I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:3-6
The Second Epistle to Paul’s spiritual son Timothy once again begins in a prison. However things are different with this letter, as the Apostle Paul would not make it out of prison this time, and he understands the urgency and that time is running out for him with his earthly ministry. So the Apostle Paul is trying to make sure, Timothy is spiritually ready and prepared to lead the Church with a strong faith and uncompromising doctrine
The first thing to notice the Apostle Paul says “I remember you in my prayers night and day” Even though the Apostle Paul was in prison, he spent alot of his time praying for his brothers and sisters in Christ. Are we doing the same? Are we praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ without ceasing? And notice Paul “greatly desired to see you (Timothy)” Fellowship with the body of Christ is very important, this is why we should gather in person with other Christians, community is important. But also its clear Paul understands his time is near, he wants to see Timothy one last time to encourage him, to lead the Church
It’s very interesting here, that Paul then mentions Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, its clear Paul knows Timothy’s family, in fact he might have brought them to Christ by his preaching. It’s probable that Paul knew Timothy since he was a young boy and has been mentoring him most of his life. This is the strong community connection of the Church. Also Paul mentions to Timothy “the genuine faith that is in you” His family were true Born Again believers, they were not false converts, they were filled and led by the Holy Spirit
The Apostle Paul then acknowledges the gift of the Holy Spirit that is in Timothy “therefor I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you” Timothy was chosen to lead the Church because the Holy Spirit chose him. Paul recognized the gift of the Holy Spirit was in him, thereofor Paul is being obedient to God by training Timothy.
One thing that is mention here is Paul says “by the laying on my hands” This was a practice by the early Church when someone was a new convert the Church would lay hands on that person to receive the Holy Spirit. Another practice that can’t be performed over a Zoom call, this demonstrates the closeness of community and faith in Christ as the body of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, Amen!
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