2 Timothy 2:8-13: Remembering Jesus

As the Apostle Paul begins a new paragraph in this letter to Timothy, the term endure seems to be central to his thoughts. In 2:10, Paul writes Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, and in 2:12 he adds if we endure, we will also reign with him. The word endure carries with it the meaning “to last,” and is associated with terms such as “endurance” and “duration.”

Jesus Christ serves as the Apostle Paul’s inspiration for endurance. This is why Paul challenges Timothy to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead (2:8). This idea is further developed in 2:11-13, an early creedal statement marked by a series of if and then clauses. Clearly, one who belongs to Jesus Christ is one who endures as faithful to the One who remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself (2:13). Let’s ponder these thoughts, as we apply God’s word to our lives.