1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2 Timothy 2:1-7 KJV)
Commentary
Paul encourages Timothy to be constant and steadfast in his work: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). Those who labor for God must strengthen themselves for their duty. Being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus may mean opposing weakness in grace; where true grace exists, we must labor for its strength. As our trials increase, we must grow stronger in faith, resolution, and love for God and Christ. It may also mean not trusting in our own strength but in the grace that is in Christ. “Be strong, not relying on your own sufficiency, but on the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” As Paul also wrote, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Peter, when he promised to die for Christ rather than deny Him, trusted in his own strength; had he been strong in Christ’s grace, he would have stood firm.
There is grace in Christ Jesus, for “the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). There is enough grace in Him for all believers. We must be strong not in ourselves or in the grace we have already received, but in the grace that is in Him. Paul, like a father to a son, exhorts Timothy tenderly: “Be strong.”
Timothy must expect suffering and therefore train others to succeed him in ministry (2 Timothy 2:2). He must teach faithful people who will preserve and pass on what he has learned and who will be able to teach others also. They must be faithful—sincere in seeking God’s glory and the salvation of souls—and skillful to teach. What Timothy received from Paul, he must entrust to reliable believers who can preserve and transmit the gospel faithfully. No one should enter ministry on their own, but should be ordained and entrusted with the gospel by those already in office.
Paul adds, “Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). All Christians, especially ministers, are soldiers of Christ, fighting under His banner and against His enemies, for He is the “captain of our salvation” (Hebrews 2:10). A good soldier must be faithful to his captain, steadfast in his cause, and endure hardship without retreat, until he becomes “more than a conqueror through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). We must expect and patiently bear difficulties, not allowing them to move us from integrity.
Paul also warns Timothy not to become entangled in worldly affairs (2 Timothy 2:4). A soldier leaves his civilian occupation to obey his commander. Likewise, Christians, having given themselves to Christ, must not let worldly business distract them from their duty to God. Though we must attend to daily responsibilities, we must not let them draw us away from our faith and service. Our goal should be to please the One who has chosen us as soldiers. The way to please Christ is to remain free from distractions that hinder our spiritual warfare.
Paul then reminds Timothy that he must follow the rules of this spiritual warfare: “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5). A Christian strives for mastery over his sinful desires and to excel in what is good. But he must do so lawfully—according to God’s Word and commands—or he cannot expect the reward. Those who strive lawfully will be crowned when the victory is complete.
Paul further teaches, “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6). If we desire to share in the fruits, we must labor diligently and patiently, just as the farmer works before reaping. We must do the will of God before receiving His promises, which is why we need patience (Hebrews 10:36; James 5:7).
Finally, Paul commends these teachings to Timothy’s thoughtful attention: “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). Timothy must carefully reflect on Paul’s admonitions. Thoughtful consideration is essential to both a sound conversion and a godly life. Paul also prays for him, recognizing that it is God who gives true understanding. Even the most intelligent need continual illumination from God, for unless the One who revealed His Word also gives understanding to the heart, we learn nothing. Along with prayer for others, we must encourage them to reflect deeply, for consideration leads to understanding, remembrance, and obedience to the truth we hear or read.