"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
2 Timothy 1:12
Paul, in this passage, is encouraging Timothy to stand firm in the ministry. He had Paul’s example of standing firm in his appointment as “a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles” (2 Timothy 1:11).
“For the which cause I also suffer these things.”
It was the “gospel cause” (2 Timothy 1:10-11), he speaks of here. Paul was willing to suffer for Christ and the gospel. In fact, at that present time, he was in prison in Rome, “suffering these things.”
“Nevertheless, I am not ashamed.”
Suffering because of disobedience to the law is shameful. Have you noticed how criminals tuck their heads and try to hide their faces when they are arrested? Not so with Paul. He was not ashamed to be suffering for his Lord! In fact, the opposite was quite true, it was an honor. He could never be ashamed of Christ or the very gospel that changed his life.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
“For I know whom I have believed.”
Paul’s testimony, “I know who I put my trust in!” He has put his faith in his God, his Redeemer. He knows that his faithful “promise-keeping God” will take care of his “eternal interests.” Paul’s eternal life is secure. Surely he has a “reasonable faith.”
“And am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him.”
Paul is fully persuaded, his Savior is the one “to trust, have confidence, be confident”[1] in.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Regardless of all of Paul’s trials and difficulties, his faith in his Lord never wavered, “he is able!” He will “keep” – “guard,” “that which I have committed unto Him.” Paul has placed himself into God’s safe keeping like a “deposit” is made in a bank.
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19).
“God deposits with us His word; we deposit with God our spirit”[2] (Grotius).
Believers, this makes all our earthly suffering worth it.
“Against that day.”
That glorious day when we see Christ!
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
What a day[3] that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
[1] J.H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Grotius, as quoted by Jamison, Fausset, and Brown. Jamison-Fausset-Brown’s Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] The chorus of “What a Day That Will Be,” Text by Jim Hill (1930-2018). Tune, “WHAT A DAY.” Copyright status: © 1955. Renewed 1983 Ben Speer Music (admin. by ClearBox Rights).