2 Timothy – Chapter 1

New Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 1 of 2 Timothy begins: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus:" The chapter centers on Timothy and Paul. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and God's mercy and forgiveness. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus:

2To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

3I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day.

4Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy:

5Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also.

6For which cause I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.

7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love and of sobriety.

8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God.

9Who hath delivered us and called us by his holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the times of the world:

10But is now made manifest by the illumination of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath destroyed death and hath brought to light life and incorruption by the gospel.

11Wherein I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles.

12For which cause, I also suffer these things: but I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day.

13Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me: in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus.

14Keep the good thing committed to thy trust by the Holy Ghost who dwelleth in us.

15Thou knowest this, that all they who are in Asia are turned away from me: of whom are Phigellus and Hermogenes.

16The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: because he hath often refreshed me and hath not been ashamed of my chain:

17But when he was come to Rome, he carefully sought me and found me.

18The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou very well knowest.

Important Verses in 2 Timothy 1

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:2

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love and of sobriety.

2 Timothy 1:7

Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me: in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13

The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou very well knowest.

2 Timothy 1:18

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, 2 Timothy was written with timothy, entrusted with the faith as the apostle faces martyrdom in view. Chapter 1 of 4 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Timothy and Paul appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus:" The chapter ends with: "The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus,…" In terms of historical background, Paul's last letter, written awaiting execution under Nero: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' (2 Tim 4:7). Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Timothy around About AD 66-67, from his final Roman imprisonment.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 66-67, from his final Roman imprisonment

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 2: "To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord." The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of faithfulness in ministry and Scripture's inspiration. Paul's teaching on Scripture's inspiration (CIC 105-107). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 113).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.

People in This Chapter

Timothy1 mentionPaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

The opening section of 2 Timothy—Chapter 1 of 4—opens a particular moment in the story of faithfulness in ministry and Scripture's inspiration.

According to Catholic teaching, Paul's teaching on Scripture's inspiration (CIC 105-107). This chapter especially highlights the fear of the Lord as wisdom, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 854).

May your reading of 2 Timothy Chapter 1 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how All Scripture is inspired by God applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Timothy Chapter 1 about?

2 Timothy 1 contains 18 verses. It opens with "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus:" and closes with "The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus,…". The book as a whole is pastoral epistle.

What is a key verse in 2 Timothy 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Timothy Chapter 1?

This chapter mentions Timothy, Paul.

Who wrote 2 Timothy and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 66-67, from his final Roman imprisonment.

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