So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well. 3 Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life. 5 Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
In his letter to Timothy, St. Paul urges Timothy to “be strong (v. 1)” in guarding the faith handed on by Jesus. He is to “entrust (v. 2)” the deposit of faith to reliable Christian leaders who have the ability to teach others and who in turn can be entrusted to pass on the faith to future leaders. He must make the effort to bear his share of hardship (v. 3), just like Paul, for the Gospel. He must be dedicated and totally committed in order to succeed. St. Paul gives three examples; be single-minded like a soldier, practice self-denial like an athlete, and make an intense effort like a farmer. God’s grace will help him to understand everything. (vv. 4-7).
Timothy must remember
the risen Christ for whose Gospel Paul is suffering in chains. But the word of God, through which believers
will receive salvation, cannot be restrained. Paul uses a baptismal formula, “If we have
died with him we shall also live with him (v. 11; Rom. 6:8)” and explains
the consequences for believers and non-believers.
Almighty God, as your plan of salvation unfolds, help us to safeguard the word of God and teach it to others. Grant us the grace to be single-minded in following your word, so that we can be led to salvation. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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