Fathers

2 Timothy 1

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Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also. For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. For this I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day. Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me, of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently and found me (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.

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What the Fathers say

2 Timothy 1:7

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." That is, we did not receive the Spirit, that we should shrink from exertion, but that we may speak with boldness. For to many He gives a spirit of fear, as we read in the wars of the Kings. "A spirit of fear fell upon them." (Ex. xv. 16?) That is, he infused terror into them. But to thee He has given, on the contrary, a spirit of power, and of love toward Himself. …

Homily on 2 Timothy 1 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

That is, we did not receive the spirit in order to be timid, but in order to be strong in temptations and to have boldness. To many God also gives a spirit of fear, as it is written in the book of Exodus: "Let fear fall upon them" (Ex. 15:16), that is, God instilled fear in them. Of love both toward God and toward neighbors. For even to love God as Father we have from the Spirit, who causes us to cry out: "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15). …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of discipline. How then shall I rekindle the gift of God? If I stand honorable against temptations. For God has not given us a spirit of fear. For there is a spirit or gift of fear, as it is said in the books of the Kings: And the spirit of fear fell upon them, where it was altogether necessary to fear. (2 Chron. 17:10) But to us, Paul says, a gift of power has been given. but of power. Which is against temptations. and of love. Which is towards the brethren. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, God has not given us the spirit of fear, he gives the reason for his admonition, and it is based on the nature of a divine task. For one who accepts a post should act in accordance with its demands. Therefore, we should serve God according to the nature of his gifts. But there are two spirits: the spirit of this world, and the Spirit of God; and these are different. For spirit signifies love, because the name 'spirit' suggests an impulsion; and love impels. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗