He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
Paul asserts his apostolic authority not for Timothy's sake alone; Timothy already believed. He writes with these grand titles because he stands at death's door and means to seal his whole ministry with his blood, that the Church may know his doctrine comes from God Himself, not from a mortal man's opinion.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Timothy 1:1-18
Timothy must stir up his gifts like fire under embers, exercising them constantly; gifts unused decay like muscles in idleness. The great poison to usefulness is slavish fear, which buried the wicked servant's talent and will bury yours if you let it.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Timothy 1:6-14
Who hath saved us, and called us,.... And therefore should not be ashamed of his Gospel, but should readily partake of the afflictions of it, depending on his power to support under them. There is a salvation previous to calling: there is a temporal salvation; a special providence attends the elect of God, as soon as born; God's visitation in a very special manner preserves...