A Weekly Word: 2 Timothy 1:9
January 01, 2020
Exactly, what does Paul mean when he speaks to Timothy about a “holy calling?”
Well, the context may help us to answer the question. First, Paul is writing to Timothy
from a Roman prison cell. Why was Paul in prison? Because he was the leader of Christianity
who spoke boldly to people about Christ. This was no longer deemed acceptable by the
Roman authorities. Additionally, we discover that Paul’s situation was extremely serious,
so serious that some of his closest supporters were now deserting him (see 2 Tim.
1:15; 4:10). In the midst of these dire circumstances, Paul writes to Timothy, his
young missionary partner, to encourage him to keep his sincere faith (1:5), to let
the Spirit within him empower him to accomplish bold things for God (1:7), to provide
sound teaching of God’s word (1:13), and to not be ashamed of the Gospel (1:8, 12,
16). In short, he is telling Timothy that his “holy calling” is to be a bold witness
for Christ no matter what, and that this “calling” will involve suffering for the
gospel (1:8).
He saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.
2 Timothy 1:9
As I watch today’s news, I am confronted with the reality that our world is desperately
lost and desperately needs the gospel. Also, I am confronted with the reality that
our world is becoming increasingly hostile toward Christ followers. The truth is,
our situation is very similar to that of Paul and Timothy. Paul never made it out
of that prison cell. Instead, he passed his ministry legacy on to Timothy and to other
“bold witnesses” for Christ. And now they have passed the ministry legacy on to us.
May we join them “in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and
called us to a holy calling.”
By Scott Jackson, Pruet School of Christian Studies
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