What does 2 Timothy 1:6 mean?

Prior verses noted the source and reality of Timothy's Christian faith. Here, Paul encourages Timothy to expand on the spiritual gifts he has been given. While some interpreters have explained this "gift of God" as a spiritual gift, the New Testament most often uses this phrase as a reference to salvation. In John 4:10, Jesus spoke of salvation as the "gift of God." On the two other occasions Paul uses the phrase, we find: "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23) and "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Given how Paul typically uses this phrase Timothy's "gift of God" appears to be a reference to salvation.

Timothy was to "fan into flame" his salvation. Based on the reference to laying on of hands, Paul likely has in mind both Timothy's salvation and his calling to serve others. This becomes clear throughout the letter, as Paul commands him to serve as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3–4) who is to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2). The idea is one of fully implementing power: fanning a flame makes it stronger, brighter, and hotter.