2 Timothy 1:12 Meaning of Verse and Simple Commentary

2 Timothy 1:12
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”

Explanation and Commentary of 2 Timothy 1:12

Paul is connecting his current suffering with his preaching and teaching of the Gospel. It seems that some in connection with Paul have been ashamed of his chains. Paul commends one who was not (2 Tim 1:16). Paul is saying that his low position in the world because of his faith and service to Jesus will not cause him to be ashamed, nor should it cause Timothy to be ashamed.

The reason he gives is that he knows Jesus and trusts him with his life. Part of being a disciple is to keep trusting God when we are suffering, particularly when we are suffering as a result of our faith in Christ, and even more so, our ministry in Christ.

Be “convinced” of this, and act accordingly. With Paul, we await a great day when Christ will return to bring recompense. On that day all will be made right, and if needed, we will be vindicated if we have patiently and joyfully endured.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Timothy 1:12

#1 “That is why I am suffering as I am.”
Paul’s belief in Jesus, and even more so his ministry as a “herald, an apostle and a teacher” (2 Tim 1:11) has led to a significant amount of hardship, including his present imprisonment. Jesus promised that the world would hate the disciples if they were truly following him (John 15:18). All Christians will suffer in this life, but it will vary by degree.

#2 “Yet this in no cause for shame,”
Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of Paul. Evidently there were some, as there are today, who believed that if the Christians had God on their side, then he should protect them from all suffering. Then as today, we should remember that Christ suffered as our chief example.

#3 “because I know whom I have believed,”
Knowing Christ was more than enough for Paul to keep a right perspective of his suffering at the hands of the world. Interestingly, he does not say, “in whom I have believed,” which would have been correct, but he says, “whom I have believed.” This confidence was not so much based on his belief in Christ, but rather, he had believed Christ, who had communicated to him personally. By faith, we who preach must see ourselves as being used of Christ to deliver the Gospel and the truth personally and through us. The fallen world needs to hear from Christ even more than they need to hear about Christ.

#4 “and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
Paul is most likely referring to his own life. We often think of what God has entrusted to us, but when it comes to our own life and the outcome of our obedience to the truth and to God, we must entrust ourselves to him. In that will be great confidence to persevere to the last day, at the glorious return of Christ.

Bible Study on 2 Timothy 1:12

Expert Overview of 2 Timothy

Biblical Translations of 2 Timothy 1:12

NIV
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

NLT
That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

ESV
Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

KJV
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

NKJV
For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.