2 Timothy 1:10

Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ. So א*AD2*E* d e and the Sahidic version; while all other MSS. and versions have Ἰη. Χρ., followed by the rec. text. It is possible that the order Χρ. Ἰη. is a corruption suggested by the Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ of 2 Timothy 1:9; but it seems better on the whole to adopt this reading, as supported by the earlier authorities.

10. φανερωθεῖσαν. See note on 1 Timothy 3:16, and cp. Romans 16:25; Colossians 1:26.

ἐπιφάνεια. This word is used here, not as in 1 Timothy 6:14 of the Second Advent (where see note), but of the whole ‘Epiphany’ of Christ in the world. Cp. Titus 3:4.

τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Χρ. Ἰη. Cp. Philippians 3:20. See critical note for the order Χρ. Ἰη.

τὸν θάνατον. Observe the article; while ζωή and ἀφθαρσία are anarthrous, θάνατον is preceded by τόν, sc. ‘that death which we all know and dread.’ It, i.e. physical death, has been made of none effect, for its sharpness is sin (1 Corinthians 15:56), and that has been conquered in the sorrows of the Passion. Cp. Hebrews 2:14 and Romans 5:12-21.

φωτίσαντος, brought to light. Cp. 1 Corinthians 4:5, ὂς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους. φωτίζειν is, strictly, to illuminate, e.g. John 1:9, ἦν τὸ φῶς τὸ�.τ.λ.; and this is its proper meaning here. In prae-Christian times men had reached after life and incorruption; the doctrine of a future life was not first preached by the Apostles of Christ. But that doctrine was illuminated, brought into clear light, for the first time, διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου. Yet, exegetically necessary as it is to emphasise this distinction, it is not of much practical importance. As Paley says with his usual sober sense: “It is idle to say that a future state had been discovered already:—it had been discovered, as the Copernican system was, it was one guess among many. He alone discovers who proves” (Moral and Political Philosophy, 2 Timothy 1:9 sub fin.). It can hardly be maintained that the doctrine of a future life is demonstrable on grounds of natural religion alone.

διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου. To be connected with φωτίσαντος. By means of the Gospel, life and immortality are brought into full light, for it is through the Gospel that we learn where to seek, and to find, them.