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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
Eight Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But here is, as we have said, the same madness, in their allowing indeed that the apostles were ignorant of nothing, and preached not any (doctrines) which contradicted one another, but at the same time insisting that they did not reveal all to all men, for that they proclaimed some openly and to all the world, whilst they disclosed others (only) in secret and to a few, because Paul addressed even this expression to Timothy: "O Timothy, guard that which is entrusted to thee; " and again: "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep." What is this deposit? Is it so secret as to be supposed to characterize a new doctrine? or is it a part of that charge of which he says, "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy? " and also of that precept of which he says, "I charge thee in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Jesus Christ who witnessed a good confession under Pontius Pilate, that thou keep this commandment? " Now, what is (this) commandment and what is (this) charge? From the preceding and the succeeding contexts, it will be manifest that there is no mysterious hint darkly suggested in this expression about (some) far-fetched doctrine, but that a warning is rather given against receiving any other (doctrine) than that which Timothy had heard from himself, as I take it publicly: "Before many witnesses" is his phrase.
If we offer glory to God in the Spirit, we mean that the Spirit enables us to fulfill the requirements of true religion. According to this usage, then, we say we are in the Spirit, but it is not objectionable for someone to testify, “the Spirit of God is in me, and I offer glory because his grace has given me the wisdom to do so.” The words of Paul are appropriate: “I think that I have the Spirit of God,” and “guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.”
"That good thing which was committed unto thee keep,"-how?-"by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." For it is not in the power of a human soul, when instructed with things so great, to be sufficient for the keeping of them. And why? Because there are many robbers, and thick darkness, and the devil still at hand to plot against us; and we know not what is the hour, what the occasion for him to set upon us. How then, he means, shall we be sufficient for the keeping of them? "By the Holy Ghost"; that is if we have the Spirit with us, if we do not expel grace, He will stand by us. For, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." (Ps. cxxvii. 1.) This is our wall, this our castle, this our refuge. If therefore It dwelleth in us, and is Itself our guard, what need of the commandment? That we may hold It fast, may keep It, and not banish It by our evil deeds.
Before all things, keep that truth which is committed to your trust, the holy Word of faith by which you have been taught and instructed. And let no weeds of heresy grow up among you, but preserve the heavenly seed pure and sincere, that it may yield a great harvest to the master, when he comes to demand account of our lives. He shall reward us according to our deeds, when the righteous shall shine forth as the sun, but darkness and everlasting shame shall cover the sinners.
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
Paul's final charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:14 is a powerful imperative to faithfully guard the sacred trust of the gospel and sound doctrine. This vital responsibility, symbolized as a precious "good thing" or "deposit," is not to be undertaken by human strength alone but is divinely enabled and sustained by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, who resides within every believer. The verse encapsulates the stewardship of truth and the essential role of divine empowerment in Christian life and ministry.
Context
Literary Context
2 Timothy 1:14 stands as a pivotal command within Paul's deeply personal and urgent second letter to Timothy. This epistle, likely penned from Paul's final Roman imprisonment, serves as a spiritual last will and testament, urging Timothy, his beloved protégé and a young pastor in Ephesus, to remain steadfast amidst growing challenges. Prior to this verse, Paul has encouraged Timothy to rekindle the gift of God within him (2 Timothy 1:6), reminded him of God's holy calling and gracious purpose (2 Timothy 1:9), and exhorted him to "hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Timothy 1:13). Verse 14 directly follows this exhortation, providing the means and power by which Timothy can uphold the truth he has received, emphasizing that this is a divine, not merely human, task.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 2 Timothy during a period of intense persecution for Christians under Emperor Nero, likely around A.D. 66-67. Paul himself was imprisoned, facing imminent martyrdom. Timothy, serving in Ephesus, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical currents, was contending with false teachers and internal pressures that threatened the purity of the gospel. In this environment, the concept of a "deposit" (Greek: parakatathēkē) was culturally significant. It referred to a valuable item or sum of money entrusted to another for safekeeping, often with legal implications and a high expectation of fidelity. This cultural understanding underscored the immense responsibility placed upon Timothy to guard the sacred truth of the gospel, which was far more valuable than any material treasure. The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers was also a foundational truth for the early church, providing comfort, guidance, and power in a hostile world.
Key Themes
2 Timothy 1:14 contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. The primary theme is the Stewardship of Truth, emphasizing that the gospel and sound doctrine are not human inventions but a divine trust committed to believers, especially leaders, to be preserved and passed on faithfully. This ties into the theme of Faithfulness in Ministry, as Timothy is called to endure hardship and remain loyal to Christ and His truth (2 Timothy 2:3). Crucially, the verse highlights Divine Empowerment, asserting that the monumental task of guarding this truth is not accomplished through human effort alone but "by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." This underscores the Indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit as the source of spiritual strength, wisdom, and discernment for all believers, enabling them to live out their calling and contend for the faith (Romans 8:9).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (G3872), translated as "that good thing which was committed unto thee," literally means "something put down alongside, i.e., a deposit (sacred trust)." It signifies a precious, valuable item entrusted to someone for safekeeping, implying a solemn responsibility and a high degree of fidelity required from the one receiving the trust. In this context, it refers to the body of Christian truth—the gospel, sound doctrine, and the pattern of healthy teaching—that Paul had imparted to Timothy.
The verb (G5442) means "to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid." It conveys the active, diligent protection of something valuable from harm, loss, or corruption. This is not a passive preservation but an active defense against error, compromise, and neglect, often used in a military context for guarding a post or treasure.
This verb (G1774), formed from en ("in") and oikéō ("to inhabit"), means "to inhabit (figuratively)." It strongly emphasizes the permanent, intimate, and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit within believers, signifying that the Spirit has taken up residence and continually indwells them, rather than merely visiting temporarily.
Verse Breakdown
"That good thing which was committed unto thee"
This phrase refers to the sacred trust of the gospel and sound doctrine that Paul had personally entrusted to Timothy. It is a precious deposit, a body of truth that is inherently "good" (Greek: kalós, G2570), meaning beautiful, valuable, and morally excellent. This "good thing" encompasses the entirety of the Christian faith, its core tenets, and the pattern of healthy teaching that Timothy had learned from Paul.
"keep by the Holy Ghost"
This is the central command and its divine enablement. Timothy is commanded to "keep" (guard, preserve, protect) this sacred deposit. The crucial qualifier "by the Holy Ghost" indicates that this preservation is not accomplished through human effort or intellectual prowess alone, but through the power, guidance, and enablement of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the divine sufficiency for a human task.
"which dwelleth in us"
This clause clarifies the source of the Holy Spirit's power and underscores a foundational New Testament truth. The Holy Spirit is not an external force that occasionally assists but a divine Person who permanently "dwells in" (indwells) believers. The plural "us" indicates that this indwelling is a reality for all believers, not just Timothy, making the Spirit's power universally accessible for guarding the truth and living the Christian life.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Metaphor is central, as "that good thing" functions as a metaphor for the gospel and sound doctrine, likening it to a valuable "deposit" or "sacred trust" that must be guarded. This evokes images of ancient banking or legal practices, emphasizing the immense value and the high degree of responsibility associated with it. The phrase "keep by the Holy Ghost" uses Synecdoche, where "Holy Ghost" represents the divine power and enablement necessary for the task, implying the entire person and work of the Spirit. Furthermore, the verse uses Imperative Mood ("keep"), which is a direct command, conveying urgency and authority. The repetition of the idea of "trust" or "deposit" from the preceding verses (2 Timothy 1:12) creates a Thematic Linkage, reinforcing the continuity of divine entrustment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Timothy 1:14 profoundly shapes our understanding of the nature of truth, the responsibility of stewardship, and the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. It posits that Christian truth is not a fluid, evolving concept but a fixed, valuable deposit to be preserved. This preservation is not merely intellectual but involves actively defending the gospel against error and living in accordance with its principles. The verse also underscores the reality of the indwelling Holy Spirit as the divine enabler, reminding believers that while the task of guarding the truth is immense, they are never left to their own limited strength. This divine empowerment ensures that the integrity of God's Word can be maintained through generations, even in the face of opposition.
Reflection and Application
2 Timothy 1:14 serves as a timeless charge for every believer, not just pastors like Timothy. We are all entrusted with the "good thing"—the gospel message, the truth of God's Word, and the pattern of sound doctrine. In an age characterized by shifting moral landscapes, diverse interpretations, and the proliferation of information (and misinformation), the call to "keep" or guard this sacred deposit is more urgent than ever. This involves diligently studying Scripture, discerning truth from error, and courageously upholding biblical principles in our lives and conversations. Crucially, the verse reminds us that this is not a burden to be carried in our own strength. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Timothy indwells every follower of Christ, providing the wisdom, discernment, and spiritual fortitude needed to understand, defend, and live out the truth. Our reliance on the Spirit is paramount for faithful stewardship of the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly is "that good thing" that Timothy was to keep?
"That good thing" (Greek: parakatathḗkē) refers to the sacred trust or deposit of Christian truth, encompassing the gospel message, sound doctrine, and the pattern of healthy teaching that Paul had imparted to Timothy. It's the sum total of the pure, uncorrupted faith and the divine revelation entrusted to him for preservation and proclamation. It is the truth concerning God's plan of salvation through Christ, the nature of God, and the way of life for believers, all rooted in the teachings of the apostles.
How does the Holy Spirit help believers "keep" this good thing?
The Holy Spirit helps believers "keep" this good thing by providing divine enablement, wisdom, discernment, and power. As the indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-17), He guides believers into all truth (John 16:13), reminds them of Christ's teachings (John 14:26), and empowers them to stand firm against false doctrine and live righteously (Romans 8:13). This divine assistance ensures that the preservation of truth is not a human burden but a Spirit-empowered mission.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Timothy 1:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in recognizing that the "good thing" to be guarded is fundamentally the truth about Jesus Christ Himself. He is the Truth incarnate (John 14:6), the Word made flesh (John 1:14), and the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). Therefore, to "keep" the good deposit is to guard the revelation of Christ, His person, His saving work, and His ongoing Lordship. The Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, is the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), whose primary mission is to glorify Jesus (John 16:14) and lead believers into a deeper understanding of Him. Thus, the command to guard the truth by the Spirit is a call to preserve and proclaim the centrality of Christ, ensuring that the church's message remains anchored in Him, the ultimate "good thing" given to humanity.