2 Timothy 1:13-18 (NKJV) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
V13 “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” The Greek word for “pattern” is (G5296) ὑποτύπωσις hypotypōsis, which means an outline, sketch, and imitation (as a drawing). The Greek word for “sound” is (g5198) ὑγιαίνω hygiainō, which means health, that is, without sickness or error. The Greek word for “words” is (G3056) λόγος logos, which means something spoken, thoughts, message. Paul is encouraging Timothy to continue the same pattern of the wholesome message that Jesus and the Apostles taught. The sum of these words is the Scriptures which do not lie, do not deceive, and have no error. Paul, the Apostle, is instructing Timothy to remain faithful to what Paul has taught (and the other Apostles). God’s words are faithful and motivated byGod’s love. They are good words for all to have, believe, and live.
V14 “That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” That good thing = the commissioning and gift given to Timothy by God for service. God gives us all we need for our ministry. It may be opportunity for learning the facts (knowledge) and the why’s and how’s (understanding). God gives the wisdom and takes care of the delivery and results. Our mission is to live our commission. We and our God-given gifts are kept, protected, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in each believer (John 4:14 (eternal life and a living faith now), Genesis 41:38, and 1 Corinthians 6:19)). Also, the Holy Spirit is our guarantee of eternal life (Romans 8:11), our assurance of eternal life and salvation (Romans 8:14-16), the giver of our wisdom and insight needed for a successful Christian life (compare Genesis 41:38), our strength to remain faithful and active in our Christian life (Ephesians 3:16), our aid in witnessing, teaching, etc. (compare Luke 12:12), encourages, reminds, and convicts us regarding obedience to the Law of Christ (Galatians 5:16), and the producer of our spiritual fruit to glorify God (Galatians 5:22-23).
V15 “This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” Paul was deserted in his time of need. Asia is more or less SW Turkey. These two men are called out.
Some comments:
(Holman Commentary) “It seems these men had once been faithful, and, although we know nothing about them, they were familiar to Timothy. Perhaps their desertion exemplified the pervasiveness of the apostasy, leading to Timothy’s own disheartened outlook.”
(Wuest’s Word Studies) “But this turning away was not for mere personal reasons, as the context indicates. In 2Ti 1:13-14, the apostle had just been speaking of the necessity for guarding and defending the truth, and in 2Ti 2:17-18, the two individuals mentioned in verse 15, are said to be involved in a departure from true doctrine. It was for doctrinal reasons that those in Asia turned away from Paul.”
Matthew Henry: “He mentions the apostasy of many from the doctrine of Christ, 2Ti 1:15. It seems, in the best and purest ages of the church, there were those that had embraced the Christian faith, and yet afterwards revolted from it, nay, there were many such. He does not say that they had turned away from the doctrine of Christ (though it should seem they had) but they had turned away from him, they had turned their backs upon him, and disowned him in the time of his distress. And should we wonder at it, when many turned their backs on a much better than Paul? I mean the Lord Jesus Christ, Jhn 6:66.”
Bible Knowledge Commentary: “Nothing is known of Phygelus and Hermogenes beyond this single reference. It is fair to conjecture that theirs may have been the most unexpected defections among the group represented by everyone in the province of Asia, of which Ephesus was the leading city. (See the location of Asia and of Ephesus on the map between Acts and Rom.) Perhaps they were leaders of some sort. Timothy certainly knew their situation well, in any case, and Paul singled them out. It is unnecessary to assume either (a) that “everyone” means literally every Christian, or (b) that their failure consisted of a total defection from the faith. 2Ti 1:16-18 suggest rather that there was a general failure to support the apostle in his personal time of need.”
V16 “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain…” On the other hand, Onesiphorus was a constant friend refreshing Paul emotionally and spiritually. It was not just Onesiphorus but his whole household.
V17 “but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.” Showing diligence to find where Paul was, in order to assist him. The Greek word for “zealously” is (G4706) σπουδαιότερον spoudaióteron, which means to have a goal and apply oneself with zeal and determination until it is completed. It is used 1 time. This attitude is a principle for all believers showing zeal and determination to serve the Lord Jesus. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Peter 1:10, and Hebrews 6:11-12 (WEB) We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end, 12 that you won’t be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises.
V18 “The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.” Paul’s prayer for Onesiphorus and his family. That Day is the Bema Seat judgment, which is for rewards, not judging one’s salvation. Paul is praying that Onesiphorus and family will be awarded at the Bema Seat Judgment.