It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
Greek, 'Faithful is the saying;' namely, that 'the elect shall obtain salvation with eternal glory' (2 Timothy 2:10).
For - For the fact is so (2 Timothy 2:10) that, "if we be dead with Him (the aorist х sunapethanomen (G4880)] implies a state once for all entered into, when we took Christ's discipleship, involving a daily cross, 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Philippians 3:10), we shall also live with Him." The symmetrical form of the "saying" (2 Timothy 2:11-13), and the rhythmical balance of the parallel clauses, make it likely they formed part of a church hymn (note, 1 Timothy 3:16) or accepted formula, perhaps first uttered by Christian 'prophets' in the public assembly (1 Corinthians 14:26). 'Faithful is the saying,' the usual formula (cf. 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:9; Titus 3:8), favours this.