Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 1:8

"Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;" — 2 Timothy 1:8 (ASV)

In view of the spirit that has been divinely given to Timothy (cf. v.7), apparently Paul felt that his young colleague needed to have his courage strengthened. Thus he urges him not to be ashamed “to testify about our Lord,” nor “of me his prisoner.” The aged apostle was now a prisoner of the emperor (probably Nero) and was facing almost certain death. Timothy must not be so fearful as to be ashamed to visit Paul in prison. Instead, he is told to “join with me in suffering” (GK 5155) for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.