2 Timothy 1:3-5

PAUL'S GRATITUDE, 2 Timothy 1:3-5

Text 1:3-5

3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day 4 longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.

Thought Questions 1:3-5

7.

Who were the forefathers of 2 Timothy 1:3?

8.

Is Paul discussing his previous life while a persecutor of the church, when he speaks of a pure conscience? Be sure and consider this point carefully,

9.

For what was Paul thankful?

10.

What does Paul say was unceasing, his remembrance, or his prayers?

11.

What tears of Timothy were remembered by Paul?

12.

How would the presence of Timothy fill Paul with joy?

13.

How was Paul reminded of the faith of Timothy? What is unfeigned faith?

14.

Is Paul saying here that Lois and Eunice became Christians before Timothy? Explain,

Paraphrase 1:3-5

3 I give thanks to God (whom, according to the knowledge received from my forefathers, I serve with a pure conscience, when I preach to all the promise of life through Christ), that I have unceasing remembrance of thee in my prayers, evening and morning, as a faithful minister of Christ.
4 Remembering thy tears, I greatly desire to see thee, that I may be filled with joy in conversing with thee, and in giving thee my dying charge and blessing.
5 This desire is increased by my calling to remembrance also, the unfeigned faith in the gospel which is in thee since I instructed thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother, Lois, and in thy mother, Eunice, and I am persuaded that it dwelleth firmly fixed in thee also, through the instructions of thy pious parents, as well as through my care.

Comment 1:3-5

2 Timothy 1:3. Students of Paul's letters will see a pattern established in the opening expression of a good many of his epistles. A greeting is given, followed by an expression of thanksgiving or praise. Such is the case here. But we must hasten to say that such a mode of expression was far more than just a custom. Every word of the thanksgiving is sincere and appropriate.

Notice this brief outline of Paul's gratitude: (1) Paul thanks God for his unceasing remembrance of Timothy in prayer; (2) He has a great desire to see Timothyespecially as he remembers his tearsif he could but see him, his joy would be full; (3) Someone or something reminds Paul of the sincere faith of Timothy. Such faith was first in Lois, then Eunice, and is now in Timothy.
The service of Paul to God was from his forefathers. Are we to understand by this expression that there was a constant succession of servants in the family of Paul from Benjamin, the son of Jacob, to Saul of Tarsus? We think not. The word, from, could be translated, after the example of his forefathers. It could be that he has reference to some of his more immediate ancestors, such as parents and grandparents.
The word, service, used by Paul, is just as well translated worship. The apostle is not discussing his previous service or worship, but rather, his present efforts as a Christian. Paul's parents prepared him with a sincere attitude toward his relationship to God, which is now reflected in his apostleship for Christ. Paul served God with a clean conscience. What a bulwark of strength for service. No service can either be sustained or strong without a pure conscience.

We are not unaware of the problem of understanding, present in the translation of 2 Timothy 1:3-5, but we do not feel any advantage is gained by discussing it here. We are satisfied with the American Standard translation of the text. If any are interested in pursuing the subject further, Lenski, Hendriksen, or Hiebert would be good authorities to consult.

Why is it that Paul thanks God that he can unceasingly pray both night and day for Timothy? It must have arisen out of the need Timothy had for such supplication. Paul and Timothy knew of the need; we do not, but it must have been a great source of comfort and encouragement to Timothy to know that his particular needs were being held up night and day before the throne of grace by the Apostle Paul!

2 Timothy 1:4. Please remember that 2 Timothy 1:3-5 are all contained in one sentence; read these verses again as one sentence. In Paul's prayers there arises not only the needs of Timothy, which frame the content of his supplications, but also a strong desire to see him one more time before he finished the race. This intense desire is prompted by a recollection of the tears of Timothy on behalf of Paul. Just where and when, or why these tears were shed, we do not know. Was it in Lystra when Timothy and others stood over the bruised and broken body of Paul? We know that God raised Paul up to continue his work, but it would not keep back the tears of those who loved him. Perhaps Paul's remembrance had to do with the tears shed at the parting of Paul and Timothy. The presence of Timothy with Paul would assure the Apostle that his trusted son was safe. No letter can ever take the place of speaking face to face. Paul was at peace with a pure conscience, but he did want the assurance that all was well with Timothy.

2 Timothy 1:5 Something happened in Paul to remind him of the faithfulness of Timothy. Did someone visit Paul to tell him of the early childhood of Timothy? Did something else remind him of the blessing Timothy had in Lois and Eunice? We do not know who or what it was, but the first half of this verse states that he was reminded. Does such a remembrance need outside stimuli?

There was no pretense in the faith of Lois and Eunice. Transparent sincerity is such a blessingto the possessor and to all who associate with him. The faith of Lois and Eunice, as well as Timothy, was first in the Old Testament Scriptures and the God there revealed. This same attitude was transferred to Jesus Christ when the good news was announced by Paul.
The heart condition of these two women reminds us of the good and honest heart of Lydia. Wherever such conditions prevail, the seed of the kingdom grows to produce its glorious harvest.

Fact Questions 1:3-5

6.

What style-pattern of writing is discovered in the opening section of Paul's letters?

7.

For what does Paul thank God? Why?

8.

In what sense was Paul's service to God from his forefathers?

9.

Was Paul's service to God always given from a pure conscience? Remember the goad of Acts 9:1-6.

10.

Did Paul have specific times for prayer?

11.

When were the tears shed that Paul remembered?

12.

What caused Paul to remember the unhypocritical faith of Timothy?

13.

What pre-disposition of heart prevailed with Lois and Eunice?