Free Bible Commentary
“2 Timothy 2:8-13”
Categories: 2 Timothy“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
---End of Scripture verses---
The premier example of someone suffering and dying before arising to glory is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the prototype and the author of the salvation that faith in the Gospel brings. If we endure suffering with Him, we will also reign by His side in eternity (verse 12). If we are willing to die with Jesus—to give up our lives to Him and sacrifice our lives for Him if necessary—we will live forever with Him in heaven (verse 11). Please remember (verse 8): if the Creator, Christ and King (descendant of David) took the hard road that required a cross before a crown, we are not above our Master and the same will be required of us. But if we are faithful to death, He will give us the crown of life.
But, the converse is true as well. “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” That is only just and practical and logical. Jesus cannot deny Himself (verse 13). Jesus is pure, unadulterated Truth. He cannot lie and He cannot contradict Himself. He keeps His promises regardless of whether we like them or not. He promises eternal life to those who are faithful and righteous and obedient. He promises eternal punishment to those who are faithless, unrighteous or disobedient (Matthew 10:32-33; 25:46). Jesus always “remains faithful” to Himself, His nature, His word and His promises.
“The word of God is not imprisoned” (verse 9). Paul gloried in the fact that the very thing that he was imprisoned for, the word of God, could never be imprisoned itself. You can arrest the messenger, but you cannot hinder the eternal, inspired message. God’s word cannot possibly be shackled or thwarted. It will always return to Him having accomplished the purposes for which He sent it into the world (Isaiah 55:11). While Paul’s physical life was being snuffed out, souls were being saved for eternity! Faithful men like Timothy and Titus and a multitude of others were out sewing the seed of the kingdom and the word was proliferating and producing fruit to everlasting salvation! This was more than enough reason for Paul to “endure” all the suffering that was thrust upon him (verse 10)!
Rejoice my brethren! The living, effective, powerful word of God will endure forever! And so will we if we cling to it in faith, hope and obedience! Let’s share it with those who are without strength and hope!
Please read 2 Timothy 2:14-19 for tomorrow.
Have a wonderful day!
- Louie Taylor
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