2 Timothy 1:6

¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Wherefore {G1223}{G3739}{G156} I put {G363} thee {G4571} in remembrance {G363} that thou stir up {G329} the gift {G5486} of God {G2316}, which {G3739} is {G2076} in {G1722} thee {G4671} by {G1223} the putting on {G1936} of my {G3450} hands {G5495}.

For this reason, I am reminding you to fan the flame of God’s gift, which you received through s’mikhah from me.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.

In 2 Timothy 1:6, the Apostle Paul issues a crucial directive to his young protégé, Timothy, urging him to actively cultivate and utilize the spiritual endowment he has received. This verse serves as a powerful reminder for all believers to not let their God-given talents and spiritual gifts lie dormant, but rather to ignite them for Kingdom service.

Context

This verse is found in Paul's second letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, a crucial text often referred to as one of the "Pastoral Epistles" (along with 1 Timothy and Titus). Paul, likely imprisoned and facing imminent death (2 Timothy 4:6), writes to encourage Timothy, who appears to be struggling with timidity, discouragement, or the daunting challenges of ministry in Ephesus. The letter is a deeply personal and urgent call to faithfulness, perseverance, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel, especially in the face of growing opposition and false teachings.

Key Themes

  • Rekindling Spiritual Gifts: The central command is to "stir up" the gift. This implies that the gift, while present, may have become less active or vibrant. It's a call to renewed zeal, effort, and intentional use of one's spiritual abilities.
  • Divine Origin of Gifts: Paul emphasizes that the gift is "the gift of God," underscoring that spiritual abilities and ministries are divinely bestowed, not self-generated. This provides both assurance and responsibility.
  • Apostolic Impartation/Confirmation: The phrase "by the putting on of my hands" refers to a significant moment in Timothy's life, likely his ordination or commissioning for ministry, perhaps mentioned also in 1 Timothy 4:14. This act typically symbolized identification, blessing, and sometimes the impartation or recognition of spiritual gifts.
  • Overcoming Timidity: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verse (2 Timothy 1:7) reveals that Timothy may have been struggling with fear. Paul's exhortation to "stir up" the gift is therefore linked to a call for courage and boldness in ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "stir up" is anazōpyreō (ἀναζωπυρεῖν). This vivid term literally means "to kindle up again," "to fan into flame," or "to revive a fire." It paints a picture of embers that are still present but smoldering, needing to be fanned back into a roaring fire. It does not suggest creating something new, but rather invigorating what is already there. This implies that spiritual gifts are not static; they require active engagement and cultivation to remain effective and impactful.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Timothy 1:6 serves as a vital call to action. It reminds us that God has equipped every believer with unique spiritual gifts for the building up of the church and the advancement of His Kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:7). To "stir up" our gifts means:

  • Active Engagement: Regularly exercising our gifts, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable.
  • Spiritual Discipline: Cultivating a vibrant relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, which fuels our spiritual life and strengthens our gifts.
  • Renewed Passion: Recapturing the initial enthusiasm and devotion that may have waned due to trials or routine.
  • Boldness in Ministry: Overcoming fear or hesitation to use our gifts for God's glory, remembering that God has given us a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, not of fear.

Just as a fire needs oxygen to burn brightly, our spiritual gifts need intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit to flourish and fulfill their divine purpose.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 4:14

    Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Romans 12:6

    Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

  • Romans 12:8

    Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:19

    Quench not the Spirit.

  • 2 Peter 3:1

    ¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

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