 1:13). For the idiom see note on Romans 7:8, Romans 7:11. A reminder by another while αναμνησις — anamnēsis remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:24.) is rather a recalling by oneself (Vincent).

Of the unfeigned faith (της ανυποκριτου πιστεως — tēs anupokritou pisteōs). Late compound for which see note on 2 Corinthians 6:6; Romans 12:9.

Dwelt (ενωικησεν — enōikēsen). First aorist active indicative of ενοικεω — enoikeō old verb, in N.T. only in Paul (Romans 8:11; Colossians 3:16).

First (πρωτον — prōton). Adverb, not adjective (πρωτη — prōtē).

In thy grandmother Lois (εν τηι μαμμηι Λωιδι — en tēi mammēi Lōidi). Old word, originally the infantile word for μητηρ — mētēr (mother), then extended by writers to grandmother as here. Common for grandmother in the papyri. Lois is the mother of Eunice, Timothy‘s mother, since Timothy‘s father was a Greek (Acts 16:1). Probably both grandmother and mother became Christians.

I am persuaded (πεπεισμαι — pepeismai). Perfect passive indicative of πειτω — peithō “I stand persuaded.” In the Pastorals only here and 2 Timothy 1:12, common in Paul‘s other writings (Romans 8:38, etc.).

For the which cause (δι ην αιτιαν — di' hēn aitian). “For which cause,” stronger than διο — dio So in 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 1:13. Only example of αιτια — aitia by Paul save in Acts 28:20.

I put thee in remembrance (αναμιμνησκω — anamimnēskō). Old compound to remind (1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 7:15).

That thou stir up (σε αναζωπυρειν — se anazōpurein). Present active infinitive of αναζωπυρεω — anazōpureō old double compound (ανα — ana and ζωπυρον — zōpuron live coal, ζωος — zōos and πυρ — pur then the bellows for kindling), to rekindle, to stir into flame, to keep blazing (continuous action, present time), only here in N.T. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:19 for the figure of fire concerning the Holy Spirit. See αναπτω — anaptō in Luke 12:49.

The gift of God (το χαρισμα του τεου — to charisma tou theou). See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God.

A spirit of fearfulness (πνευμα δειλιας — pneuma deilias). Here πνευμα — pneuma is the χαρισμα — charisma of 2 Timothy 1:6, the human spirit as endowed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15). Δειλια — Deilia is an old word (δειλοσ δειδω — deilosδυναμεως — deidō) and always in a bad sense of cowardice, only here in N.T.

Of power (αγαπης — dunameōs). One of Paul‘s characteristic words (Romans 1:16).

Of love (σωπρονισμου — agapēs). One of the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). “Which drives out fear” (Lock) as in 1 John 4:18.

Of discipline (σωπρονιζω — sōphronismou). Late Koiné{[28928]}š word (from σωπροσυνη — sōphronizō to control), self-control, here only in N.T. See note on 1 Timothy 2:9 for sōphrosunē sa120

Be not ashamed of (μη επαισχυντηις — mē epaischunthēis). First aorist (ingressive) passive subjunctive (in prohibition) of επαισχυνομαι — epaischunomai old word, to be ashamed. Again in 2 Timothy 1:16 without augment (επαισχυντην — epaischunthēn), transitive use of the passive voice as often in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 818). See Romans 1:16; Romans 6:21. “Do not become ashamed” (as he had not).

The testimony of our Lord (το μαρτυριον του κυριου — to marturion tou kuriou). For the old word μαρτυριον — marturion see note on 1 Corinthians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 2:1. Paul probably has in mind the saying of Jesus preserved in Mark 8:38 (Luke 9:26). See also 2 Timothy 2:12.

His prisoner (τον δεσμιον αυτου — ton desmion autou). As in Philemon 1:12; Philemon 1:1, Philemon 1:9; Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1 (the first Roman captivity). Paul is in his last captivity and refers to it again in 2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 2:9.

Suffer hardship with (συνκακοπατησον — sunkakopathēson). First aorist active imperative of the double compound συνκακοπατεω — sunkakopatheō first known use and in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:3 (in eccles. writers). But κακοπατεω — kakopatheō to suffer evil, is old verb (2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5). Paul is fond of compounds of συν — sun Paul challenges Timothy by this verb which he apparently coins for the purpose to a joint (συν — sun) suffering with the Lord Jesus and Paul “for the gospel” (τωι ευαγγελιωι — tōi euaggeliōi dative case rather than associative instrumental “with”).

According to the power of God (κατα δυναμιν τεου — kata dunamin theou). Given by God (2 Corinthians 6:7).

Called us with a holy calling (καλεσαντος κλησει αγιαι — kalesantos klēsei hagiāi). Probably dative, “to a holy calling.” Κλησις — Klēsis here apparently not the invitation, but the consecrated service, “the upward calling” (Philemon 3:14). See note on 1 Corinthians 7:20; Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:4 for the use of καλεω — kaleō with κλησις — klēsis Paul often uses καλεω — kaleō of God‘s calling men (1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 1:6; Romans 8:20; Romans 9:11).

Purpose (προτεσιν — prothesin). See note on Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:11 for προτεσιν — prothesin

Which was given (την δοτεισαν — tēn dotheisan). First aorist passive articular participle agreeing with χαρις — charis (grace), a thoroughly Pauline expression (1 Corinthians 3:10; Romans 12:3, Romans 12:6, etc.), only here in Pastoral Epistles.

Before times eternal (προ χρονων αιωνιων — pro chronōn aiōniōn). See note on Titus 1:2.

But hath now been manifested (πανερωτεισαν δε νυν — phanerōtheisan de nun). First aorist passive participle of πανεροω — phaneroō agreeing with χαριν — charin See Titus 1:3; Colossians 1:26; Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω — phaneroō and the contrast made.

By the appearing (δια της επιπανειας — dia tēs epiphaneias). Only here of the Incarnation (except the verb, Titus 2:11; Titus 3:4), but for the second coming see note on Titus 2:13.

Who abolished death (καταργησαντος μεν τον τανατον — katargēsantos men ton thanaton). First aorist active participle of καταργεω — katargeō the very phrase in 1 Corinthians 15:26; Hebrews 2:14.

Brought to light (πωτισαντος δε — phōtisantos de). First aorist active participle of πωτιζω — phōtizō literary Koiné{[28928]}š word for which see note on 1 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 1:18, to turn the light on.

Life and incorruption (ζωην και απταρσιαν — zōēn kai aphtharsian). The opposite of τανατος — thanatos “life and immortality” (unchangeable life).

For which (εις ο — eis ho). For the gospel. See note on 1 Timothy 2:7 for this verse.

These things (ταυτα — tauta). His imprisonment in Rome.

Yet I am not ashamed (αλλ ουκ επαισχυνομαι — all' ouk epaischunomai). Plain reference to the exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:8.

Him whom I have believed (ωι πεπιστευκα — hōi pepisteuka). Dative case of the relative (ωι — hōi) with the perfect active of πιστευω — pisteuō the antecedent to the relative not expressed. It is not an indirect question. Paul knows Jesus Christ whom he has trusted.

I am persuaded (πεπεισμαι — pepeismai). See 2 Timothy 1:5.

To guard (πυλαχαι — phulaxai). First aorist active infinitive of πυλασσω — phulassō the very word used in 1 Timothy 6:20 with παρατηκην — parathēkēn as here, to guard against robbery or any loss.

That which I have committed unto him (την παρατηκην μου — tēn parathēkēn mou). Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata).

Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16).

The pattern of sound words (υποτυπωσιν υγιαινοντων λογων — hupotupōsin hugiainontōn logōn). See note on 1 Timothy 1:16 for υποτυπωσιν — hupotupōsin and note on 1 Timothy 1:10 for υγιαινω — hugiainō

Which (ων — hōn). Genitive plural with ηκουσας — ēkousas (didst hear) or attracted to case of λογων — logōn (ακουω — akouō is used either with the accusative or the genitive).

That good thing which was committed unto thee (την καλην παρατηκην — tēn kalēn parathēkēn). Simply, “the good deposit.”

Guard (πυλαχον — phulaxon). As in 1 Timothy 6:20. God has also made an investment in Timothy (cf. 2 Timothy 1:12). Timothy must not let that fail.

Which dwelleth in us (του ενοικουντος εν ημιν — tou enoikountos en hēmin). It is only through the Holy Spirit that Timothy or any of us can guard God‘s deposit with us.

Are turned away from me (απεστραπησαν με — apestraphēsan me). Second aorist passive (still transitive here with με — me) of αποστρεπω — apostrephō for which verb see note on Titus 1:14. For the accusative with these passive deponents see Robertson, Grammar, p. 484. It is not known to what incident Paul refers, whether the refusal of the Christians in the Roman province of Asia to help Paul on his arrest (or in response to an appeal from Rome) or whether the Asian Christians in Rome deserted Paul in the first stage of the trial (2 Timothy 4:16). Two of these Asian deserters are mentioned by name, perhaps for reasons known to Timothy. Nothing else is known of Phygelus and Hermogenes except this shameful item.

Grant mercy (δωιη ελεος — dōiē eleos). The phrase nowhere else in the N.T. Second aorist active optative of διδωμι — didōmi the usual form being δοιη — doiē This is the usual construction in a wish about the future.

Unto the house of Onesiphorus (τωι Ονησιπορου οικωι — tōi Onēsiphorou oikōi). The same phrase in 2 Timothy 4:19. Apparently Onesiphorus is now dead as is implied by the wish in 2 Timothy 1:18.

For he oft refreshed me (οτι πολλακις με ανεπσυχεν — hoti pollakis me anepsuxen). First aorist active indicative of αναπσυχω — anapsuchō old verb, to cool again, in lxx and Koiné{[28928]}š often, here only in N.T., but αναπσυχις — anapsuxis in Acts 3:20. In the first imprisonment or the second. If he lost his life for coming to see Paul, it was probably recently during this imprisonment.

Was not ashamed of my chain (αλυσιν μου ουκ επαισχυντη — halusin mou ouk epaischunthē). Passive deponent again (first aorist indicative) with accusative as in 2 Timothy 1:8. For αλυσιν — halusin (chain) see note on Ephesians 6:20. Note absence of augment in επαισχυντη — epaischunthē f0).

When he was in Rome (γενομενος εν ομηι — genomenos en Romēi). Second aorist middle participle of γινομαι — ginomai (coming to Rome, happening in Rome).

He sought me diligently and found me (σπουδαιως εζητησεν με και ευρεν — spoudaiōs ezētēsen me kai heuren). Effective aorists both of them (first of ζητεω — zēteō second of ευρισκω — heuriskō). He did it at the risk of his own life apparently.

Grant to him to and mercy (δωιη αυτωι ευρειν ελεος — dōiē autōi heurein eleos). Second aorist active optative in wish for the future again as in 2 Timothy 1:16. Find mercy from the Lord (Jesus) as he found me.

Thou knowest very well (βελτιον συ γινωσκεις — beltion su ginōskeis). Literally, “thou knowest better (than I),” for he did those things in Ephesus where thou art. Only N.T. example of βελτιον — beltion in D text of Acts 10:28.