2 Timothy 1:15–18 “Faith with Zeal”

2 Timothy 1:15-18 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong UNITED
• Hillsong Worship – Cornerstone
• Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Armor of God | Stories of the Bible – Lesson for Kids
• Whole Lotta Change | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• This Train Is Bound for Glory | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Won’t Be Afraid | Cross Culture Norway VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The apostle says that “all who are in Asia” (v. 15, referring to the region of present-day Turkey) deserted him because of persecution. The phrase “those in Asia” seems to refer to fellow gospel workers who had once labored with him. Earlier, the apostle had told Timothy not to be afraid or ashamed of what he himself was suffering; he likely had these people in mind when he said that. The words “they deserted me” mean that “they abandoned the gospel.” Among them, the apostle is specifically named Phygelus and Hermogenes. Nothing else is known about these two, but they were likely men who had once preached the gospel alongside Paul, yet when hardship came, they fell away.

In stark contrast, the apostle mentions Onesiphorus. He came to Rome multiple times to help him (v. 16). He “was not ashamed” of Paul’s imprisonment and worked diligently to support him even while he was in chains (v. 17). Paul’s prayer, “May the Lord grant him mercy on that day” (v. 18), suggests that Onesiphorus had already passed away. He not only helped Paul but also served the believers in Ephesus in many ways. Some have speculated that Onesiphorus might be the same person as Onesimus mentioned in the Letter to Philemon, but there is no firm evidence to confirm this.

Meditation:

When persecution came, those in Asia who had once helped Paul spread the gospel deserted him. They must have thought that if the gospel Paul preached was truly real, then the Jesus he believed in should have protected him from all suffering. But when Paul was arrested and imprisoned, they lost faith in the gospel and scattered. Paul mentions Phygelus and Hermogenes by name because such acts of falling away were indeed happening.

In contrast, Timothy had not abandoned his calling to spread the gospel, but his zeal had cooled. Out of fear and shame over what had happened to Paul, he shrank back. The apostle must have been deeply saddened by this. That is why he first explained why he was willing to give his life without hesitation for the gospel. The gospel is the mystery that was hidden from eternity and is about eternal life. It is about God’s eternal plan.

To be chosen as a messenger for that gospel is the greatest honor. Knowing this, Paul did not count his life as too precious to give up. He knew there was a life greater than earthly life, that there was an eternal King who surpasses any earthly ruler, and that there was a world beyond this one that cannot be compared with anything here. With that faith, one cannot be crushed by suffering. In fact, when suffering comes, faith burns even hotter. Onesiphorus was an example of this.

When persecution causes one’s faith and zeal for the gospel to fade, it means that the gospel has not truly been understood. If one truly knows what salvation is, then persecution will not break them. That is the kind of faith Timothy needed—and it is the kind of faith we need today.

Prayer:

Lord, is our faith strong enough to endure trials, hardships, and persecution? If we are shaken even by the small tests we face from our brothers and sisters, how could we stand firm in the face of greater suffering? Help us, Lord, to see both great and small trials as tools of refinement, so that even amid hardship, we may come to a faith that rejoices. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True faith does not fade in times of hardship. When we know the eternal life and hope given in the gospel, trials do not crush us—they refine and strengthen us. Like Onesiphorus, we are called to stand boldly with Christ and His people, even when it is costly.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why do you think some people ran away when Paul was put in prison?
  • Who helped Paul even when it was dangerous, and how can we be like him?
  • Can you think of a time when you were scared but still wanted to do the right thing?
    
• Youth
  • What does it mean to “not be ashamed of the gospel” when others might laugh, judge, or criticize you?
  • Why do you think Onesiphorus stayed faithful when others gave up?
  • What is one “small trial” in your life right now, and how could you see it as training for greater faith?