The Apostle Paul
2 Timothy 2:6BSB·traditional attribution

The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.

Matthew Henry Presbyterian

Here Paul encourages Timothy to constancy and perseverance in his work: Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, Ti2 2:1. Observe, Those who have work to do for God must stir up themselves to do it, and strengthen themselves for it. Being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus may be understood in opposition to the weakness of grace.

Commenting on 2 Timothy 2:1-7

John Calvin Reformed

Be strengthened in grace, not as a permission to sloth, but as a command to shake off the flesh's sluggishness. Even the most gifted lose heart midway unless they are constantly aroused and reminded that their strength comes not from themselves but from Christ.

AI summary

Commenting on 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Reformed

must be first partaker--The right of first partaking of the fruits belongs to him who is laboring; do not thou, therefore, relax thy labors, as thou wouldest be foremost in partaking of the reward. CONYBEARE explains "first," before the idler.