Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Therefore - seeing that God hath given us such a spirit; not fear.
Be not thou, therefore, ashamed (at any time) х mee (G3361) epaischunthes (G1870)] The Greek subjunctive, with the negative, implies action completed at one time, not continued, which the present imperative would express: implying, Timothy had not yet evinced such shame; still Paul, being deserted by others who once promised fair, and aware of Timothy's constitutional timidity (note, 2 Timothy 1:6), felt it necessary to guard him against the possibility of failure in bold confession of Christ. Shame (2 Timothy 1:8) is the companion of fear (2 Timothy 1:7): if fear be overcome, false shame flees (Bengel). Paul himself (2 Timothy 1:12), and Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16), were instances of fearless profession removing false 'shame.' Contrast sad instances of fear and shame, 2 Timothy 1:15.
Of the testimony of our Lord - of giving testimony in the cause of our Lord (Acts 1:8). "Our" connects Timothy and himself in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before or under Pilate (1 Timothy 6:12-13) is an incentive to the believer to witness a good Christ gave before or under Pilate (1 Timothy 6:12-13) is an incentive to the believer to witness a good confession.
Nor of me his prisoner. The cause of God's servants is that of God Himself (Ephesians 4:1). Timothy might be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as great risk attended any recognition of Paul.
Be thou partaker - with me.
Of the Gospel, х sungkakopatheeson (G4777) too (G3588) euangelioo (G2098)] - 'for (suffered for) the Gospel' (2 Timothy 2:3-5; Philemon 1:13).
According to the power of God - exhibited in having saved and called us (2 Timothy 1:9). God who has done the greater act of power (i:e., saved us) will surely do the less (carry us safe through afflictions borne for the Gospel). 'Thou hast not to bear these afflictions by thine own power, but by the power of God' (Chrysostom). Our readiness to suffer ought to correspond [be proportionate to: kata (G2596)] to the greatness of His power evinced in having "saved us, and called us" (2 Timothy 1:9).