Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. The conjunction "wherefore" connects this exhortation to Timothy's genuine faith—authentic faith must be actively exercised, not passively assumed. The command "stir up" (anazōpyrein, ἀναζωπυρεῖν) literally means "rekindle" or "fan into flame," reviving smoldering embers into blazing fire. This vivid metaphor suggests Timothy's spiritual gift had grown dormant due to opposition, fear, or discouragement. Spiritual gifts require intentional cultivation through use, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit—neglect causes atrophy.
"The gift of God" (charisma tou theou, χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ) refers to Timothy's specific ministry gifting, likely pastoral teaching and leadership. This charisma is gracious endowment from God, not natural talent. Every believer receives spiritual gifts for serving the body (1 Corinthians 12:7, Romans 12:6-8). These gifts come from the Holy Spirit but are often imparted through laying on of hands by church leaders.
"By the putting on of my hands" refers to Paul's apostolic recognition and commissioning of Timothy's ministry (Acts 16:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:14). This act symbolized identification, blessing, authorization—not magical transmission but public recognition of God's calling.
Historical Context
Laying on of hands had Old Testament precedent: Moses commissioned Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23), sacrificial animals received sins this way (Leviticus 16:21), and patriarchs blessed descendants (Genesis 48:14). Early Christians continued this practice for blessing, healing, receiving the Holy Spirit, and ordaining leaders. Timothy's ordination occurred at Lystra with elders' participation. This public commissioning gave Timothy apostolic authorization crucial for authority in Ephesus where opponents questioned his youth. The need to "rekindle" suggests significant discouragement from persecution, opposition, and Paul's imprisonment.
Questions for Reflection
What spiritual gifts has God given you, and are you fanning them into flame through use and prayer, or have they grown dormant?
What fears or discouragements cause you to shrink back from fully using your gifts for Christ's glory?
Who are the spiritual authorities who have recognized and commissioned your gifts, and are you faithfully fulfilling that calling?
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. The conjunction "wherefore" connects this exhortation to Timothy's genuine faith—authentic faith must be actively exercised, not passively assumed. The command "stir up" (anazōpyrein, ἀναζωπυρεῖν) literally means "rekindle" or "fan into flame," reviving smoldering embers into blazing fire. This vivid metaphor suggests Timothy's spiritual gift had grown dormant due to opposition, fear, or discouragement. Spiritual gifts require intentional cultivation through use, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit—neglect causes atrophy.
"The gift of God" (charisma tou theou, χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ) refers to Timothy's specific ministry gifting, likely pastoral teaching and leadership. This charisma is gracious endowment from God, not natural talent. Every believer receives spiritual gifts for serving the body (1 Corinthians 12:7, Romans 12:6-8). These gifts come from the Holy Spirit but are often imparted through laying on of hands by church leaders.
"By the putting on of my hands" refers to Paul's apostolic recognition and commissioning of Timothy's ministry (Acts 16:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:14). This act symbolized identification, blessing, authorization—not magical transmission but public recognition of God's calling.