What does 2 Timothy 2:1 mean?

Paul returns to his focus on Timothy in this verse, after discussing other Christian ministers at the end of chapter 1. This is the second time Paul calls Timothy his child in this letter (2 Timothy 1:2). This theme was also seen in 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2, 18). Paul saw Timothy as his spiritual son in the faith. Paul was at this time an old man, likely in his 60s, and did not have a wife or children. Instead, he had devoted his life to serving Christ. Timothy was likely the closest thing he had to an actual son.

Paul's words include a positive tone as he begins his list of word pictures. Timothy's strength was not found in himself, but in the grace of Jesus. Grace is the source of salvation (Acts 18:27; Ephesians 2:8–9) as well as the power for the Christian's daily life. We start in grace, stand in grace (Romans 5:2), and are strengthened in grace. This is comforting for us, as limited people, since we often feel weak and inconsistent. Christ, however, is eternal and invincible.