2 Timothy 1:8-12

Paul Was Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Part of Paul's ability to be content in whatever state he was in must have come from the view expressed in 2 Timothy 1:8 (1 Peter 4:11; Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1). He was not Nero's or Rome's prisoner, but the Lord's. Wherever he was, he was serving his Master and striving to further the cause of the gospel. Christians have an internal character, as discussed in the previous verse, which allows them to not be ashamed of the gospel or our Lord. Timothy was also told, by Paul, not to be ashamed of him, as if some pressure would be put on him to do just that. Jesus suffered so that we might be saved. We can expect to suffer if we stand up for the righteousness of God. When we are suffering for the right, we can know that God's power is there to sustain us (1 Peter 4:16-19).

All those in Christ have been saved from their past sins by God's precious gift (2 Peter 1:9). We were saved when we accepted God's calling through our obedience (compare Acts 2:21; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 2:41; Acts 22:16). Our salvation is not earned through works that we do but is bestowed upon us as a gift. Ephesians 2:8-10 makes this clear while at the same time showing us that God intends for our lives to be centered on doing good works. God planned, even before the world began, to extend the gift of salvation to man in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10; Ephesians 3:10-11). For centuries God's plan for man's salvation was hidden (Romans 16:25-26). When Jesus appeared on the earth and carried out his purpose, God's plan of salvation was made known. When Jesus overcame the grave, he also overthrew death by taking away its sting (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). The way of life immortal had been pitch dark until the light of the Son's resurrection and his glorious gospel fully illuminated the way (2 Timothy 1:9-10).

Paul went forth as a herald, or proclaimer, for the king to tell the lost of Christ's saving power. He was sent by the king himself, as the word “apostle” shows. His specific charge was to instruct the Gentiles in the way of salvation (Acts 9:15; Acts 26:16-18). Paul was persecuted and imprisoned because he was carrying out the instructions of his commander. He was not ashamed of his suffering because he had complete trust in Jesus Christ. Roberts says the apostle went on to say, "He is able to keep my commitment." He could have meant the Lord was able to keep his charge to preach the gospel or he could have meant his soul. Both ideas are correct and it is actually possible Paul had both in mind. Christ's word will not fail (Matthew 24:36), nor will he leave his faithful servants in the grave (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). We can know that Jesus will always be with us if we are faithfully carrying out his command to teach all nations (2 Timothy 1:11-12).