Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Timothy 1:6

"For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands." — 2 Timothy 1:6 (ASV)

Wherefore I put you in remembrance.—Therefore (seeing that I am so thoroughly persuaded of your faith) I am determined to remind you... It seems, from the general tenor of the Epistle, that Timothy was deeply disheartened by the imprisonment of St. Paul.

Timothy, as well as the martyr himself, was conscious that the end of that great and glorious career of his old master had at last come. The heart of the younger man sank—as well it might—at the prospect of having to fight the Lord’s battle at Ephesus. That city was a famous centre of Greek culture and Oriental luxury, and he would have to contend against enemies both external and internal, alone. He would be without the help of the great genius, the master mind, and the indomitable courage of the man who for a quarter of a century had been the guiding spirit of Gentile Christianity, and his dear and intimate friend.

So St. Paul, persuaded that faith burned in his disciple’s heart with the old steady flame, yet also knowing that Timothy was dispirited and heavy-hearted, intended, if possible, to cheer his fainting heart. Paul sought to inspire him with fresh courage to fight the Master’s battle after he (St. Paul) had departed from the scene.

That you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands.—The Greek word rendered “stir up” literally means to kindle up, to fan into flame. Chrysostom brings home the great lesson taught by this word, which belongs to all Christ’s people alike, when he quotes 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Quench not the Spirit; for it is in our power both to quench this Spirit and also to fan it into flame.

The “gift of God” here alluded to is that special gift of the Spirit conferred on Timothy at his ordination. This gift included, in his case, powers necessary for performing the many and important duties to which he was called in the providence of God, especially those gifts of ruling and teaching necessary for the chief pastor’s office. This “gift of God” was conferred through the laying on of hands on Timothy’s head at his ordination in Lystra. In this act, the presbytery in Lystra joined with the Apostle. (See 1 Timothy 4:14).

We know that St. Paul frequently uses scenes well known among the Greek heathen nations of the Old World, such as the Greek athletic games, for his illustrations of Christian life. Is it not possible (the suggestion is Wordsworth’s) that when the Apostle here charges Timothy to take care that the sacred fire of the Holy Spirit does not languish in his heart—urging him to watch the flame, to keep it burning brightly, and to fan it if it burns dimly—is it not possible that St. Paul had in mind the solemn words of the Roman law: “Let them watch the eternal flame of the public hearth”? (Cicero, de Legibus, xi. 8.) The failure of this flame was regarded as an omen of dire misfortune, and the watchers, if they neglected their duty, were punished with the severest penalties.