Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Timothy Ch.1 / 4 Ch.s
2TI:1
** The first design of this epistle seems to have been, to
apprize Timothy of what had occurred during the imprisonment of
the apostle, and to request him to come to Rome. But being
uncertain whether he should be suffered to live to see him, Paul
gives a variety of advices and encouragements, for the faithful
discharge of his ministerial duties. As this was a private
epistle written to St. Paul's most intimate friend, under the
miseries of imprisonment, and in the near prospect of death, it
shows the temper and character of the apostle, and contains
convincing proofs that he sincerely believed the doctrines he
preached.
* Paul expresses great affection for Timothy. (1-5) Exhorts him
to improve his spiritual gifts. (6-14) Tells of many who basely
deserted him; but speaks with affection of Onesiphorus. (15-18)
#1-5 The promise of eternal life to believers in Christ Jesus,
is the leading subject of ministers who are employed according
to the will of God. The blessings here named, are the best we
can ask for our beloved friends, that they may have peace with
God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Whatever good we do,
God must have the glory. True believers have in every age the
same religion as to substance. Their faith is unfeigned; it will
stand the trial, and it dwells in them as a living principle.
Thus pious women may take encouragement from the success of Lois
and Eunice with Timothy, who proved so excellent and useful a
minister. Some of the most worthy and valuable ministers the
church of Christ has been favoured with, have had to bless God
for early religious impressions made upon their minds by the
teaching of their mothers or other female relatives.
#6-14 God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of
power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and
dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through
opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind.
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 call of the gospel is a holy call, making holy.
Salvation is of free grace. This is said to be given us before
the world began, that is, in the purpose of God from all
eternity; in Christ Jesus, for all the gifts that come from God
to sinful man, come in and through Christ Jesus alone. And as
there is so clear a prospect of eternal happiness by faith in
Him, who is the Resurrection and the Life, let us give more
diligence in making his salvation sure to our souls. Those who
cleave to the gospel, need not be ashamed, the cause will bear
them out; but those who oppose it, shall be ashamed. The apostle
had trusted his life, his soul, and eternal interests, to the
Lord Jesus. No one else could deliver and secure his soul
through the trials of life and death. There is a day coming,
when our souls will be inquired after. Thou hadst a soul
committed to thee; how was it employed? in the service of sin,
or in the service of Christ? The hope of the lowest real
Christian rests on the same foundation as that of the great
apostle. He also has learned the value and the danger of his
soul; he also has believed in Christ; and the change wrought in
his soul, convinces the believer that the Lord Jesus will keep
him to his heavenly kingdom. Paul exhorts Timothy to hold fast
the Holy Scriptures, the substance of solid gospel truth in
them. It is not enough to assent to the sound words, but we must
love them. The Christian doctrine is a trust committed to us; it
is of unspeakable value in itself, and will be of unspeakable
advantage to us. It is committed to us, to be preserved pure and
entire, yet we must not think to keep it by our own strength,
but by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us; and it will
not be gained by those who trust in their own hearts, and lean
to their own understandings.
#15-18 The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft
refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and
was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day
of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have
mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can
ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant
that we and they may find mercy of the Lord, when called to pass
out of time into eternity, and to appear before the judgment
seat of Christ.