2 Timothy 2:1

KJV

¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou {G4771} therefore {G3767}, my {G3450} son {G5043}, be strong {G1743} in {G1722} the grace {G5485} that is in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So then, you, my son, be empowered by the grace that comes from the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this foundational exhortation, the Apostle Paul charges his beloved spiritual son Timothy to draw strength not from his own capabilities or resolve, but from the inexhaustible grace found uniquely in Christ Jesus. This command serves as a vital reminder for all believers that true spiritual resilience, endurance in ministry, and perseverance through life's challenges are rooted solely in God's divine enablement, freely given through His Son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition from Paul's personal reflections and commendations in [2 Timothy 1](/2_timothy/1 "2 Timothy 1 - Paul's Encouragement to Timothy") to his more direct instructions regarding Timothy's ministerial duties and the challenges he will face. The opening "therefore" explicitly connects this command to the preceding chapter, particularly Paul's urgent call for Timothy to guard the "good deposit" of truth ([2 Timothy 1:13-14](/2_timothy/1-13-14 "2 Timothy 1:13-14 - Hold Fast and Guard the Truth")) and not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul's imprisonment ([2 Timothy 1:8](/2_timothy/1-8 "2 Timothy 1:8 - Do Not Be Ashamed")). Paul is setting the stage for the rigorous demands of faithful ministry in a hostile world, emphasizing that divine strength is indispensable for such a task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul writes this epistle from Roman imprisonment, likely facing imminent execution, making this his final written communication. Timothy, his protégé, is ministering in Ephesus, a city known for its syncretism, idolatry, and burgeoning false teachings. The early church was experiencing significant persecution from both Roman authorities and Jewish opposition, alongside internal threats from doctrinal error. In this environment, leaders like Timothy needed extraordinary resilience. Paul's emphasis on "grace" would have resonated deeply, as it stood in stark contrast to the self-reliance and merit-based systems prevalent in both Roman and some Jewish religious thought. The concept of "son" highlights the deeply personal, familial bond and the mentorship dynamic crucial for leadership succession in the early church.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "The Second Epistle to Timothy") is saturated with themes of perseverance, faithfulness in ministry, and the preservation of sound doctrine. This verse introduces the foundational theme of **divine empowerment**, asserting that strength for ministry and Christian living comes from God's grace, not human effort. It underscores the **sufficiency of Christ** as the ultimate source of all spiritual resources. The epistle also emphasizes the **intergenerational transfer of faith** and leadership, as Paul, the spiritual father, entrusts the gospel to Timothy, his spiritual son. Furthermore, it highlights the **necessity of endurance** in the face of suffering and opposition, a theme Paul develops throughout the chapter by using various metaphors such as a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer ([2 Timothy 2:3-6](/2_timothy/2-3-6 "2 Timothy 2:3-6 - Metaphors for Ministry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strong (Greek, _endynamóō'_):** From *en* (in) and *dynamóō* (to empower), this verb means "to empower," "to strengthen," or "to be made able." It signifies an internal strengthening that comes from an external, divine power, rather than merely a command to exert self-effort. It implies a passive reception of power that enables active living.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term denotes "graciousness (as gratifying)," encompassing God's unmerited favor, divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. It refers to the spiritual power and enablement God freely provides, not based on human merit, but for the purpose of righteous living, effective service, and perseverance.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** A primary preposition indicating "fixed position (in place, time or state)," and by implication, "instrumentality." Here, it denotes the sphere or realm within which this strength and grace are found. It emphasizes that the strength is not merely *through* Christ, but *within* the very being and reality of Christ Jesus, highlighting a deep union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou therefore, my son,"**: Paul addresses Timothy directly and intimately. "Thou" emphasizes the personal nature of the charge, while "therefore" links this command logically to the preceding chapter's exhortations regarding steadfastness in the face of challenges. The tender address "my son" underscores the deep spiritual mentorship and affection between Paul and Timothy, giving the command a paternal weight.
* **"be strong"**: This is a command, an imperative verb. As discussed in the key word analysis, it's not a call for Timothy to generate strength from within himself, but to actively receive and be empowered by an external source. It implies a continuous state of being strengthened.
* **"in the grace"**: This phrase identifies the sphere and source of the strength. The strength is not self-generated but is found *in* God's unmerited favor and divine enablement. This grace is the wellspring of spiritual power, freely given by God.
* **"that is in Christ Jesus."**: This final clause specifies the ultimate locus and mediator of this grace. The strength and grace are not abstract concepts but are concretely embodied "in" the person of Christ Jesus. This emphasizes union with Christ as the means by which believers access and experience God's empowering grace, making Christ the indispensable source of all spiritual fortitude.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The opening "Thou therefore, my son" utilizes **Direct Address** and **Paternal Language**, immediately establishing a personal, authoritative, and affectionate tone. This personal appeal underscores the urgency and importance of the command, drawing Timothy into a familial relationship with the apostle. The command "be strong" is a **Metaphor** for spiritual empowerment, drawing on the common human understanding of physical strength but applying it to the spiritual realm, emphasizing resilience and endurance. The phrase "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" functions as a **Locative Metaphor**, portraying grace and Christ as the essential environment or sphere within which true spiritual strength is found. This highlights the **Dependence** on an external, divine source, contrasting with self-reliance. The entire verse serves as a foundational **Exhortation**, a strong encouragement and command designed to motivate and guide Timothy's future ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core tenet of Pauline theology: the absolute dependence of the believer on God's unmerited favor for all aspects of Christian life and ministry. It refutes any notion of self-sufficiency or strength derived from human effort or merit. The strength Paul commands Timothy to possess is not a self-generated resolve but a continuous empowerment by the Holy Spirit, mediated through union with Christ. This divine enablement is essential for enduring suffering, resisting temptation, faithfully proclaiming the gospel, and fulfilling God's call. It positions Christ as the sole wellspring of spiritual vitality, ensuring that all glory redounds to God alone.

* [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Paul's charge to Timothy remains profoundly relevant. In a world that often champions self-reliance, personal achievement, and strength derived from external circumstances or internal willpower, this verse redirects our focus to the true and inexhaustible source of spiritual resilience: the grace found in Christ Jesus. To "be strong in the grace" means to consciously and consistently draw upon God's divine enablement for every challenge, temptation, and calling. It calls us to relinquish our own perceived strengths and instead to humble ourselves, acknowledging our inherent weakness, and to depend entirely on the Lord's empowering presence. This grace enables us not only to endure hardship but also to serve with joy, to love unconditionally, and to stand firm in our faith, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It is a call to live a life of active faith, where our daily walk is sustained by the unmerited favor and dynamic power of Christ, transforming our weaknesses into opportunities for God's glory to be displayed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength rather than the grace of Christ?**
* **How can you more intentionally "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" in your daily walk and ministry?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper dependence on God's empowering grace, especially when facing trials or temptations?**

### FAQ
**Does "be strong" mean I need to try harder?**

Answer: No, the Greek verb *endynamóō* (G1743) does not primarily mean to "try harder" through human effort. Instead, it means "to be empowered" or "to be strengthened" by an external source. Paul's command is an imperative to *receive* and *rely* on the divine strength that God provides. It's about drawing from God's inexhaustible grace, not generating strength from within yourself. This is consistent with Paul's teaching that our sufficiency comes from God ([2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "Our Sufficiency is from God")).

**What exactly is "grace" in this context?**

Answer: In this verse, "grace" (Greek: *cháris*, G5485) refers to God's unmerited favor and divine enablement. It is not merely a passive concept of forgiveness, but an active, empowering force that God freely bestows upon believers. This grace provides the spiritual power necessary for living a righteous life, enduring suffering, resisting sin, and faithfully fulfilling God's calling. It is the very power that sustains Christian life and ministry, as Paul himself testified in [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - By the Grace of God I Am What I Am").

**How does being "in Christ Jesus" relate to this strength?**

Answer: The phrase "in Christ Jesus" (G1722, *en* G5547, *Christós* G2424, *Iēsoûs*) signifies the source and sphere of this divine strength and grace. It emphasizes that these spiritual resources are not abstract but are found uniquely through a personal, living union with Jesus Christ. It is through our spiritual identification with Him, His death, and His resurrection that we access God's power. This concept of being "in Christ" is foundational to Pauline theology, indicating a new spiritual reality and identity from which all blessings flow, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Timothy 2:1](/2_timothy/2-1 "2 Timothy 2:1 - Be Strong in Grace") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the embodiment and dispenser of all grace and strength. He is the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Fullness of God in Christ")), and from His fullness, we "have all received, grace upon grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace")). Jesus perfectly modeled what it means to live in dependence on the Father's strength, even to the point of enduring the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His resurrection power, which raised Him from the dead, is the very power now at work within believers, enabling them to "be strong" ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - The Exceeding Greatness of His Power")). Therefore, the command to Timothy is not merely a moral exhortation but an invitation to participate in the dynamic, indwelling life of Christ, who empowers His followers to live victoriously and faithfully serve His kingdom, transforming their weakness into a display of His perfect strength ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")).

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

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Haggai 2:4

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts: