2Ti 1:8, 12 | JFB | e4.org | 8. therefore —seeing that God hath given us such a spirit, not that of fear. Be not thou . . . ashamed —I agree with ELLICOTT , in opposition to ALFORD , that the Greek subjunctive here, with the negative, implies action completed at one time, not continued action, which the present imperative would express; thus implying that Timothy had not decidedly yet evinced such feeling of shame; though I think, Paul, amidst the desertion of others who once promised fair, and from being aware of Timothy's constitutional timidity (see on ), felt it necessary to stir him up and guard him against the possibility of unchristian dereliction of duty as to bold confession of Christ. Shame ( ) is the companion of fear ( ); if fear be overcome, false shame flees [BENGEL ]. Paul himself ( ), and Onesiphorus ( ), were instances of fearless profession removing false shame. He presents in contrast sad instances of fear and shame ( ). of the testimony of our Lord — of the testimony which thou art bound to give in the cause of our Lord; he says "our," to connect Timothy and himself together in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before Pilate ( ), is an incentive to the believer that he should, after His Lord's example, witness a good testimony or confession. nor of me his prisoner —The cause of God's servants is the cause of God Himself ( ). Timothy might easily be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as not only worldly shame, but great risk, attended any recognition of Paul the prisoner. be thou partaker — with me. of the gospel —rather, as Greek, " for the Gospel," that is, suffered for the Gospel ( ). according to the power of God —exhibited in having saved and called us ( ). God who has done the greater act of power (that is, saved us), will surely do the less (carry us safe through afflictions borne for the Gospel ). "Think not that thou hast to bear these afflictions by thine own power; nay, it is by the power of God. It was a greater exercise of power than His making the heaven, His persuading the world to embrace salvation" [CHRYSOSTOM ].

‏ 2 Timothy 1:8

8. therefore—seeing that God hath given us such a spirit, not that of fear.

Be not thou . . . ashamed—I agree with ELLICOTT, in opposition to ALFORD, that the Greek subjunctive here, with the negative, implies action completed at one time, not continued action, which the present imperative would express; thus implying that Timothy had not decidedly yet evinced such feeling of shame; though I think, Paul, amidst the desertion of others who once promised fair, and from being aware of Timothy's constitutional timidity (see on 2Ti 1:7), felt it necessary to stir him up and guard him against the possibility of unchristian dereliction of duty as to bold confession of Christ. Shame (2Ti 1:8) is the companion of fear (2Ti 1:7); if fear be overcome, false shame flees [BENGEL]. Paul himself (2Ti 1:12), and Onesiphorus (2Ti 1:16), were instances of fearless profession removing false shame. He presents in contrast sad instances of fear and shame (2Ti 1:15).

of the testimony of our Lord—of the testimony which thou art bound to give in the cause of our Lord; he says "our," to connect Timothy and himself together in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before Pilate (1Ti 6:12, 13), is an incentive to the believer that he should, after His Lord's example, witness a good testimony or confession.

nor of me his prisoner—The cause of God's servants is the cause of God Himself (Eph 4:1). Timothy might easily be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as not only worldly shame, but great risk, attended any recognition of Paul the prisoner.

be thou partaker—with me.

of the gospel—rather, as Greek, "for the Gospel," that is, suffered for the Gospel (2Ti 2:3-5; Phm 13).

according to the power of God—exhibited in having saved and called us (2Ti 1:9). God who has done the greater act of power (that is, saved us), will surely do the less (carry us safe through afflictions borne for the Gospel). "Think not that thou hast to bear these afflictions by thine own power; nay, it is by the power of God. It was a greater exercise of power than His making the heaven, His persuading the world to embrace salvation" [CHRYSOSTOM].

‏ 2 Timothy 1:12

12. For the which cause—For the Gospel cause of which I was appointed a preacher (2Ti 1:10, 11).

I also suffer—besides my active work as a missionary. ELLICOTT translates, "I suffer even these things"; the sufferings attendant on my being a prisoner (2Ti 1:8, 15).

I am not ashamed—neither be thou (2Ti 1:8).

for—Confidence as to the future drives away shame [BENGEL].

I know—though the world knows Him not (Joh 10:14; 17:25).

whom—I know what a faithful, promise-keeping God He is (2Ti 2:13). It is not, I know how I have believed, but, I know WHOM I have believed; a feeble faith may clasp a strong Saviour.

believed—rather, "trusted"; carrying out the metaphor of a depositor depositing his pledge with one whom he trusts.

am persuaded— (Ro 8:38).

he is able—in spite of so many foes around me.

that which I have committed unto him—Greek, "my deposit"; the body, soul, and spirit, which I have deposited in God's safe keeping (1Th 5:23; 1Pe 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 (2Ti 1:13, 14) and transmit to others (2Ti 2:2); there is another committed by God to us, which we should commit to His keeping, namely, ourselves and our heavenly portion.

that day—the day of His appearing (2Ti 1:18; 2Ti 4:8).