2Timothy 1:8-10 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel
‘Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.’ Three commands to Timothy: Be not ashamed of the gospel (2:15; Rom. 1:16; Luke 9:26). Be not ashamed of gospel preachers (1:16; Luke 9:26). Be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel (4:5; Col. 1:24).
‘Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling …’ Four acts of God: He saved us. He called us with a holy calling. He blessed us with His purpose and grace. He planned for us before the ages.
‘Before the world began’ – before the ages of time – in eternity.
‘But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.’ Four acts of Jesus Christ: He made manifest God’s blessings by His appearance on earth. He abolished death. He brought life through the gospel. He brought immortality through the gospel.
‘Abolished’ [Greek: katargeo] He cancelled death and will destroy it completely at the end of the Millennium (1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21:4; 22:3).
‘Brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.’ Christ brought to full view the life and immortality of the gospel, actually demonstrating it in His own case as a guarantee of the life and immortality of all who believe the gospel.
Living the Word 