2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The first-century church faced severe testing. Persecution under Nero intensified, many believers compromised or apostatized, false teachers arose within churches. In this context, ministers like Timothy could easily become discouraged, overwhelmed, or defeated. Paul's exhortation to "be strong in grace" addressed this real crisis. Ancient Stoic philosophy taught self-sufficiency through willpower and reason—finding strength within oneself. Christianity radically departed from this, teaching total dependence on divine grace for both salvation and sanctification. This countercultural emphasis on grace-dependence versus self-reliance distinguished Christian spirituality from prevailing philosophies.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of ministry or Christian service are you relying on self-generated strength, willpower, or natural abilities rather than God's enabling grace?
- How can you practically "be strengthened" in grace through prayer, Scripture meditation, corporate worship, and conscious dependence on Christ?
- When facing discouragement, opposition, or inadequacy in serving Christ, how quickly do you turn to grace in Christ versus trying harder in human strength?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The conjunction "therefore" connects this exhortation to chapter 1's themes—Timothy must respond to desertion and opposition by finding strength in grace. "My son" (teknon mou, τέκνον μου) reinforces their intimate relationship and Paul's fatherly authority. The command "be strong" (endynamou, ἐνδυναμοῦ) is passive/middle imperative—literally "be empowered" or "be strengthened." This isn't self-generated strength but strength received from external source.
The prepositional phrase "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (en tē chariti tē en Christō Iēsou, ἐν τῇ χάριτι τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ) locates the source: God's enabling grace, not human effort. Charis (χάρις) here denotes not merely unmerited favor in salvation but ongoing divine empowerment for service. This grace exists "in Christ Jesus"—inseparably connected to union with Him. Ministers don't serve in self-generated strength but in grace constantly supplied through relationship with Christ.
This verse establishes a crucial principle: faithful Christian ministry requires continual reliance on divine grace. Timothy faces desertion, opposition, false teaching, and his own timidity. Human strength will fail. Only by abiding in Christ and receiving His grace can Timothy persevere faithfully. This grace isn't passive but active empowerment enabling believers to fulfill calling despite inadequacy and opposition (2 Corinthians 12:9).