Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
therefore—seeing that God hath given us such a spirit, not that of fear.
Be not thou . . . ashamed—I agree with ELLICOTT, in opposition to ALFORD, that the Greek subjunctive here, with the negative, implies action completed at one time, not continued action, which the present imperative would express; thus implying that Timothy had not decidedly yet evinced such feeling of shame; though I think, Paul, amidst the desertion of others who once promised fair, and from being aware of Timothy's constitutional timidity (see on II Timothy 1:7), felt it necessary to stir him up and guard him against the possibility of unchristian dereliction of duty as to bold confession of Christ. Shame (II Timothy 1:8) is the companion of fear (II Timothy 1:7); if fear be overcome, false shame flees [BENGEL]. Paul himself (II Timothy 1:12), and Onesiphorus (II Timothy 1:16), were instances of fearless profession removing false shame. He presents in contrast sad instances of fear and shame (II Timothy 1:15).
of the testimony of our Lord—of the testimony which thou art bound to give in the cause of our Lord; he says "our," to connect Timothy and himself together in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before Pilate (I Timothy 6:12-13), is an incentive to the believer that he should, after His Lord's example, witness a good testimony or confession.
nor of me his prisoner—The cause of God's servants is the cause of God Himself (Ephesians 4:1). Timothy might easily be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as not only worldly shame, but great risk, attended any recognition of Paul the prisoner.
be thou partaker—with me.
of the gospel—rather, as Greek, "for the Gospel," that is, suffered for the Gospel (II Timothy 2:3-5; Philemon 1:13).
according to the power of God—exhibited in having saved and called us (II Timothy 1:9). God who has done the greater act of power (that is, saved us), will surely do the less (carry us safe through afflictions borne for the Gospel). "Think not that thou hast to bear these afflictions by thine own power; nay, it is by the power of God. It was a greater exercise of power than His making the heaven, His persuading the world to embrace salvation" [CHRYSOSTOM].
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 2 Timothy 1:8:
1 Corinthians 1:6
2 Timothy 1:1
2 Timothy 1:7
2 Timothy 1:8
2 Timothy 1:12
2 Timothy 2:1
2 Timothy 4:9
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