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.
Second Timothy 2:1–13 presents a series of examples Paul wants Timothy to consider. Among these are soldiers, athletes, farmers, Jesus Christ, and Paul himself. Rather than give extensive details, Paul encourages Timothy to consider how each of these applies to his own life. The context for all of this is ''suffering,'' meaning the hardships endured for the sake of Christ. Those who endure do so by the power of God, not their own efforts.
Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.
