2 Timothy 1:7 - Exposition

Gave us not for hath not given us, A.V.; a spirit of fearfulness for the spirit of fear, A.V.; and for of, A.V.; discipline for of a sound mind, A.V. A spirit of fearfulness; or, cowardice, as the word δειλία exactly means in classical Greek, where it is very common, though it only occurs here in the New Testament. δειλός also has a reproachful sense, both in classical Greek, and also in the LXX ., and in the New Testament. It seems certain, therefore, that St. Paul thought that Timothy's gentle spirit was in danger of being cowed by the adversaries of the gospel. The whole tenor of his exhortation, combined as it was with words of warm affection, is in harmony with this thought. Compare with the phrase, πνεῦμα δειλίας , the πνεῦμα δουλείας εἰς φόβον of Romans 8:15 . Of power and love. Power ( δύναμις ) is emphatically the attribute of the Holy Spirit ( Luke 4:14 ; Acts 10:38 ; Romans 15:13 ; 1 Corinthians 2:4 , etc.), and that which he specially imparts to the servants of Christ ( Acts 1:8 ; Acts 6:8 ; Ephesians 3:16 , etc.). Love is added, as showing that the servant of Christ always uses power in conjunction with love, and only as the means of executing what love requires. Discipline ( σωφρονισμοῦ ) ; only here in the New Testament; σωφρονίζειν is found in Titus 2:4 , "to teach," A.V.; "to train," R.V. "Discipline" is not a very happy rendering, though it gives the meaning; "correction," or "sound instruction," is perhaps nearer. It would seem that Timothy had shown some signs of weakness, and had not boldly reproved and instructed in their duty certain offenders, as true love for souls required him to do. The phrase from Plutarch's 'Life of Cato,' quoted by Alford, exactly gives the force of σωφρονισμός : ἐπὶ διορθώσαι καὶ σωφρονισμῷ τῶν ἄλλων , "For the amendment and correction of the rest."