2 Timothy 2:1-2

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

You (v.1) — emphasized in the Greek — You, Timothy, in contrast to those who turned away in chapter 1 (perhaps adding weight to the viewpoint that Onesiphorus turned away)

therefore (v.1) — referring back to Paul’s words in chapter one encouraging Timothy to “stir up,” “be not ashamed,” “hold fast,” “keep”

son (v.1) = child — a term of endearment used among adults

be strong (v.1) = be strengthened inwardly — tense indicates an abiding and constant act

in the grace (v.1) — grace, here, is the sphere in which Timothy is strengthened — it is our understanding of God’s constant grace that strengthens us

from me (v.2) = from me personally, from me when in my presence

commit (v.2) = deposit a trust

faithful (v.2) = pistos = trustworthy

able (v.2) = sufficient, adequate

The “many witnesses” of verse 2 could confirm Timothy himself and could certify others that the doctrine he taught was beyond all question Apostolic, for he had received it from Paul himself.

The many witnesses served as a guarantee of that which he had heard from Paul, and so hindered the introduction of anything false, or what he might himself think. He was to pass on only what he had heard from Apostolic lips. It was Divinely revealed truth he was to communicate, and nothing else. That Divine teaching the Holy Spirit has given to man in the inspired writings. This fact shuts out tradition and establishes the Divine authority of the sacred Scriptures. — Williams, page 961.