In view…of…chapter 1 — the examples of faith and steadfastness (Lois and Eunice, Paul himself, Onesiphorus), the Holy Spirit's gift to Timothy, the great salvation that awaits him who perseveres, the wonderful calling — let Timothy be strengthened…in that Christ-centered grace which, as was pointed out, had been given to him "before times everlasting"…Timothy's strength in the sphere of grace will grow if he cultivates the gift which grace has bestowed on him. The appeal is again couched in the language of the tender affection of a father for his son; note the emphasis "you then," and the appeal to the heart, "my child"…What all believers should constantly remember with respect to the manner in which faithfulness to Christ is rewarded, and unfaithfulness punished, is stated most clearly in verses 10b–13…Now, one sure way of being strengthened in grace is to transmit to others the truths which have embedded themselves in one's heart and have become enshrined in the memory. Accordingly, let Timothy be a teacher. Even more, let him produce teachers! Timothy needs this experience, and what is far more important, the church needs the teachers! Paul is about to depart from this life. He has carried the gospel-torch long enough. Hence, he hands it to Timothy, who, in turn, must pass it on to others. The deposit which was entrusted to Timothy (I Tim. 6:20; II Tim. 1:14) must be deposited with trustworthy men. They must be men, moreover, who will be qualified to teach others . . ., so that these others as well as their teachers will have been instructed in God's redemptive truth. |
