What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:10? For this reason Paul ties his statement to the gospel he has just summarized (2 Timothy 2:8-9). Because Jesus is “raised from the dead” and the Word “is not chained,” Paul has an unshakable motive. Similar resolve shows up in: • 1 Corinthians 9:23—“I do all this for the sake of the gospel.” • 2 Timothy 1:11-12—Paul suffers “for this reason” yet remains convinced of Christ’s keeping power. The thought is simple: the resurrection and the unstoppable Word supply the reason for everything that follows. I endure all things Paul’s willingness to suffer has no fine print. “I endure all things,” he says, echoing: • 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, his catalog of hardships. • Colossians 1:24, where he “rejoices” in those sufferings. Endurance is not stoic grit; it springs from conviction that nothing—not chains, not loss—can silence the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14). for the sake of the elect Suffering has an aim: God’s chosen people. Scripture affirms that God has a people yet to believe: • Acts 18:9-10—“I have many people in this city.” • John 10:16—the “other sheep” who will listen. Paul’s labor partners with God’s sovereign choice (Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:33). Election never dulls evangelistic urgency; it fuels it. so that they too may obtain the salvation The elect still need to “obtain” salvation—hear, believe, and be rescued. Paul’s endurance is the delivery system. Compare: • Romans 10:13-15—people call on the Lord because someone is sent. • 1 Corinthians 1:21—God saves “those who believe through the foolishness of preaching.” Salvation is both a gift God secures and a treasure people must receive. that is in Christ Jesus Salvation is located “in Christ Jesus,” underscoring exclusivity. Scripture is clear: • Acts 4:12—“There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” • John 14:6—Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.” The phrase guards against any thought that endurance or election save; Christ alone does. with eternal glory The outcome is more than rescue; it is everlasting honor. Paul contrasts present chains with future crowns: • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal weight of glory.” • 1 Peter 5:10—God will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” His people. Eternal glory dwarfs temporal cost, making endurance worthwhile. summary Paul endures every hardship because the risen, unstoppable Christ compels him. His suffering serves God’s chosen ones, ensuring they hear the gospel, believe, and receive the salvation found only in Christ—salvation that culminates in eternal glory. Present pain, eternal gain. |
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