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committed unto me') against that day". The rendering suggested by the R.V. margin
seems to be the true one, particularly when we read the next two verses:--
"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus; guard, by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us, that good deposit
entrusted" (see also I Tim. 6: 20).
The apostle never shows the slightest hesitancy regarding his mission and ministry. "I
am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles", he affirms in his
final message to Timothy (II Tim. 1: 11). The second passage (II Tim. 4: 17, 18)
likewise emphasizes the apostle's firm conviction of his special appointment; he gives, as
the reason why the Lord stood by him and strengthened him, "that by me the preaching
might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear". In I Cor. 9: 16, 17 he says,
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of, for necessity is laid upon
me. . . . a dispensation is committed unto me". "Let a man so account of us", he says
in I Cor. 4: 1, "as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God". He
tells us that he had been approved of God to be entrusted with the gospel (I Thess. 2: 4;
I Tim. 1: 11).
There were doubtless other contributing causes of the apostle's continuous
perseverance, but the three we have enumerated, (1) The power of Christ's resurrection,
(2) the knowledge of his Lord, and (3) the unwavering conviction of his calling and
ministry, these proved a threefold power that enabled him against all odds, in honour and
dishonour, to fight a good fight, to finish his course, and to keep the faith.
The day in which we live calls loudly for witnesses thus empowered, and thus
resolved. May we be enabled to see our path, and then to tread it with singleness of
purpose.