Guard the Good Deposit

Paul writes to Timothy, his beloved child. He thanks God, whom he serves with a pure conscience, and remembers Timothy night and day in prayer. He recalls the sincere faith in Timothy, which his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had shown first.

For this reason Paul reminds him to stir up the gift of God that came through the laying on of Paul's hands. Paul explains that God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, not fear. Timothy should not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, or of Paul His prisoner, but share in hardship for the Good News. God saved us and called us, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and grace. Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light.

Paul was appointed a preacher, apostle, and teacher. He suffers for this, yet he says: I know him whom I have believed. He is persuaded that Jesus can guard what Paul has committed to Him. Timothy must hold the pattern of sound words and guard the good thing given to him through the Holy Spirit. Paul notes that all in Asia, including Phygelus and Hermogenes, turned away from him. Yet he asks the Lord to show mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, who refreshed him and searched for him in Rome.