TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Timothy 1 verses 6–14
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.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of bondage again to fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me his prisoner," he writes to Timothy. Such shall he be "who cleaves to that which is good," according to the apostle, "who hates evil, having love unfeigned; for he that loveth another fulfilleth the law." If, then, this God, to whom we bear witness, be as He is, the God of hope, we acknowledge our hope, speeding on to hope, "saturated with goodness, filled with all knowledge."
"Be not thou, therefore, ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; " for he had said before: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." For we suffer with power from love toward God, and with a sound mind, when we suffer for our blamelessness.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." That is, we did not receive the Spirit, that we should shrink from exertion, but that we may speak with boldness. For to many He gives a spirit of fear, as we read in the wars of the Kings. "A spirit of fear fell upon them." (Ex. xv. 16?) That is, he infused terror into them. But to thee He has given, on the contrary, a spirit of power, and of love toward Himself. This, then, is of grace, and yet not merely of grace, but when we have first performed our own parts. For the Spirit that maketh us cry, "Abba, Father," inspires us with love both towards Him, and towards our neighbor, that we may love one another. For love arises from power, and from not fearing. For nothing is so apt to dissolve love as fear, and a suspicion of treachery. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind": he calls a healthy state of the soul a sound mind, or it may mean sobriety of mind, or else a sobering of the mind, that we may be sober-minded, and that if any evil befall us, it may sober us, and cut off superfluities.
Just as a man would not have wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of God unless, according to the prophet’s words, he had received “the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of fortitude, of knowledge and of godliness, and of fear of God,” and just as he would not have power and love and sobriety, except by receiving the Spirit of whom the apostle speaks, “We have not received the spirit of fear but of power and love and sobriety,” so also he would not have faith unless he received the spirit of faith.
Therefore there are two degrees of fear. The one is for beginners—that is, for those who are still under the yoke and under servile dread. In regard to this it is said, “The slave shall fear his master.” And in the Gospel, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing.” And consequently he says, “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.” For he is instructing us to pass from the fear of punishment to the fullest freedom of love and to the confidence of the friends and sons of God. And the blessed apostle, who had long since passed beyond the degree of servile fear, thanks to the power of the Lord’s love, disdains lower things and professes that he has been endowed with greater goods.
Grace was given to us so that we might not be afraid but love all the more steadily.
They said that Dioscorus of Namisias made his bread out of barley, and his soup out of lentils. Every year he made one particular resolution: either not to meet anyone for a year, or not to speak, or not to taste cooked food, or not to eat any fruit, or not to eat vegetables. This was his system in everything. He made himself master of one thing, and then started on another, and so on each year...
They said of Helladius that he lived twenty years in his cell, and did not once raise his eyes to look at the roof.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of discipline.
How then shall I rekindle the gift of God? If I stand honorable against temptations.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear. For there is a spirit or gift of fear, as it is said in the books of the Kings: And the spirit of fear fell upon them, where it was altogether necessary to fear. (2 Chron. 17:10) But to us, Paul says, a gift of power has been given.
but of power. Which is against temptations.
and of love. Which is towards the brethren.
and of discipline. Concerning a proper life. And in all these things, we must also include our own eagerness.
Continue studying 2 Timothy 1:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second Timothy 1:7 stands as a powerful declaration of the divine resources available to every believer, particularly in times of challenge and spiritual warfare. It asserts that God does not impart a spirit of timidity or cowardice, but rather endows His children with the Holy Spirit, who manifests as power, unconditional love, and a disciplined, well-ordered mind. This verse serves as a foundational truth, countering fear with the empowering presence and character of God Himself, equipping believers for faithful service and steadfast witness.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is nestled within Paul's deeply personal and final letter to his beloved protégé, Timothy. Immediately preceding it, Paul exhorts Timothy to "stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" 2 Timothy 1:6. This implies that Timothy, perhaps due to his youth, natural disposition, or the immense pressures of leading the church in Ephesus amidst persecution, might have been prone to timidity or a lack of confidence. Verse 7 then provides the theological basis for why Timothy (and all believers) should not succumb to such fear, directly linking the antidote to the nature of the Spirit God has given. Following this, Paul urges Timothy not to be "ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner" 2 Timothy 1:8, further emphasizing the call to boldness and resilience in the face of suffering for the Gospel. The entire chapter, indeed the entire letter, is a call to steadfastness, faithfulness, and courage in ministry.
Historical & Cultural Context: Paul wrote 2 Timothy from Roman imprisonment, likely his final incarceration, knowing his execution was imminent. This backdrop of impending martyrdom and widespread persecution of Christians provides a somber yet urgent tone to his counsel. Timothy was serving in Ephesus, a bustling metropolis known for its pagan worship (especially the cult of Artemis) and philosophical debates, making Christian leadership there particularly challenging. The early church faced external threats from Roman authorities and internal challenges from false teachers and wavering believers. In such an environment, fear, discouragement, and compromise were constant temptations. Paul's words are thus not abstract theological statements but vital, practical encouragement for a young leader facing immense pressure, reminding him of the divine equipping necessary to persevere and fulfill his calling, even unto death.
Key Themes: The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of Divine Empowerment, asserting that God actively equips His servants with supernatural abilities, not leaving them to rely on their own strength. It directly addresses the theme of Overcoming Fear and Timidity, presenting a stark contrast between a spirit of fear (not from God) and the Spirit of God, who imparts courage. This ties into the broader call for Steadfastness and Perseverance in Ministry, especially in the face of suffering, as seen in Paul's own example and his exhortations throughout the letter (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:3). Furthermore, the mention of "love" and "a sound mind" highlights the theme of Balanced Christian Character and Conduct, emphasizing that spiritual power is not raw force but is always tempered by divine love and guided by wisdom and self-control, essential for effective and godly leadership (as elaborated in Titus 2).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs Contrast as its primary literary device, setting "the spirit of fear" in direct opposition to the triad of "power, and of love, and of a sound mind." This antithetical structure highlights the fundamental difference between what God does not give and what He does give, emphasizing the divine origin of courage and spiritual strength. Furthermore, the phrase "spirit of fear" can be seen as a Metaphor or a form of Personification, representing a pervasive disposition or influence that grips individuals, which God actively counteracts. The concluding phrase, "of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," forms a potent Triadic Structure or rule of three, a rhetorical device that lends emphasis, completeness, and memorability to the virtues God bestows. This tripartite description encapsulates the holistic nature of divine empowerment: strength for action, compassion for motivation, and wisdom for direction.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly theological, revealing the very character of God as a benevolent Giver who equips His people for their calling, rather than leaving them vulnerable to debilitating fear. It underscores the vital role of the Holy Spirit as the active agent of divine empowerment within believers, manifesting not as a spirit of timidity, but as dynamic power, selfless love, and disciplined thought. This divine impartation ensures that Christian life and ministry are not based on human strength or emotional volatility, but on God's supernatural provision, enabling believers to stand firm, minister effectively, and bear witness boldly, even amidst persecution. It challenges the notion that fear is a natural or acceptable state for a child of God, asserting that it is an alien disposition to be resisted by embracing the Spirit's gifts.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and fear, 2 Timothy 1:7 offers a timeless and profoundly liberating truth for believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that any spirit of timidity, crippling anxiety, or reluctance to step out in faith does not originate from God. Instead, as His children, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who is the source of divine power to accomplish His will, unconditional love to serve others, and a sound, disciplined mind to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and composure. This verse calls us to actively reject fear as an intruder and to embrace the full inheritance of the Spirit's empowering presence. It encourages us to live with boldness, not recklessness, trusting that God has equipped us with everything necessary to fulfill our purpose, share our faith, and stand firm in truth, regardless of external circumstances or personal weaknesses. Our courage is not self-generated, but Spirit-given, allowing us to face challenges not with dread, but with divine confidence and clarity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "fear" is Paul referring to in 2 Timothy 1:7?
Answer: Paul is referring to a spirit of timidity, cowardice, or faintheartedness, rather than a healthy, reverential fear of God. The Greek word used, deilía, specifically denotes a disposition of shrinking back from duty, danger, or the demands of ministry due to apprehension or lack of courage. It is the opposite of boldness and confidence, which are characteristics God desires for His children, especially in the face of opposition or suffering for the Gospel, as seen throughout Paul's exhortations to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:8-12.
How do "power, love, and a sound mind" relate to the Holy Spirit?
Answer: These three qualities are presented as the direct manifestations or gifts of the Holy Spirit within believers. When God gives "the Spirit," He is giving the Holy Spirit, who then produces these characteristics. The "power" (dýnamis) is the Holy Spirit's enabling strength for witness and service, as promised in Acts 1:8. The "love" (agápē) is the divine, self-sacrificial love that is a fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22. And "a sound mind" (sōphronismós) refers to the Spirit's work in granting self-control, discipline, and clear judgment, which are also aspects of the Spirit's fruit and guidance (e.g., Galatians 5:23). Thus, these are not merely human virtues to be cultivated, but divine endowments given by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Timothy 1:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the power, love, and sound mind that the Spirit imparts. Christ demonstrated unparalleled power over sin, sickness, death, and evil, culminating in His resurrection, which is the ultimate display of God's dýnamis Ephesians 1:19-20. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by love—the agápē that led Him to lay down His life for His friends John 15:13 and for His enemies Romans 5:8. Furthermore, Jesus always acted with perfect soundness of mind, exhibiting unparalleled wisdom, self-control, and clarity of purpose, even in the face of immense pressure and suffering Luke 22:42. The "spirit" God gives us is none other than the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ Himself, who empowers believers to live lives that reflect their Lord. Through Christ, we are freed from the bondage of fear, for He has conquered all that fear represents, and His victory is now ours by virtue of His indwelling Spirit, enabling us to walk in the same power, love, and sound mind that characterized His earthly life and ministry John 14:12.