A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Timothy 1

According to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus (κατ' επαγγελιαν ζωης της εν Χριστω Ιησου). "With a view to the fulfilment of the promise." See Tit 1:1 for this same use of κατα. For κατ' επαγγελιαν see Ga 3:29. See 1 Timothy 4:8 for the phrase "promise of life." Here or there "life that in Christ Jesus" includes the present as well as the future.

Beloved (αγαπητο). Instead of γνησιω (genuine) in 1 Timothy 1:2. He had already called Timothy αγαπητον (verbal adjective of αγαπαω) in 1 Corinthians 4:17, an incidental and strong proof that it is Paul who is writing here. This argument applies to each of the Pastorals for Paul is known by other sources (Acts and previous Pauline Epistles) to sustain precisely the affectionate relation toward Timothy and Titus shown in the Pastorals.

I thank (χαριν εχω). "I have gratitude." As in 1 Timothy 1:12. Robinson cites examples of this phrase from the papyri. It occurs also in Lu 17:9; Acts 2:47. Χαρις in doxologies Paul uses (1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 8:16; 1 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 6:17; Romans 7:25). His usual idiom is ευχαριστω (1 Corinthians 1:4; Romans 1:8) or ευχαριστουμεν (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Colossians 1:3) or ου παυομα ευχαριστων (Ephesians 1:16) or ευχαριστειν οφειλομεν (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

Whom I serve from my forefathers (ω λατρευω απο προγονων). The relative ω is the dative case with λατρευω (see Ro 1:9 for this verb), progressive present (I have been serving). For προγονων (forefathers) see 1 Timothy 5:4. Paul claims a pious ancestry as in Ac 24:14; Acts 26:5; Galatians 2:14; Php 3:4-7.

In a pure conscience (εν καθαρα συνειδησε). See 1 Timothy 1:5; Acts 23:1.

Unceasing (αδιαλειπτον). Late and rare compound, in N.T. only here and Ro 9:2 which see. The adverb αδιαλειπτως is more frequent (in the papyri, literary Koine, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9). The adjective here is the predicate accusative, "how I hold the memory concerning thee unceasing." The use of αδιαλειπτως (adverb) is a sort of epistolary formula (papyri, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2:13; 5:17; Romans 1:9).

Remembrance (μνειαν). Old word, in N.T. only Pauline (seven times, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9).

Night and day (νυκτος κα ημερας). Genitive of time, "by night and by day." As in 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 3:10.

Longing (επιποθων). Present active participle of επιποθεω, old word, eight times in Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:6; Php 1:8, etc.).

Remembering thy tears (μεμνημενος σου των δακρυων). Perfect middle participle of μιμνησκω, old and common verb with the genitive, only here in the Pastorals and elsewhere by Paul only in 1 Corinthians 11:2. Probably an allusion to the scene at Miletus (Acts 20:37). Cf. Acts 20:19.

That I may be filled with joy (ινα χαρας πληρωθω). Final clause with ινα and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω (with genitive case χαρας), a verb common with Paul (Romans 8:4; Romans 13:8).

Having been reminded (υπομνησιν λαβων). "Having received (second aorist active participle of λαμβανω) a reminder" (old word from υπομιμνησκω, to remind, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 1:13). For the idiom see Ro 7:8,11. A reminder by another while αναμνησις remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:24f.) is rather a recalling by oneself (Vincent).

Of the unfeigned faith (της ανυποκριτου πιστεως). Late compound for which see 2 Corinthians 6:6; Romans 12:9.

Dwelt (ενωικησεν). First aorist active indicative of ενοικεω, old verb, in N.T. only in Paul (Romans 8:11; Colossians 3:16).

First (πρωτον). Adverb, not adjective (πρωτη).

In thy grandmother Lois (εν τη μαμμη Λωιδ). Old word, originally the infantile word for μητηρ (mother), then extended by writers to grandmother as here. Common for grandmother in the papyri. Lois is the mother of Eunice, Timothy's mother, since Timothy's father was a Greek (Acts 16:1). Probably both grandmother and mother became Christians.

I am persuaded (πεπεισμα). Perfect passive indicative of πειθω, "I stand persuaded." In the Pastorals only here and verse 12, common in Paul's other writings (Romans 8:38, etc.).