2 Timothy 1:1-5

Paul, an apostle by the will of God See 1 Corinthians 1:1; according to the promise of life Appointed to exhibit, by preaching the gospel, and to bring men to, eternal life, promised by God to all true believers; in And through; Christ Jesus Who hath revealed and procured it. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers That is, whom both I and my ancestors served, or, whom I serve as the holy patriarchs did of old; with a pure conscience He always worshipped God according to his conscience, both before and after his conversion. Before his conversion, however, his conscience was neither truly enlightened nor awakened; for he was neither acquainted with the spirituality and extent of the moral law, nor with his own sinfulness and guilt through his violations of it. That without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers See on Romans 1:8. To know that the apostle prayed for him continually, must have afforded great encouragement to Timothy amidst his labours and sufferings: being mindful of thy tears Perhaps frequently shed, as well as at the apostle's last parting with him; that I may be filled with joy In conversing with thee, and giving thee my dying charge and blessing. When I call to remembrance, &c. That is, my desire to see thee is greatly increased by my calling to remembrance the unfeigned faith In the gospel, and in its glorious Author; that is in thee Of which thou hast given convincing evidence; and which dwelt An expression not applicable to a transient guest, but only to a settled inhabitant; first in thy grandmother Lois Probably this was before Timothy was born . Here it is insinuated, to the great praise of Timothy's grandmother Lois, that, having embraced the Christian faith herself, she persevered in it, and persuaded her daughter Eunice to do the same; and that the instructions and example of these pious women prepared their son for receiving the gospel when it was preached to him: a fit example this for the imitation of all mothers, who, if they take the same pains with their children, may hope that, by the blessing of God, their care will be followed with similar happy effects.