2 Timothy 1:10

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

But {G1161} is {G5319} now {G3568} made manifest {G5319} by {G1223} the appearing {G2015} of our {G2257} Saviour {G4990} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, who {G3303} hath abolished {G2673} death {G2288}, and {G1161} hath brought {G5461} life {G2222} and {G2532} immortality {G861} to light {G5461} through {G1223} the gospel {G2098}:

but made it public only now through the appearing of our Deliverer, the Messiah Yeshua, who abolished death and, through the Good News, revealed life and immortality.

And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,

but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

Commentary

Context

This powerful verse is found within Paul's second letter to his young protégé, Timothy. In the preceding verse, Paul reminds Timothy of God's divine purpose and grace, which was given to believers in Christ Jesus before the world began. Verse 10 then elaborates on how this grace and purpose have been revealed and made accessible. Paul is encouraging Timothy, who was facing challenges and perhaps timidity, to embrace the boldness and truth of the gospel message, grounded in the definitive work of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Manifestation of Christ: The phrase "made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ" points to the incarnation, earthly ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. These events were not mere historical occurrences but the definitive revelation of God's eternal plan for salvation, previously hidden or only partially understood. Christ's advent brought clarity and certainty to divine truth.
  • Abolition of Death: Christ "hath abolished death." This does not mean believers no longer experience physical death, but rather that Christ has rendered death powerless as an eternal separation from God and as the ultimate victor. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered the sting of death and the power of the grave, offering true freedom from its tyranny. This victory is a core component of the gospel's triumph over sin and death, as detailed in 1 Corinthians 15.
  • Bringing Life and Immortality to Light: Before Christ, humanity lived largely in spiritual darkness concerning true eternal life and an incorruptible existence. The gospel, through Christ's work, illuminates the path to genuine spiritual life and the promise of an imperishable, eternal future for believers. This "life" is not merely existence but a vibrant, eternal relationship with God, and "immortality" (Greek: aphtharsia, meaning "incorruption" or "imperishability") speaks to the future state of believers, free from decay and death's dominion.
  • The Gospel as the Vehicle: All these profound realities—the manifestation of Christ, the abolition of death, and the revelation of life and immortality—are brought "through the gospel." The gospel message is the good news, the divine power and truth that makes these spiritual realities understandable and accessible to all who believe. It is the means by which God's grace is extended and experienced.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "abolished" is katargeō (καταργέω), which means to render inoperative, to nullify, to make void, or to deprive of force. It doesn't imply annihilation but rather that death's power and ultimate authority over believers have been broken by Christ. For example, Hebrews 2:14 speaks of Christ destroying the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil.

The term "immortality" comes from the Greek aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία), which literally means "incorruption" or "imperishability." It contrasts sharply with the decay and mortality inherent in the fallen human condition, highlighting the glorious, eternal nature of the life Christ offers.

Practical Application

This verse provides immense comfort and assurance for believers. It reminds us that our hope is not in vain, but is rooted in the definitive victory of Jesus Christ over humanity's greatest enemies: sin and death. We can live with confidence, knowing that physical death is not the end but a transition to an eternal, incorruptible life with God. This truth should inspire us to live boldly for Christ, sharing the "light" of the gospel with a world still living in the shadow of death, knowing that it holds the power to transform lives and offer true, eternal hope.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 1:2 (12 votes)

    (For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

  • Romans 16:26 (9 votes)

    But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:26 (7 votes)

    The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

  • Hebrews 2:14 (7 votes)

    ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Hebrews 2:15 (7 votes)

    And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

  • 2 Peter 3:18 (7 votes)

    But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

  • Titus 2:11 (7 votes)

    ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,