2 Timothy 1:8

KJV

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

KJV (with Strong's)

Be {G1870} not {G3361} thou {G1870} therefore {G3767} ashamed {G1870} of the testimony {G3142} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962}, nor {G3366} of me {G1691} his {G846} prisoner {G1198}: but {G235} be thou partaker of the afflictions {G4777} of the gospel {G2098} according to {G2596} the power {G1411} of God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

So don’t be ashamed of bearing testimony to our Lord or to me, his prisoner. On the contrary, accept your share in suffering disgrace for the sake of the Good News. God will give you the strength for it,

Berean Standard Bible

So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

American Standard Version

Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal verse, the Apostle Paul issues a profound and urgent charge to his young protégé, Timothy, calling him to unwavering courage and resilience in the face of potential shame and suffering for the sake of the Christian message. Paul exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel, which is the "testimony of our Lord," nor of Paul himself, who is imprisoned for Christ, but rather to willingly embrace and share in the hardships that accompany the proclamation of the good news, trusting in the divine power of God for strength and endurance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Paul's Second Letter to Timothy, a deeply personal and poignant epistle written from a Roman prison, likely during his final imprisonment before his martyrdom. The letter serves as Paul's last will and testament, imparting crucial instructions, warnings, and heartfelt encouragement to Timothy, who was serving as a leader in the church at Ephesus. Immediately preceding this verse, in [2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control"), Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given believers a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind. Verse 8 directly applies this foundational truth, transitioning from a general principle of divine empowerment to the specific challenges Timothy faced: the temptation to be ashamed of the gospel and of Paul, a prisoner for that very gospel. The flow moves from God's empowering character to the practical outworking of that power in courageous witness and suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis. Christians in the Roman Empire, especially during the reign of Nero (who likely presided over Paul's final imprisonment), faced increasing suspicion, social ostracism, and outright persecution. Public shame and ridicule were powerful deterrents in Greco-Roman society, where honor and reputation were paramount. Being associated with a marginalized and often persecuted group like the Christians, or with an imprisoned leader like Paul, could bring significant social, economic, and even physical hardship. Paul, as a "prisoner" (G1198 *désmios*), embodied the very afflictions he called Timothy to share, making his exhortation particularly poignant and relevant to Timothy's immediate circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes woven throughout 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the theme of **unashamed witness**, a call to boldly proclaim and live out the gospel despite opposition, echoing Paul's own declaration in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Paul is Not Ashamed of the Gospel"). Second, it highlights **solidarity with those who suffer for Christ**, urging identification with persecuted believers and leaders, exemplified by Paul's own imprisonment. Third, the verse emphasizes the **necessity and reality of suffering for the gospel**, portraying "afflictions of the gospel" as an expected, even integral, part of Christian discipleship and ministry, a theme Paul frequently addressed (e.g., [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")). Finally, and crucially, it points to **divine empowerment** as the source of strength for such endurance, asserting that the ability to bear these afflictions comes "according to the power of God," aligning with Paul's consistent emphasis on God's strength being made perfect in human weakness, as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ashamed (Greek, _epaischýnomai'_):** This verb (G1870) means "to feel shame for something," conveying a sense of disgrace, embarrassment, or shrinking back due to fear of social disapproval or negative consequences. Paul's command "Be not thou therefore ashamed" is a direct imperative to resist this natural human inclination, especially when it concerns the "testimony of our Lord" or association with His suffering servants.
* **prisoner (Greek, _désmios'_):** This noun (G1198) refers to "a captive (as bound)" or someone "in bonds." Paul's self-identification as "his prisoner" (referring to Christ) highlights his current state of incarceration due to his faithfulness to the gospel. It serves as a concrete example of the "afflictions" Timothy is called to share, emphasizing the cost of discipleship and the reality of suffering for Christ.
* **partaker of the afflictions (Greek, _synkakopathéō'_):** This compound verb (G4777) literally means "to suffer hardship in company with" or "to suffer evil along with." It underscores the communal and shared nature of suffering for the gospel. Timothy is not merely to endure hardship, but to actively participate in or share the burden of suffering that is inherent in the spread of the "gospel according to the power of God."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,"**: This opening clause is a strong negative imperative, urging Timothy to resist the temptation to be embarrassed or to shrink back from openly identifying with and proclaiming the gospel message, which is the very witness or revelation of Jesus Christ. The "therefore" connects this command to the preceding verse, implying that since God has given a spirit of power, not fear, Timothy has no reason to be ashamed.
* **"nor of me his prisoner:"**: Paul extends the command, instructing Timothy not to be ashamed of his mentor and spiritual father, who is imprisoned because of his commitment to Christ. This challenges Timothy to demonstrate loyalty and solidarity with Paul, even though association with a condemned prisoner could bring social stigma and danger.
* **"but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel"**: This introduces a strong contrast ("but"), shifting from what Timothy should *not* do to what he *should* do. He is commanded to actively "share in the sufferings" that come as a direct consequence of proclaiming and living out the gospel. This implies a willingness to endure hardship, opposition, and persecution for the sake of the good news.
* **"according to the power of God;"**: This crucial phrase qualifies the preceding command, providing the means by which Timothy (and all believers) can fulfill it. The ability to endure and participate in gospel afflictions is not by human strength or resolve, but is enabled, sustained, and empowered by the divine, miraculous "power of God." This highlights God's sovereignty and His provision for those who serve Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Exhortation** is the overarching rhetorical device, as Paul directly commands and encourages Timothy. There is a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast** established between "not being ashamed" and "being a partaker of the afflictions," highlighting two opposing responses to the challenges of ministry. The phrase "testimony of our Lord" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "testimony" stands for the gospel message itself, which bears witness to Christ. Furthermore, Paul's self-identification as "his prisoner" serves as a powerful **Example** and **Symbolism** of the suffering that accompanies faithful gospel ministry, inviting Timothy to embrace a similar path. Finally, the concluding phrase "according to the power of God" acts as a **Divine Grounding**, providing the ultimate source of strength and enabling grace for the difficult call presented in the verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 1:8 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of Christian discipleship, emphasizing that true faith often involves suffering and that such suffering is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity for God's power to be displayed. It underscores the intrinsic link between proclaiming the gospel and experiencing opposition, reminding believers that the call to share the good news is simultaneously a call to share in the hardships it entails. This verse also highlights the crucial theological truth that our ability to endure such trials is not self-generated but is entirely dependent on the enabling "power of God," reinforcing the concept of divine grace and empowerment in the believer's life and ministry.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Paul is Not Ashamed of the Gospel")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Suffering for Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a timeless call to courageous and uncompromised faith for believers in every generation. In a world that often pressures Christians to conform, to dilute their convictions, or to remain silent about their faith, Paul's exhortation to Timothy resonates deeply. It challenges us to examine whether we are truly unashamed of the "testimony of our Lord"—the full truth of the gospel, including its unpopular aspects—and whether we are willing to identify with those who suffer for Christ, even if it means personal cost or social discomfort. Furthermore, it reminds us that suffering for the gospel is not an anomaly but often an expected part of Christian life, and that our capacity to endure it comes not from our own willpower but from the boundless "power of God." This calls us to a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit, embracing the truth that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, enabling us to stand firm and even thrive amidst adversity for the sake of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to be ashamed of the "testimony of our Lord" or to shrink back from openly identifying with Christ?**
* **How does understanding that suffering is "according to the power of God" change your perspective on personal trials or persecution for your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel" in your current context, relying on God's strength?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "testimony of our Lord"?**

Answer: The "testimony of our Lord" refers primarily to the gospel message itself—the good news about Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and saving work. It is the witness that God has given concerning His Son, and it is the core message that believers are called to proclaim. To be "ashamed" of it would mean to be embarrassed by or to shy away from proclaiming this truth, especially when it is unpopular or brings opposition.

**Why would Timothy be ashamed of Paul, "his prisoner"?**

Answer: In Roman society, being associated with an imprisoned individual, especially one accused of crimes against the state (as Christians often were), could bring significant social stigma, discredit, and even danger. Timothy might have been tempted to distance himself from Paul to avoid similar persecution or social ostracism. Paul's instruction here is a call for loyalty, solidarity, and a willingness to share in the reproach that comes with identifying with Christ's suffering servants. It reflects the truth that following Christ often means sharing in the sufferings of His body, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Suffering with the Body of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 1:8 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Christ is the supreme example of one who was "not ashamed" to bear witness to the truth, even unto death, enduring the cross and despising its shame for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). He is the "faithful witness" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")) whose life and death constitute the very "testimony of our Lord" that we are called to boldly proclaim. Furthermore, Jesus Himself was the ultimate "prisoner" for the gospel, arrested, tried, and crucified, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Believers are called to "partake of the afflictions of the gospel" because Christ Himself partook of our human condition and suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow in His steps ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Suffered for Us")). Our ability to endure these afflictions is not from ourselves, but "according to the power of God," which is the very power of Christ's resurrection at work within us ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - The Exceeding Greatness of God's Power")). Thus, our courage, our endurance, and our unashamed witness are all rooted in Christ's finished work and His ongoing empowering presence through the Holy Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Mark 8:38

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

2 Timothy 2:9

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.