(d) 2 Timothy 2:1-13. The Appeal Renewed. Thus enriched in his ordination, challenged by Paul's example, and warned by the Asian defection, Timothy, for all his work, must find continual strength in his Divine equipment. He must (a) conserve the truth by depositing it with trustworthy teachers (2 Timothy 2:2), and (b) face the hardships involved in his present administration (2 Timothy 2:3). In every sphere success demands endurance and self-discipline. This is true in secular affairs: the successful soldier is restricted from pleasures, the successful athlete restricted by rules, the successful farmer restricted in his ease (2 Timothy 2:4-6). The principle is equally valid in religious service. Let Timothy consider the supreme example, Jesus Christ: even for Him, the promised Messiah, the gateway into life was death. Let him also consider Paul, Christ's apostle: even now he lies bound as a malefactor a ready sufferer, since the fetters which bind him cannot bind the message. In facing hardship, therefore, Timothy has no unique experience. In every sphere achievement is conditioned by self-sacrifice (2 Timothy 2:7-10). Yet, as reliable words declare, the sacrifice will not remain unrecompensed. Death to self in baptism will yield us a share in Christ's resurrection-life, and present endurance a place in His heavenly kingdom. Nevertheless, there is need for care. For, should we deny Him, He will deny us, although want of faith, apart from actual denial, can never cancel His own faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
2 Timothy 2:2. among: better, through. Paul's teaching had reached Timothy both directly and indirectly.
2 Timothy 2:5. crowned: with the victor's garland.
2 Timothy 2:6. laboureth is the emphatic word.
2 Timothy 2:8. Cf. Romans 1:3.
2 Timothy 2:9. bonds: an indignity for a Roman citizen. malefactor: possibly a mark of early date. By Domitian's day the charge against Christians was that of practising an illegal religion (Ramsay).
2 Timothy 2:11. faithful, etc.: 1 Timothy 1:15 *. The saying (2 Timothy 2:11-13 a) may form part of an early Christian hymn (1 Timothy 3:16 *). With its four clauses cf. Romans 6:8; Romans 8:17; Matthew 10:33; Romans 3:3 respectively.