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It was in connection with this truth, enshrined in the gospel committed to him, that
Paul was appointed a "preacher", and an "apostle", and a "teacher of the Gentiles"
(II Tim. 1: 11). This same threefold ministry is referred to in I Tim. 2: 7, and the reader
should note the interesting parallel between this passage and Titus 1: 1-4. Both passages
speak of "due time", and the Apostle's solemn words in I Tim. 2: 7: "I speak the truth in
Christ, I lie not" are echoed by the words "truth", and "cannot lie" in Titus 1: 1-4.
We have now dealt with II Tim. 1: 8-12--, and we must next pass on to verses 12-14.
In both of these sections the thought of not being ashamed is prominent. As we realize
the issues of life and death involved, and begin to apprehend the love that gave and
planned, shame will surely give place to a desire to serve, and, if need be, to suffer any
loss rather than deny the Lord, Whose sacrifice and resurrection on our behalf have
opened the door to life and glory.
The second section (II Tim. 1: 12-14), which passes from the gospel committed to Paul
to "that good deposit" of truth in which is enshrined the Mystery, we must take up in our
next article.
#9.
The Good Deposit (1: 12 - 14).
pp. 139 - 143
Like the first subdivision of this section, verses 12-14 of II Tim. 1: speak of being
"unashamed" of a message, "the good deposit", and of a particular time, "that day". As
some time has elapsed since we set out the passage as a whole we here repeat its
structure.
B2 | 12-14. Paul--Not ashamed of suffering as prisoner.
SUBJECT.--The Good Deposit.
TIME.--That Day.
f2 | 12. He is able to guard.
g2 | 12. The Deposit.
h2 | 13. Have a form of sound words heard of me.
f2 | 14. Do thou guard.
g2 | 14. The Good Deposit.
As we have introduced a new translation into the structure, we will deal with that first.
The words of the A.V., "that which I have entrusted unto Him" (II Tim. 1: 12), are, in the
original, Ten paratheken mou, and those of verse 14, "That good thing which was
committed unto thee", are Ten kalen paratheken. It will be seen that, with the exception
of the two words mou, "of me", and kalen, "good", the same words are used in both
passages. The R.V. margin informs us that the Greek means "my deposit". If we turn to
I Tim. 6: 20, we shall find the same word used there, "O Timothy, keep that which has
been committed to thy trust", Ten paratheken.