longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Observe here, The vehemency of affection which our apostle expresses towards Timothy; he desired, greatly desired, to see him, and with the sight of him to be filled with joy. Note, That though we must love all Christians, with a sincere love, yet we may love some Christians with a more fervent love than others; choice and useful Christians, endearing and endeared friends, may and...
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
desiring--Greek, "with yearning as for one much missed." mindful of thy tears--not only at our parting (Act 20:37), but also often when under pious feelings. that I may be filled with joy--to be joined with "desiring to see thee" (Rom 1:11-12; Rom 15:32).