2 Timothy 2:1,2

1 Thou, therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Thought Questions 2:1, 2

57.

What is the connective in chapter one with what is stated here in chapter two? Notice the word, therefore.

58.

Why use the word, child, in this particular place?

59.

Is Paul asking Timothy to be strong, or to receive strength?

60.

Specify just how are we strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus Christ.

61.

Do we know some of the things Timothy heard from Paul? Name three.

62.

Give the meaning of the expression, among many witnesses.

63.

Thinking of the circumstances under which this letter was received, who do you imagine were the faithful men of 2 Timothy 2:2?

64.

Is there some type of apostolic succession in 2 Timothy 2:2 b? What is it?

Paraphrase 2:1, 2

1 Because there has been such a general defection among the teachers in Asia, my son, be strong in preaching the grace which is bestowed on mankind through Christ Jesus.
2 And what things thou hast heard from me concerning Christ, confirmed by many witnesses who saw and conversed with Him both before and after His Resurrection, these commit in trust to men of approved fidelity, who shall be fit, also, to teach them to others, that the knowledge of them may be continued in the world to the end.

Comment 2:1, 2

2 Timothy 2:1. Lenski cannot see a connecting thought in chapter one, Perhaps this is true, and we should eliminate the word, therefore. But others feel that the defection of those in Asia could be the connection for the exhortation here. If Phygelus and Her-mogenes had been strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, they would not have turned aside. Paul could be saying to Timothy, Be not like them, but be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

The term of endearment, child, comes from the heart of one about to lay down his life for the gospel. Timothy would not only heed the word of Paul, but would be touched by the love and concern Paul had for him,
Just how did Paul imagine the grace that is in Christ Jesus would be a source of strength for Timothy?
In Christ Jesus is the favor and approval of God, An awareness that we are in Christ Jesus, and thus in the favor of God, would be a great source of strength to our sometimes fainting heart.
Timothy is to receive strength from his keen consciousness of being in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:2. The second admonition to his child in the faith, is a most important and far-reaching one. Paul was a teacher and Timothy was his student. Paul's sermons and letters were heard and read for a much larger purpose than the fact that they were inspired and inspiring information. Timothy was listening and learning, so as to be able to teach others. Those taught by Timothy, in turn, were learning to teach others, and so has the inspired succession proceeded down the centuries.

The witnesses here mentioned are best understood to refer to those persons who made up the audiences while Paul spoke. Timothy was in that audience, but so were many others. Paul was preaching the Gospel. Timothy is here instructed to commit the Gospel to able and faithful men who shall in turn commit it to others, This verse is the basis for preacher-training today. Every generation must receive from faithful men the faithful Word.

Fact Questions 2:1, 2

41.

Is there a connecting thought in chapter one for what follows in chapter two? If so, what is it? If not, why not?

42.

What effect would the term, child, have upon Timothy?

43.

Explain how the grace that is in Christ Jesus supplies strength to us.

44.

What was it Timothy was to commit to others? Who were these faithful men?

45.

Who were the many witnesses?

46.

How does verse two become the basis for present day preacher-training?

47.

Is the method of commitment described?