Pulpit Commentary Verse 8. - Be not ashamed therefore for be not thou therefore ashamed, A.V.; suffer hardship with the gospel for be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, A.V. Be not ashamed, etc. The exhortation based upon the previous statement. The spirit of power and love must show itself in a brave, unflinching acceptance of all the hardships and afflictions incident to a faithful execution of his episcopal office (comp. Romans 1:16). Suffer hardship with the gospel. This, of course, is a possible rendering, but an unnatural one, and not at all in harmony with the context. The force of σὺν in συγκακοπάθησον (only found here in the New Testament and in the R.T. of 2 Timothy 2:3) is manifestly to associate Timothy with St. Paul in the afflictions of the gospel. "Be a fellow partaker with me of the afflictions," which is in obvious contrast with being ashamed of the testimony of the Lord and of the apostle his prisoner. The gospel (τῷ εὐαγγελιω); i.e. for the gospel, as Philippians 1:27, "striving for the faith of the gospel" (τῇ πίστει), and as Chrysostom explains it: Υπὲρ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (Huther). According to the power of God; either "according to that spirit of power which God gave you at your ordination," or "according to the mighty power of God manifested in our salvation and in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ." The latter seems to be what St. Paul had in his mind. Timothy ought to feel that this power was on his side.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 03:29:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015