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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Timothy 1:6–14. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is an exhortation and excitation of Timothy to his duty (Ti2 1:6): I put thee in remembrance. The best men need remembrancers; what we know we should be reminded of. Pe2 3:1, I write this, to stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.
I.He exhorts him to stir up the gift of God that was in him.
Stir it up as fire under the embers. It is meant of all the gifts and graces the God had given him, to qualify him for the work of an evangelist, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, the extraordinary gifts that were conferred by the imposition of the apostle's hands. These he must stir up; he must exercise them and so increase them: use gifts and have gifts. To him that hath shall be given, Mat 25:29. He must take all opportunities to use these gifts, and so stir them up, for that is the best way of increasing them. Whether the gift of God in Timothy was ordinary or extraordinary (though I incline to the latter), he must stir it up, otherwise it would decay. Further, you see that this gift was in him by the putting on of the apostle's hands, which I take to be distinct from his ordination, for that was performed by the hands of the presbytery, Ti1 4:14. It is probable that Timothy had the Holy Ghost, in his extraordinary gifts and graces, conferred on him by the laying on of the apostle's hands (for I reckon that none but the apostles had the power of giving the Holy Ghost), and afterwards, being thus richly furnished for the work of the ministry, was ordained by the presbytery. Observe,
1.The great hindrance of usefulness in the increase of our gifts is slavish fear. Paul therefore warns Timothy against this: God hath not given us the spirit of fear, Ti2 1:7. It was through base fear that the evil servant buried his talent, and did not trade with it, Mat 25:25. Now God hath therefore armed us against the spirit of fear, by often bidding us fear not. "Fear not the face of man; fear not the dangers you may meet with in the way of your duty." God hath delivered us from the spirit of fear, and hath given us the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The spirit of power, or of courage and resolution to encounter difficulties and dangers; - the spirit of love to God, which will carry us through the opposition we may meet with, as Jacob made nothing of the hard service he was to endure for Rachel: the spirit of love to God will set us above the fear of man, and all the hurt that a man can do us; - and the spirit of a sound mind, or quietness of mind, a peaceable enjoyment of ourselves, for we are oftentimes discouraged in our way and work by the creatures o our own fancy and imagination, which a sober, solid, thinking mind would obviate, and would easily answer.
2.The spirit God gives to his ministers is not a fearful, but a courageous spirit; it is a spirit of power, for they speak in his name who has all power, both in heaven and earth; and it is a spirit of love, for love to God and the souls of men must inflame ministers in all their service; and it is a spirit of a sound mind, for they speak the words of truth and soberness.
II.He exhorts him to count upon afflictions, and get ready for them:
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner. Be not thou ashamed of the gospel, of the testimony thou hast borne to it." Observe,
1.The gospel of Christ is what we have none of us reason to be ashamed of. We must not be ashamed of those who are suffering for the gospel of Christ. Timothy must not be ashamed of good old Paul, though he was now in bonds. As he must not himself be afraid of suffering, so he must not be afraid of owning those who were sufferers for the cause of Christ.
(1.)The gospel is the testimony of our Lord; in and by this he bears testimony of himself to us, and by professing our adherence to it we bear testimony of him and for him.
(2.)Paul was the Lord's prisoner, his prisoner, Eph 4:1. For his sake he was bound with a chain.
(3.)We have no reason to be ashamed either of the testimony of our Lord or of his prisoners; if we are ashamed of either now, Christ will be ashamed of us hereafter. "But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God, that is, expect afflictions for the gospel's sake, prepare for them, count upon them, be willing to take thy lot with the suffering saints in this world. Be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel;" or, as it may be read, Do thou suffer with the gospel; "not only sympathize with those who suffer for it, but be ready to suffer with them and suffer like them." If at any time the gospel be in distress, he who hopes for life and salvation by it will be content to suffer with it. Observe,
[1.]Then we are likely to bear afflictions as well, when we fetch strength and power from God to enable us to bear them: Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God.
[2.]All Christians, but especially ministers, must expect afflictions and persecutions for the sake of the gospel.
[3.]These shall be proportioned, according to the power of God (Co1 10:13) resting upon us.
2.Mentioning God and the gospel, he takes notice what great things God has done for us by the gospel, Ti2 1:9, Ti2 1:10. To encourage him to suffer, he urges two considerations: -
(1.)The nature of that gospel which he was called to suffer for, and the glorious and gracious designs and purposes of it. It is usual with Paul, when he mentions Christ, and the gospel of Christ, to digress from his subject, and enlarge upon them; so full was he of that which is all our salvation, and ought to be all our desire. Observe,
[1.]The gospel aims at our salvation: He has saved us, and we must not think much to suffer for that which we hope to be saved by. He has begun to save us, and will complete it in due time; for God calls those things that are not (that are not yet completed) as though they were (Rom 4:17); therefore he says, who has saved us.
[2.]It is designed for our sanctification: And called us with a holy calling, called us to holiness. Christianity is a calling, a holy calling; it is the calling wherewith we are called, the calling to which we are called, to labour in it. Observe, All who shall be saved hereafter are sanctified now. Wherever the call of the gospel is an effectual call, it is found to be a holy call, making those holy who are effectually called.
[3.]The origin of it is the free grace and eternal purpose of God in Christ Jesus. If we had merited it, it had been hard to suffer for it; but our salvation by it is of free grace, and not according to our works, and therefore we must not think much to suffer for it. This grace is said to be given us before the world began, that is, in the purpose and designs of God from all eternity; in Christ Jesus, for all the gifts that come from God to sinful man come in and through Christ Jesus.
[4.]The gospel is the manifestation of this purpose and grace: By the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who had lain in the bosom of the Father from eternity, and was perfectly apprised of all his gracious purposes. By his appearing this gracious purpose was made manifest to us. Did Jesus Christ suffer for it, and shall we think much to suffer for it?
[5.]By the gospel of Christ death is abolished: He has abolished death, not only weakened it, but taken it out of the way, has broken the power of death over us; by taking away sin he has abolished death (for the sting of death is sin, Co1 15:56), in altering the property of it, and breaking the power of it. Death now of an enemy has become a friend; it is the gate by which we pass out of a troublesome, vexatious, sinful world, into a world of perfect peace and purity; and the power thereof is broken, for death does not triumph over those who believe the gospel, but they triumph over it. O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory? Co1 15:55.
[6.]He has brought life and immortality to light by the gospel; he has shown us another world more clearly than it was before discovered under any former dispensation, and the happiness of that world, the certain recompence of our obedience by faith: we all with open face, as in a glass, behold the glory of God. He has brought it to light, not only set it before us, but offered it to us, by the gospel. Let us value the gospel more than ever, as it is that whereby life and immortality are brought to light, for herein it has the pre-eminence above all former discoveries; so that it is the gospel of life and immortality, as it discovers them to us, and directs us in the ready way that leads thereto, as well as proposes the most weighty motives to excite our endeavours in seeking after glory, honour, and immortality.
(2.)Consider the example of blessed Paul, Ti2 1:11, Ti2 1:12. He was appointed to preach the gospel, and particularly appointed to teach the Gentiles. He though it a cause worth suffering for, and why should not Timothy think so too? No man needs to be afraid nor ashamed to suffer for the cause of the gospel: I am not ashamed, says Paul, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Observe, [1.] Good men often suffer many things for the best cause in the world: For which cause I suffer these things; that is, "for my preaching, and adhering to the gospel." [2.] They need not be ashamed, the cause will bear them out; but those who oppose it shall be clothed with shame. [3.] Those who trust in Christ know whom they have trusted. The apostle speaks with a holy triumph and exultation, as much as to say, "I stand on firm ground. I know I have lodged the great trust in the hands of the best trustee." And am persuaded, etc. What must we commit to Christ? The salvation of our souls, and their preservation to the heavenly kingdom; and what we so commit to him he will keep. There is a day coming when our souls will be enquired after: "Man! Woman! thou hadst a soul committed to thee, what hast thou done with it? To whom it was offered, to God or Satan? How was it employed, in the service of sin or in the service of Christ?" There is a day coming, and it will be a very solemn and awful day, when we must give an account of our stewardship (Luk 16:2), give an account of our souls: now, if by an active obedient faith we commit it to Jesus Christ, we may be sure he is able to keep it, and it shall be forthcoming to our comfort in that day.
III.He exhorts him to hold fast the form of sound words, Ti2 1:13.
1. "Have a form of sound words" (so it may be read), "a short form, a catechism, an abstract of the first principles of religion, according to the scriptures, a scheme of sound words, a brief summary of the Christian faith, in a proper method, drawn out by thyself from the holy scriptures for thy own use;" or, rather, by the form of sound words I understand the holy scriptures themselves. 2. "Having it, hold it fast, remember it, retain it, adhere to it. Adhere to it in opposition to all heresies and false doctrine, which corrupt the Christian faith. Hold that fast which thou hast heard of me." Paul was divinely inspired. It is good to adhere to those forms of sound words which we have in the scriptures; for these, we are sure, were divinely inspired. That is sound speech, which cannot be condemned, Tit 2:8. But how must it be held fast? In faith and love; that is, we must assent to it as a faithful saying, and bid it welcome as worthy of all acceptation. Hold it fast in a good heart, this is the ark of the covenant, in which the tables both of law and gospel are most safely and profitably deposited, Psa 119:11. Faith and love must go together; it is not enough to believe the sound words, and to give an assent to them, but we must love them, believe their truth and love their goodness, and we must propagate the form of sound words in love; speaking the truth in love, Eph 4:15. Faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; it must be Christian faith and love, faith and love fastening upon Jesus Christ, in and by whom God speaks to us and we to him. Timothy, as a minister, must hold fast the form of sound words, for the benefit of others. Of healing words, so it may read; there is healing virtue in the word of God; he sent his word, and healed them. To the same purport is that (Ti2 1:14), That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us. That good thing was the form of sound words, the Christian doctrine, which was committed to Timothy in his baptism and education as he was a Christian, and in his ordination as he was a minister. Observe, (1.) The Christian doctrine is a trust committed to us. It is committed to Christians in general, but to ministers in particular. It is a good thing, of unspeakable value in itself, and which will be of unspeakable advantage to us; it is a good thing indeed, it is an inestimable jewel, for it discovers to us the unsearchable riches of Christ, Eph 3:8. It is committed to us to be preserved pure and entire, and to be transmitted to those who shall come after us, and we must keep it, and not contribute any thing to the corrupting of its purity, the weakening of its power, or the diminishing of its perfection: Keep it by the Holy Ghost that dwelleth in us. Observe, Even those who are ever so well taught cannot keep what they have learned, any more than they could at first learn it, without the assistance of the Holy Spirit. We must not think to keep it by our own strength, but keep it by the Holy Ghost. (2.) The Holy Ghost dwells in all good ministers and Christians; they are his temples, and he enables them to keep the gospel pure and uncorrupt; and yet they must use their best endeavours to keep this good thing, for the assistance and indwelling of the Holy Ghost do not exclude men's endeavours, but they very well consist together.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Not by letters alone did Paul instruct his disciple in his duty, but before by words also which he shows, both in many other passages, as where he says, "whether by word or our Epistle" (2 Thess. ii. 15.), and especially here. Let us not therefore suppose that anything relating to doctrine was spoken imperfectly. For many things he delivered to him without writing. Of these therefore he reminds him, when he says, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me." After the manner of artists, I have impressed on thee the image of virtue, fixing in thy soul a sort of rule, and model, and outline of all things pleasing to God. These things then hold fast, and whether thou art meditating any matter of faith or love, or of a sound mind, form from hence your ideas of them. It will not be necessary to have recourse to others for examples, when all has been deposited within thyself.
Hold to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
Hold to the pattern of sound teaching. Like an image, likeness, imitation. "of sound teaching," those concerning faith and life. As I suppose concerning others, they are not sound.
that you have heard from me. He did not assign to the disciple only epistles to be made, but also gave instructions orally in his presence. For thus he acted in all things as well. Therefore, let no one think that anything is lacking in the epistles, because they do not discuss everything.
in faith and love. For the words and teachings came into being in faith and love given to him through Christ.
Guard the good deposit. Paul calls the faith and the care of the Church entrusted to him a deposit. Then he shows that human strength is not enough to guard so much. For there are many obstacles. Therefore, he indicates the way of guarding. "Guard," he says, "through the Holy Spirit." As if he said: Strive to have the Spirit abiding in you, and do not cast it away through bad conduct, and you will guard the deposit. "For unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
Disadvantages of the transmission of divine dogmas.
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Summary
In 2 Timothy 1:13, the Apostle Paul delivers a crucial charge to his protégé, Timothy, urging him to steadfastly adhere to and preserve the definitive pattern of wholesome Christian teaching he had received directly from Paul. This command is not merely an intellectual exercise but is deeply rooted in and empowered by the spiritual realities of faith and love, which are found in a living relationship with Christ Jesus. The verse underscores the enduring importance of doctrinal fidelity as a cornerstone of Christian life and ministry, linking sound teaching inextricably with genuine piety.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's deeply personal and urgent second letter to Timothy, written from Roman imprisonment, likely just before Paul's martyrdom. It follows Paul's profound encouragement to Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul himself (2 Timothy 1:8) and to "share in suffering for the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:8). Paul has just reminded Timothy of the "good deposit" entrusted to him, which must be guarded by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:14). Therefore, 2 Timothy 1:13 serves as a direct instruction on how Timothy is to guard this deposit: by holding fast to the established pattern of truth. It is a foundational command for maintaining doctrinal integrity amidst the challenges of false teaching and spiritual decline that Paul foresees.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul's second letter to Timothy was penned during a period of intense persecution for Christians under the Roman Empire, specifically under Nero. Timothy, leading the church in Ephesus, faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, there were emerging false doctrines, speculative myths, and unhealthy debates, as evidenced in 1 Timothy 1:3-7 and 2 Timothy 2:16-18. Externally, the cultural milieu was often hostile to Christian monotheism and its ethical demands. In this environment, the temptation to compromise or dilute the Gospel message was strong. Paul's exhortation for Timothy to "hold fast" was a call to steadfastness and courage in preserving the authentic Christian message against these corrupting influences, ensuring the church's spiritual health and witness in a challenging world.
Key Themes
The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Pastoral Epistles. Foremost is the Preservation of Truth and Sound Doctrine. Paul consistently emphasizes the vital importance of "sound doctrine" (e.g., Titus 2:1) as essential for the spiritual health of believers and the church. The "form of sound words" represents a fixed, reliable standard against which all teaching must be measured. Another theme is Apostolic Authority and Succession, highlighted by "which thou hast heard of me." This underscores that the truth Timothy received was not of human invention but divinely revealed through Paul, an apostle of Christ, establishing a clear lineage of authentic teaching that Timothy was responsible to transmit faithfully (2 Timothy 2:2). Finally, the verse emphasizes the Inseparable Link Between Doctrine and Piety. Holding fast to sound words is not merely an intellectual exercise but must be rooted "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus," demonstrating that true orthodoxy must always be accompanied by orthopraxy, flowing from a vibrant, Christ-centered relationship.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies to "hold," "possess," or "cling to." In this context, it is an imperative, a command to actively maintain, retain, and guard something precious. It implies a firm, unyielding grip, suggesting vigilance and perseverance in the face of pressures to abandon or alter the truth. It's not a passive reception but an active, continuous adherence.
This term denotes an "outline," "pattern," "standard," or "example." It suggests a definitive, foundational sketch or summary of Christian truth that serves as a guiding template. It implies a clear, recognizable shape or mold of doctrine that Timothy is to conform to and uphold, rather than inventing new teachings or allowing them to be distorted.
Derived from the word for "health," this adjective literally means "to be in health" or "to be well." When applied to "words" or "doctrine," it signifies that which is wholesome, healthy, beneficial, and free from corruption or disease. Just as a healthy body functions properly, "sound words" are spiritually nourishing, life-giving, and promote genuine godliness, contrasting sharply with the "sickly" or "unhealthy" doctrines of false teachers.
Verse Breakdown
"Hold fast the form of sound words"
This is the central imperative of the verse. Paul commands Timothy to actively and firmly grasp, preserve, and adhere to a specific, established pattern or outline of Christian teaching. These "words" are described as "sound" or "healthy," meaning they are spiritually wholesome, life-giving, and free from error or corruption, contrasting with the destructive doctrines of false teachers. This implies a non-negotiable standard of truth.
"which thou hast heard of me"
This clause establishes the authoritative source and authentic nature of the "sound words." Timothy's teaching was not self-derived or from a questionable origin, but directly from Paul, an apostle commissioned by Christ. This emphasizes the apostolic origin and authority of the doctrine, highlighting the importance of faithful transmission of truth from one generation to the next. It grounds the "form" in a historical, verifiable revelation.
"in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus"
This final phrase specifies the spiritual context and enabling power for holding fast to sound words. It indicates that adherence to true doctrine is not merely an intellectual assent but must be deeply rooted in a living, active relationship with Christ. "Faith" refers to trust in Christ and the truths of the Gospel, while "love" denotes sacrificial devotion to God and others, both of which are gifts and characteristics that originate from and are perfected "in Christ Jesus." This ensures that doctrinal purity is always accompanied by spiritual vitality and ethical conduct.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in 2 Timothy 1:13. The most prominent is Metaphor, particularly in the phrase "sound words" (Greek: hygiaínō logon). By using a term associated with physical health, Paul metaphorically portrays doctrine as something that can be "healthy" or "unhealthy," implying that true teaching brings spiritual vitality and well-being, while false teaching leads to spiritual sickness and decay. This extends the medical metaphor common in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., 1 Timothy 6:3-4). The term "form" (hypotýpōsis) also functions as a Metaphor or Analogy, suggesting a blueprint, mold, or pattern for truth, much like an architect's design or a sculptor's model. This implies a definitive, unchanging standard. Furthermore, the verse uses Imperative Mood ("Hold fast"), which functions as a direct, authoritative command, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of Paul's instruction to Timothy. Finally, the phrase "which thou hast heard of me" employs Personal Exhortation and Apostolic Authority, grounding the command in Paul's direct mentorship and his divinely appointed role as an apostle.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Timothy 1:13 stands as a foundational text for understanding the critical importance of orthodoxy in Christian faith. It asserts that there is a discernible, authoritative body of truth—a "form of sound words"—that must be preserved and transmitted. This concept is vital for the church's integrity, ensuring that its message remains consistent with the apostolic witness and the revelation of God in Christ. The verse underscores that genuine faith is not amorphous but has a definite content, and that love for God is expressed, in part, by adherence to His revealed truth. It challenges the notion that doctrine is secondary to experience or emotion, positing instead that sound doctrine is the very framework within which true faith and love flourish. This theological emphasis on guarding the truth is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, particularly as the early church grappled with internal deviations and external pressures.
Reflection and Application
For believers today, 2 Timothy 1:13 serves as a timeless and urgent call to doctrinal fidelity in an age characterized by shifting truths and spiritual ambiguity. We are exhorted to diligently engage with God's Word, seeking to understand and internalize the "form of sound words" that has been handed down through the apostles. This requires more than casual reading; it demands careful study, thoughtful discernment, and a commitment to align our beliefs and practices with the unchanging truth of Scripture. In a world saturated with diverse and often conflicting messages, we must cultivate the spiritual discipline to test all teachings against the established pattern of biblical truth, guarding against error and compromise. Crucially, our commitment to sound doctrine must not be merely intellectual, but must flow from and be empowered by a vibrant "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus," ensuring that our theological convictions translate into Christ-like character and compassionate action. This verse reminds us that we are not only recipients but also stewards of the Gospel, called to faithfully preserve and proclaim its purity for future generations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the form of sound words" mean in this verse?
"The form of sound words" (Greek: hypotýpōsis hygiainóntōn logōn) refers to a definitive, healthy, and wholesome pattern or outline of Christian teaching. "Form" (hypotýpōsis) suggests a blueprint, standard, or example—a clear, recognizable shape of doctrine that Timothy had received directly from Paul. "Sound words" (hygiainóntōn logōn) literally means "healthy words," implying doctrine that is spiritually beneficial, life-giving, and free from corruption or error, much like a healthy body is free from disease. It signifies the true, unadulterated Gospel and the core truths of Christian faith and practice. Paul uses this phrase to emphasize that there is an established, authoritative body of truth that must be preserved and adhered to, contrasting it with the "unhealthy" or "sickly" doctrines of false teachers mentioned elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., 1 Timothy 6:3-4).
Why is it important to "hold fast" to doctrine, and not just live a good life?
Paul's command to "hold fast" (Greek: échō) emphasizes the active, firm, and continuous preservation of this "form of sound words." It is crucial because doctrine provides the very foundation and framework for a "good life" in Christ. Without sound doctrine, Christian living can become subjective, easily swayed by cultural trends, personal feelings, or deceptive teachings. True Christian ethics and spiritual vitality flow from a correct understanding of God, Christ, humanity, sin, and salvation, as revealed in Scripture. As Paul states, this adherence must be "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus," indicating that intellectual assent to truth is inseparable from a living relationship with Christ and the practical outworking of that relationship in love (Galatians 5:6). Holding fast to sound doctrine safeguards the purity of the Gospel, ensuring that believers are nourished by truth and equipped to live authentically for Christ.
How does "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" relate to holding fast to sound words?
This phrase highlights that holding fast to sound doctrine is not a dry, intellectual exercise but a deeply spiritual and relational act. "Faith" refers to the trust and conviction in Christ and the truths He embodies and reveals, serving as the essential foundation for receiving and believing the "sound words." "Love" (Greek: agápē), specifically "which is in Christ Jesus," is the divine, self-sacrificing love that originates from Christ and is poured into believers through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). This love provides the motivation and power to obey, preserve, and live out the truth, even in the face of opposition. It means that our commitment to sound doctrine is not merely about being "right" but about being rightly related to God and others through Christ. It's the spiritual dynamic that transforms intellectual assent into living obedience and passionate devotion, ensuring that orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Timothy 1:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Jesus himself. He is the very embodiment and source of all "sound words," for He is the Word made flesh, the Truth incarnate, and the perfect revelation of God. The "form of sound words" that Timothy received from Paul is nothing less than the Gospel message centered on Christ's person and work: His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and the salvation He offers. Our ability to "hold fast" to this truth is not a matter of human strength but is enabled by the "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." He is the author and perfecter of our faith, and it is His divine love, poured into our hearts through the Spirit, that empowers us to cling to His truth and live it out. Thus, to hold fast to sound words is to hold fast to Christ, to be continually rooted and built up in Him, and to allow His truth to shape our entire being, ensuring that our doctrine is not just intellectually correct but spiritually vibrant and transformative, leading to a life lived in His love and for His glory.