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Apocalypse.
We have accomplished our object, however, if we have at least
demonstrated that when the Apostle speaks in this second chapter of II Timothy of
enduring, striving for mastery, reigning and receiving a crown, he means just exactly
what the words ordinarily import.
#12.
The enabling of Grace (2: 1).
pp. 45 - 49
The Apostle began this epistle with personal references to himself and to Timothy. He
drew attention to the fact that while he had been obliged to wrench himself away from his
home and from his fathers, Timothy had enjoyed the blessings of a Christian home.
These personal passages lead up to the impassioned statement and appeal:
"God hath not given us the spirit of cowardice; but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed . . . . ." (II Tim. 1: 7, 8).
The Apostle does not hide from Timothy the fact that difficulties accompany the
ministry of the truth, but he shows also the other side of the picture, the satisfying and
all-sufficient presence of the Lord. All in Asia may forsake him, but the Lord never!
After speaking of the refreshing ministry of Onesiphorus the somewhat strange words are
added, "this thou knowest very well". The pronoun "thou" (the Greek su) is emphatic,
for without the pronoun being used at all, it has to be expressed in English as e.g. in
II Tim. 1: 8. There is no su in this verse; it is enough to see the verb "Be ashamed".
Wherever therefore we read the pronoun su, we know that urgency or emphasis is
implied. Why then did the Apostle emphasize this fact of Timothy's knowledge here?
As a help, let us first see exactly when and where he used this pronoun in the epistle as a
whole.
The emphatic "Thou" (Su) in II Timothy.
A | 1: 8. Su.--Thou knowest. Onesiphorus. The Lord give mercy.
B | c | 2: 1. Su.--Be strong. Things heard of (para) me.
d | 2: 3. Su.--Suffer evil (kakopatheo) as good soldier.
C | 3: 10. Su.--Fully followed my doctrine, manner of life.
B | c | 3: 14. Su.--Continue in things heard of (para) whom.
d | 4: 5. Su.--Watch, suffer evil (kakopatheo).
Do work of evangelist.
A | 4: 15. Su.--Beware. Alexander. The Lord reward.
Except it were demonstrated before one's eyes, one would scarcely credit that even
the distribution of so small a word as su should so evidently be designed by the Spirit of
truth. Yet, beyond cavil so it is. Obviously the opening and closing references are in
correspondence and refer to others. The remainder associate Timothy with some phase of
the Apostle's ministry. It may be necessary to explain that the word para, which occurs