Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 1:7

"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7 (ASV)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear. A timid and servile spirit. This is said in order to encourage Timothy, who was probably modest and lacking self-confidence.

But of power. Power to encounter enemies and dangers; power to endure trials; power to triumph in persecutions. That is, it is the nature of the gospel to inspire the mind with holy courage. Compare this, however, with Luke 24:49.

And of Love to God and to human souls. The tendency of this also, is to cast out fear (1 John 4:18) and to make the mind bold and constant. Nothing will do more to inspire courage, to make a person fearless of danger, or ready to endure hardship and persecution, than love. The love of country, wife, children, and home makes the most timid bold when they are assailed; and the love of Christ and of a dying world strengthens the soul for great enterprises and sustains it in the deepest sorrows.

And of a sound mind. The Greek word denotes one of sober mind; one of prudence and discretion. The state referred to here is that in which the mind is well balanced and under right influences; in which it sees things in their just proportions and relations; in which it is not feverish and excited, but when everything is in its proper place. It was this state of mind that Timothy was exhorted to cultivate; this that Paul regarded as so necessary for the performance of the duties of his office. It is as necessary now for the minister of religion as it was then.