8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Verse 8 should read, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel.”
raised (v.8) — perfect tense — past action with continuing results — “raised and still alive”
from the dead (v.8) = lit. “out from among the dead people”
for which (v.9) — it was directly because of Paul’s gospel that he was persecuted.
At Paul’s last visit to Jerusalem, he was arrested and imprisoned, but not any of the other apostles. They were left alone. Why?
If this were the only passage which states that Paul was persecuted or imprisoned for preaching his gospel we might interpret the words “my gospel” in some other way, but no honest person can do this in the light of the many Scripture passages which make it crystal clear that Paul was persecuted for proclaiming the particular message committed to him by revelation from the risen, exalted Christ. Among these are the following, all stated with clear simplicity:
For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles — If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery … (Ephesians 3:1-3).
… the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds … (Ephesians 6:19-20).
… the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds (Colossians 4:3).
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner (2 Timothy 1:8).
These four passages alone afford proof as to the meaning of Paul’s words here in 2 Timothy 2:8-9. — Stam, pages 182-183.
suffer trouble (v.9) — same word translated “endure hardship” in v.3
evildoer (v.9) = malefactor — an expression of criminality — used in Luke 23:32-33, 39 of the thieves crucified with Christ
not chained (v.9) — perfect tense — “has not been bound and so remains unbound”
therefore (v.10) — knowing that God’s word is not bound.
elect (v.10) = to pick out — It refers to the act of God selecting from among mankind certain to be the recipients of spiritual privileges with a view directly to the salvation of others. — Wuest, page 132.
