2 Timothy 1:7

Context

2 Timothy is a letter that Paul wrote while imprisoned (1:8, 1:16) to Timothy, a coworker whom he regarded as a son. Church tradition regards it as Paul's last letter. Since the modern era, some scholars have held that it was written after Paul's death by someone who carried on his teaching (see Authorship of the Bible).

In chapter 1, Paul first recalls Timothy's "unfeigned faith," which had dwelt first in his grandmother and mother (Lois and Eunice) (1:5). He then urges Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" that he received through the laying on of Paul's hands (1:6). Verse 7 gives the reason for this exhortation. Verse 8, which immediately follows, urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or of Paul his prisoner, but to be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel. The immediate thrust of the verse, therefore, is courage to carry on gospel ministry amid persecution and suffering.

Interpretation

• As an exhortation to ministers: This reading connects the verse with the laying on of hands and the gift in verse 6 and with the suffering in verse 8, and therefore narrows "us" to gospel ministers such as Paul and Timothy. Together with the conjecture that Timothy was young (1 Timothy 4:12) and easily intimidated (1 Corinthians 16:10), it reads the verse as encouragement not to be afraid but to fulfill the ministry entrusted to him.
• As a statement about the Holy Spirit: The Greek word here is pneuma, "spirit" (rendered "mind" in some Korean translations). This reading understands it as the Holy Spirit given by God and links it with "the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us" in verse 14. The Pentecostal and charismatic traditions pay particular attention to "power" and use the verse as a basis for emphasizing the Spirit's empowerment.
• As a word for all believers: This reading broadens "us" to Christians in general and understands the verse to mean that believers live with a character marked by power, love, and self-control rather than by fear. Many churches draw on this reading in sermons addressing everyday anxiety and fear.

Debates and Issues

Differences in translation. The final word (sōphronismos) is reported to occur only here in the New Testament. Proposed meanings include self-restraint, sound judgment, and corrective discipline, and translations render it differently:

• Korean Revised Version: "a mind of sobriety"
• New Korean Revised Version: "a mind of self-control"
• King James Version: "a sound mind"
• New Korean Standard Version: renders "mind" as "spirit" and "fear" as "cowardice," bringing out the original "spirit."

The referent of "spirit." Commentators are also divided over whether "spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit or to a human disposition or attitude.

Context and general application. Some have criticized using this verse solely as a word for overcoming general anxieties such as examinations or illness, pointing out that its original context is the courage not to be ashamed in the face of suffering for the gospel. Others hold that, because the verse speaks of a character given by God, applying it broadly is not unreasonable.

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently cited as a word of comfort and encouragement and is widely used for Scripture memorization. It is reportedly often quoted at prayer meetings for students facing the national college entrance exam (suneung) and in exhortations to those taking up a new church office.

Related Passages

• 2 Timothy 1:6
• 2 Timothy 1:8
• 2 Timothy 1:14
• 1 John 4:18
• 1 Timothy 4:12