Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886], at sacred-texts.com
2 Timothy Chapter 1
An apostle by the will of God
So 2nd Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians. 1st Corinthians adds called or by call (κλητὸς).
According to the promise, etc. (κατ' ἐπαγγελίαν)
Αποστόλος κατὰ does not appear in any of the Pauline salutations. In 1 Timothy, κατ' ἐπιταγὴν according to the commandment, and in Titus κατὰ πίστιν etc., according to the faith, etc. Κατ' ἐπαγγελίαν, though in other connections, Act 13:23; Gal 3:29. Ἑπαγγελία, primarily announcement, but habitually promise in N.T. In Pastorals only here and Ti1 4:8. With the promise of the life in Christ goes the provision for its proclamation. Hence the apostle, in proclaiming "ye shall live; through Christ," is an apostle according to the promise.
Of life which is in Christ Jesus
The phrase promise of life only here and Ti1 4:8. oP. Life in Christ is a Pauline thought. See Rom 8:2; Co2 4:10; Rom 6:2-14; Gal 2:19, Gal 2:20; Col 3:4; Phi 1:21. It is also a Johannine thought; see Joh 1:4; Joh 3:15; Joh 6:25; Joh 14:6; Jo1 5:11.
Dearly beloved (ἀγαπητῷ)
Better, beloved. (Comp. Co1 4:17. In Ti1 1:2, Timothy is addressed as γνήσιος, and Titus in Tit 1:4.
I thank God (χάριν ἔχω τῷ θεῷ)
Lit. I have thanks to God. The phrase in Luk 17:9; Act 2:47; oP. unless Co2 1:15; Ti1 1:12; Heb 12:28; Jo3 1:4. Paul uses εὐχαριστῶ I give thanks (not in Pastorals) or εὐλογητὸς ὁ θεός blessed be God (not in Pastorals). The phrase χάριν ἔχω is a Latinism, habere gratiam, of which several are found in Pastorals.
I serve (λατρεύω)
In Pastorals only here. Comp. Rom 1:9, Rom 1:25; Phi 3:3. Frequent in Hebrews. Originally, to serve for hire. In N.T. both of ritual service, as Heb 8:5; Heb 9:9; Heb 10:2; Heb 13:10; and of worship or service generally, as Luk 1:74; Rom 1:9. Especially of the service rendered to God by the Israelites as his peculiar people, as Act 26:7. Comp. λατρεία service, Rom 9:4; Heb 9:1, Heb 9:6. In lxx always of the service of God or of heathen deities.
From my forefathers (ἀπὸ προγόνων)
Πρόγονος, Pasto. See on Ti1 5:4. The phrase N.T.o. For the thought, comp. Act 14:14; Phi 3:5. He means, in the spirit and with the principles inherited from his fathers. Comp. the sharp distinction between the two periods of Paul's life, Gal 1:13, Gal 1:14.
With pure conscience (ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει)
As Ti1 3:9. The phrase, Pasto. Heb 9:14 has καθαριεῖ τὴν συνίδησιν ἡμῶν shall purge our conscience.
That without ceasing (ὡς ἀδιάλειπτον)
The passage is much involved. Note (1) that χάριν ἔχω τῷ θεῷ I thank God must have an object. (2) That object cannot be that he unceasingly remembers Timothy in his prayers. (3) That object, though remote, is ὑπόμνησιν λαβὼν when I received reminder (Ti2 1:5). He thanks God as he is reminded of the faith of Timothy's ancestors and of Timothy himself. Rend. freely, "I thank God whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, as there goes along with my prayers an unceasing remembrance of thee, and a daily and nightly longing, as I recall thy tears, to see thee, that I may be filled with joy - I thank God, I say, for that I have been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee," etc. Ἀδιάλειπτον unceasing, only here and Rom 9:2. Ἁδιαλείπτως, Rom 1:9; Th1 1:3; Th1 2:13; Th1 5:17.
I have remembrance (ἔχω τὴν μνείαν)
The phrase once in Paul, Th1 3:6. Commonly, μνείαν ποιοῦμαι I make mention, Rom 1:9; Eph 1:16; Th1 1:2; Plm 1:4.
Night and day (νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας)
See Ti1 5:5. The phrase in Paul, Th1 2:9; Th1 3:10; Th2 3:8. Const. with greatly desiring.
Greatly desiring (ἐπιποθῶν)
Better, longing. Pastorals only here. Quite frequent in Paul. See Rom 1:11; Co2 5:2; Co2 9:14; Phi 1:8, etc. The compounded preposition ἐπὶ does not denote intensity, as A.V. greatly, but direction. Comp. Ti2 4:9, Ti2 4:21.
Being mindful of thy tears (μεμνημένος σου τῶν δακρύων)
The verb, μιμνήσκεσθαι in Paul, only Co1 11:2. In Pastorals only here. The words give the reason for the longing to see Timothy. The allusion is probably to the tears shed by Timothy at his parting from Paul. One is naturally reminded of the parting of Paul with the Ephesians elders at Miletus (Act 20:17 ff., see especially Act 20:37). Holtzmann remarks that Paul's discourse on that occasion is related to this passage as program to performance. Bonds await the apostle (Act 20:23), and Paul appears as a prisoner (Ti2 1:8). He must fulfill his course (Act 20:24); here he has fulfilled it (Ti2 4:7). He bids the overseers take heed to the flock, for false teachers will arise in the bosom of the church (Act 20:29, Act 20:30); these letters contain directions for the guidance of the flock, and denunciations of heretical teachers.
That I may be filled with joy
Const. with longing to see you.
When I call to remembrance (ὑπόμνησιν λαβὼν)
The object of χάριν ἔχω, Ti2 1:3. Lit. having received a reminding. The phrases N.T.o. Ὑπόμνησις reminding (but sometimes intransitive, remembrance), only here, Pe2 1:13; Pe2 3:1. In lxx three times. As distinguished from ἀνάμνησις remembrance (Co1 11:24, Co1 11:25) it signifies a reminding or being reminded by another; while ἀνάμνησις is a recalling by one's self.
Unfeigned faith that is in thee (τῆς ἐν σοὶ ἀνυποκρίτου πίστεως)
See on Ti1 1:5. For the peculiar collocation of the Greek words, comp. Act 17:28; Rom 1:12; Eph 1:15. The writer's thought is probably not confined to Christian faith, but has in view the continuity of Judaism and Christianity. In Ti2 1:3 he speaks of serving God from his forefathers. In Act 24:14 Paul is represented as saying that even as a Christian he serves the God of his fathers, believing all things contained in the law and the prophets.
Dwelt (ἐνῴκησεν)
Paul uses the verb with sin, the divine Spirit, God, the word of Christ, but nowhere with faith. The phrase faith dwells in, N.T.o. According to Paul, Christians are or stand in faith; but faith is not represented as dwelling in them. Christ dwells in the heart through faith (Eph 3:17).
First (πρῶτον)
With reference to Timothy, and with a comparative sense, as Mat 5:24; Mat 7:5; Mar 3:27; Th1 4:16, etc. This is shown by the last clause of the verse. The writer merely means that faith had already dwelt in Timothy's grandmother and mother before it did in him. How much farther back his believing ancestry went he does not say. Comp. Act 16:1.
Grandmother (μάμμῃ)
N.T. Once in lxx, 4 Macc. 16:9. Later Greek. The correct classical word is τήθη. See Aristoph. Ach. 49; Plato, Repub. 461 D. From the emphasis upon Timothy's receiving his training from his Jewish mother, it has been inferred that his father died early. That he was the child of a mixed marriage appears from Act 16:1
I am persuaded (πέπεισμαι)
The verb in Pastorals only here and Ti2 1:12. Often in Paul.
Wherefore (δἰ ἣν αἰτίαν)
Lit. for which cause. Ἁιτία not in Paul. The phrase in Ti2 1:12; Tit 1:13; also in Luke, Acts, and Hebrews. Paul's expression is διό or διὰ τοῦτο.
Stir up (ἀναζωπυρεῖν)
N.T.o. lxx, (Gen 45:27; 1 Macc. 13:7. In Class., as Eurip. Electra, 1121, ἀν' αὖ σὺ ζωπυρεῖς νείκη νέα you are rekindling old strifes. From ἀνά again ζωός alive, πῦρ fire. Τὸ ζώπυρον is a piece of hot coal, an ember, a spark. Plato calls the survivors of the flood σμικρὰ ζώπυρα τοῦ τῶν ἀνθρώπων γένους διασεσωσμένα small sparks of the human race preserved. The word is, therefore, figurative, to stir or kindle the embers. Ἁνὰ combines the meanings again and up, rekindle or kindle up. Vulg. only the former, resuscitare. Comp. ἀνάπτειν kindle up, Luk 12:49; Jam 3:5. It is not necessary to assume that Timothy's zeal had become cold.
The gift of God (τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ)
See on Ti1 4:14.
The laying on of my hands
See on Ti1 4:14.
Spirit of fear (πνεῦμα δειλίας)
Better, of cowardice. N.T. Comp. Rom 8:15, and see on the Spirit, Rom 8:4, 5.
Of power (δυνάμεως)
Found in all the Pauline Epistles except Philemon. In Pastorals only here, Ti2 1:8, and Ti2 3:5. Not used by our writer in the sense of working miracles, which it sometimes has in Paul. Here, the power to overcome all obstacles and to face all dangers. It is closely linked with the sense of παρρησία boldness.
Of love (ἀγάπης)
See on Gal 5:22.
Of a sound mind (σωφρονισμοῦ)
N.T.o. olxx, oClass. Not self-control, but the faculty of generating it in others or in one's self, making them σώφρονες of sound mind. Comp. Tit 2:4. Rend. discipline. See on σωφροσύνη Ti1 2:9.
Be not ashamed (μὴ ἐπαισχυνθῇς)
See on Luk 9:26.
Testimony (μαρτύριον)
See on Ti1 2:6.
His prisoner (δέσμιον αὐτοῦ)
Paul styles himself the prisoner of the Lord, Eph 3:1; Eph 4:1, Plm 1:9. Only here in Pastorals. Not in a figurative sense, one who belongs to Christ, but one who is imprisoned because of his labors as an apostle of Christ. On Paul's supposed second imprisonment, see Introd. IV.
Be partaker of the afflictions (συνκακοπάθησον)
Only here and Ti2 2:3. olxx, oClass. The compounded συν with, not with the gospel, as Rev., but with me. Share afflictions with me for the gospel.
According to the power of God
Which enables him to endure hardness. Connect with be partaker, etc.
Who hath saved us
Salvation is ascribed to God. See on our Savior, Ti1 1:1.
Called (καλέσαντος)
Comp. Ti1 6:12, and see Rom 8:30; Rom 9:11; Co1 1:9; Gal 1:6; Th1 2:12. It is Paul's technical term for God's summoning men to salvation. In Paul the order is reversed: called, saved.
With a holy calling (λκήσει ἁγίᾳ)
Κλῆσις, calling, often in Paul; but the phrase holy calling only here. In Paul, κλῆσις sometimes as here, with the verb καλεῖν to call, as Co1 7:20; Eph 4:1, Eph 4:4.
Purpose (πρόθεσιν)
See on Act 11:23; see on Rom 9:11.
Grace which was given (χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν)
Comp. Rom 12:3, Rom 12:6; Rom 15:15; Co1 3:10; Eph 3:8; Eph 4:7. The phrase only here in Pastorals.
Before the world began (πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων)
See additional note on Th2 1:9. In Pastorals the phrase only here and Tit 1:2. Not in Paul. Lit. before eternal times. If it is insisted that αἰώνιος means everlasting, this statement is absurd. It is impossible that anything should take place before everlasting times. That would be to say that there was a beginning of times which are from everlasting. Paul puts the beginnings of salvation in God's purpose before the time of the world (Co1 2:7; Pe1 1:20); and Christ's participation in the saving counsels of God prior to time, goes with the Pauline doctrine of Christ's preexistence. The meaning, therefore, of this phrase is rightly given in A.V.: before the world began, that is, before time was reckoned by aeons or cycles. Then, in that timeless present, grace was given to us in God's decree, not actually, since we did not exist. The gift planned and ordered in the eternal counsels is here treated as an actual bestowment.
Made manifest (φανερωθεῖσαν)
See on Ti1 3:16. In contrast with the preceding clause, this marks the historical fulfillment in time of the eternal, divine counsel. Comp. Tit 1:3. There is an implication that the divine counsel was hidden until the fitting time: comp. Eph 3:5, and see Col 1:26.
By the appearing (διὰ τῆς ἐπιφανείας)
See on Th2 2:8; see on Ti1 6:14.
Who hath abolished (καταργήσαντος)
Better, since he made of none effect. In Pastorals only here. Frequent in Paul. See on make without effect, Rom 3:3, and comp. is swallowed up, Co1 15:54. Notice the association of the verb with ἐπιφάνεια appearing in Th2 2:8.
Brought to light (φωτίσαντος)
Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, Co1 4:5; Eph 1:18; Eph 3:9.
Immortality (ἀφθαρσίαν)
Better, incorruption. With this exception, only in Paul. See Wisd. 2:23; 6:9; 4 Macc. 9:22; 17:12.
A teacher of the Gentiles (διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν)
Omit of the Gentiles. Comp. Ti1 2:7, from which the words were probably transferred when the three Epistles were jointly edited. Paul calls himself an apostle, and describes himself as preaching (κηρύσσων); but he nowhere calls himself διδάσκαλος a teacher, although he uses διδάσκειν to teach, of himself, Co1 4:17; Col 1:28. He also uses διδαχή teaching, of matter given by him to the converts, Rom 6:17; Rom 16:17; Co1 14:6. He distinguishes between the apostle and the teacher, Co1 12:28; Eph 4:11.
I am not ashamed
Whom I have believed (ᾧ πεπίστευκα)
Or, in whom I have put my trust. See on Joh 1:12; see on Joh 2:22; see on Rom 4:5.
Able (δυνατός)
Often used with a stronger meaning, as Co1 1:26, mighty; Act 25:5, οἱδυνατοὶ the chief men: as a designation of God, ὁ δυνατός the mighty one, Luk 1:49 : of preeminent ability or power in something, as of Jesus, δυνατός ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ mighty in deed and word, Luk 24:19 : of spiritual agencies, "The weapons of our warfare are δυνατὰ mighty," etc., Co2 10:4. Very often in lxx.
That which I have committed (τὴν παραθήκην μου)
More correctly, that which has been committed unto me: my sacred trust. The meaning of the passage is that Paul is convinced that God is strong to enable him to be faithful to his apostolic calling, in spite of the sufferings which attend it, until the day when he shall be summoned to render his final account. The παραθήκη or thing committed to him was the same as that which he had committed to Timothy that; he might teach others (Ti1 6:20). It was the form of sound words (Ti2 1:13); that which Timothy had heard from Paul (Ti2 2:2); that fair deposit (Ti2 1:14). It was the gospel to which Paul had been appointed (Ti2 1:11); which had been intrusted to him (Ti1 1:11; Tit 1:3; comp. Co1 9:17; Gal 2:7; Th1 2:4). The verb παρατιθέναι to commit to one's charge is a favorite with Luke. See Luk 12:48; Act 20:32. Sums deposited with a Bishop for the use of the church were called παραθῆκαι τῆς ἐκκλησίας trust-funds of the church. In the Epistle of the pseudo-Ignatius to Hero (vii.) we read: "Keep my deposit (παραθήκην) which I and Christ have committed (παρθέμεθα) to you. I commit (παρατίθημι) to you the church of the Antiochenes."
That day (ἐκείνην τὴν ἡμέραν)
The day of Christ's second appearing. See on Th1 5:2. In this sense the phrase occurs in the N.T. Epistles only Ti2 1:18; Ti2 4:8; Th2 1:10; but often in the Gospels, as Mat 7:22; Mat 26:29; Mar 13:32, etc. The day of the Lord's appearing is designated by Paul as ἡ ἡμέρα, absolutely, the day, Rom 13:12; Co1 3:13; Th1 5:4 : ἡμέρα τοῦ κυρίου the day of the Lord, Co1 1:8; Co2 1:14; Th1 5:2; Th2 2:2 : the day of Jesus Christ or Christ, Phi 1:6, Phi 1:10; Phi 2:16: the day when God shall judge, Rom 2:16 : the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Rom 2:5 : the day of redemption, Eph 4:30.
The form (ὑποτύπωσιν)
Pastso. olxx, oClass. See on Ti1 1:16.
Of sound words (ὑγιαινόντων λόγων)
See on Ti1 1:16.
In faith and love
The teaching is to be held, preached, and practiced, not as a mere schedule of conduct, however excellent, but with the strong conviction of faith and the favor of love.
That good thing which was committed (τὴν καλὴν παραθήκην)
That fair, honorable trust, good and beautiful in itself, and honorable to him who receives it. The phrase N.T.o. See on Ti2 1:12. Comp. the good warfare, Ti1 1:18; teaching, Ti1 4:6; fight, Ti1 6:12; confession, Ti1 6:12.
In Asia
Proconsular Asia, known as Asia Propria or simply Asia. It was the Romans province formed out of the kingdom of Pergamus, which was bequeathed to the Romans by Attalus III (b.c. 130), including the Greek cities on the western coast of Asia, and the adjacent islands with Rhodes. It included Mysia, Lydia, Caria, and Phrygia. The division Asia Major and Asia Minor was not adopted until the fourth century a.d. Asia Minor (Anatolia) was bounded by the Euxine, Aegean, and Mediterranean on the north, west, and south; and on the east by the mountains on the west of the upper course of the Euphrates.
Have turned away (ἀπεστράφηνσαν)
Not from the faith, but from Paul.
Onesiphorus
Mentioned again, Ti2 4:19.
Refreshed (ἀνέψυζεν)
N.T.o. Several times in lxx; often in Class. Ἁνάψυξις refreshing, Act 3:19; and καταψύχειν to cool, Luk 16:24. Originally to cool; to revive by fresh air.
Chain (ἅλυσιν)
Once in Paul, Eph 6:20. Several times in Mark, Luke, and Acts. It may mean handcuffs or manacles (see Lightfoot, Philippians, ed. of 1896, page 8), but is not limited to that sense either in classical or later Greek. See Hdt. ix. 74; Eurip. Orest. 984. Mar 5:4 is not decisive.
Very well (βέλτιον)
N.T.o. The sense is comparative; better than I can tell you.