2 Timothy 1:5

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

When I call {G2983} to remembrance {G5280} the unfeigned {G505} faith {G4102} that is in {G1722} thee {G4671}, which {G3748} dwelt {G1774} first {G4412} in {G1722} thy {G4675} grandmother {G3125} Lois {G3090}, and {G2532} thy {G4675} mother {G3384} Eunice {G2131}; and {G1161} I am persuaded {G3982} that {G3754} in {G1722} thee {G4671} also {G2532}.

I recall your sincere trust, the same trust that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice had first; and I am convinced that you too now have this trust.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.

Commentary

2 Timothy 1:5 is a tender and affirming verse where the Apostle Paul recalls the genuine faith of his young protégé, Timothy, tracing its roots back through his family line.

Context of 2 Timothy 1:5

This verse is found at the beginning of Paul's second letter to Timothy, written from a Roman prison, likely just before Paul's martyrdom. Paul is encouraging Timothy, a young pastor facing significant challenges and perhaps some timidity in his ministry. The letter is deeply personal, serving as Paul's final instructions and heartfelt exhortation to remain faithful. By reminding Timothy of his spiritual heritage, Paul aims to bolster his confidence and reinforce the authenticity of his calling. This personal touch highlights the deep bond between mentor and disciple, a theme central to Paul's encouragement in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Genuine Faith (Unfeigned Faith): Paul emphasizes that Timothy's faith is not superficial or hypocritical, but deeply sincere and authentic. This is a crucial characteristic for anyone in ministry or living out their Christian walk.
  • Spiritual Legacy and Family Influence: The verse powerfully illustrates the impact of a godly upbringing. Timothy's faith is explicitly linked to his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, underscoring the vital role of spiritual mentoring within the family. This highlights the importance of passing on faith from generation to generation, a concept also seen in Proverbs 22:6 regarding training children.
  • Affirmation and Encouragement: Paul's remembrance and persuasion ("I am persuaded that in thee also") serve as a powerful affirmation of Timothy's character and faith. This encouragement would have been invaluable for Timothy as he navigated the pressures of early church leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "unfeigned faith" comes from the Greek word anupokritos pistis (ἀνυπόκριτος πίστις). Anupokritos literally means "without hypocrisy," "sincere," or "genuine," deriving from a word meaning "without a mask." In ancient Greek theatre, an actor (hypokrites) would wear a mask. Thus, "unfeigned faith" signifies a faith that is not merely an outward performance or pretense, but a deep, authentic conviction of the heart. It contrasts sharply with those who might profess faith but lack true commitment, as discussed in other New Testament passages.

Practical Application

2 Timothy 1:5 offers several timeless applications for believers today:

  • Value Your Spiritual Heritage: If you have received faith from parents, grandparents, or other mentors, recognize it as a profound blessing and a foundation to build upon.
  • Be a Godly Example: For those with children or grandchildren, this verse underscores the immense power of living out a genuine faith before them. Your consistent witness can profoundly shape future generations.
  • Embrace Authenticity: Strive for "unfeigned faith" in your own life. Let your belief be genuine and expressed consistently, not just in words but in actions.
  • Receive Encouragement: Like Timothy, we all need affirmation. Be open to receiving encouragement from spiritual mentors and also be willing to offer it to others, reminding them of their spiritual strengths and calling.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to 1 Timothy: A Guide for Church Leadership Timothy: Paul's True Son in the Faith An Introduction to 2 Timothy: Paul's Final Words Mentoring and Being Mentored The Role of Women in the Church and Family

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 1:5

    ¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

  • Acts 16:1

    ¶ Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek:

  • 1 Timothy 4:6

    ¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

  • Romans 15:14

    ¶ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15

    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • Hebrews 6:9

    ¶ But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

  • Psalms 116:16

    O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
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