2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed… I. THE AWFUL PERIOD. It is not mentioned by name; but the apostle only calls it "that day." What day? The day of death, when "the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns unto God who gave it"? Or the day of judgment? Doubtless the day of judgment. This is often in the Scripture called "that day," in order to show us that it is a very important, a very remarkable, a very distinguished day. II. WHAT THE APOSTLE DID in the prospect of this period. He deposited something in the Redeemer's hands; "that which I have committed unto Him against that day." What, now, was this deposit? You evidently see it was something personal, in which he acted as a believer. And it is not necessary, as far as I know, to exclude anything from the transaction; but principally we are to understand the eternal concerns of his soul. And if this required any confirmation, it may be derived from the example of poor Stephen, who, when he was dying, said, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit" — and from the experience of David, who in an hour of danger said, "Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth!" It means, therefore, simply believing. The apostle's representation of faith here will remind us of several things. 1. The committing our eternal all into His bands implies conviction. The man before was deluded by error and blinded by ignorance; but now "the eyes of his understanding" are opened. (1) Now he is convinced of the value of his soul. (2) He is now convinced of the danger of the soul. (3) And now, too, he is convinced of his inability to save his soul. 2. And this act implies also a concern for its security and welfare. 3. The act of committing the soul to Christ also implies application to the Redeemer for the purpose of salvation. 4. It implies submission, III. THE SATISFACTION FELT in the review of the transaction. 1. You see what the satisfaction is derived from: and, generally considered, you observe that it takes in the apostle's acquaintance with the great Depository himself — "I know whom I have believed." 2. You have seen the satisfaction generally expressed; but here is a particular reference with regard to it. "And I am persuaded," says he, "that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. |
    |