2 Timothy 1:6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 1:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance, etc.] Because of the great affection the apostle had for Timothy, and because of that confidence he had of him, that unfeigned faith dwelt in him, as well as because this had had a place in his relations before him; he therefore acts the part of a kind monitor to him, and, upon these considerations, doubts not of succeeding in his following admonition: that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee; by “the gift” is meant his ministerial gift; for what qualifies men for the ministry, is not anything natural in them, nor acquired by them, but what is given unto them, and that of God: and this was “in” him; it continued with him; it was not lost by him,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore--Greek, "For which cause," namely, because thou hast inherited, didst once possess, and I trust ("am persuaded") still dost possess, such unfeigned faith [ALFORD]. stir up--literally, "rekindle," "revive the spark of"; the opposite of "quench" or "extinguish" (Th1 5:19). Paul does not doubt the existence of real faith in Timothy, but he desires it to be put into active exercise. Timothy seems to have become somewhat remiss from being so long without Paul (Ti2 2:22). gift of God--the spiritual grace received for his ministerial office, either at his original ordination, or at his consecration to the particular office of superintending the Ephesian Church (see on Ti1 4:14), imparting…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That thou stir up the gift of God - Greek, That thou “kindle up” as a fire. The original word used here denotes the kindling of a fire, as by bellows, etc. It is not uncommon to compare piety to a flame or a fire, and the image is one that is obvious when we speak of causing that to burn more brightly. The idea is, that Timothy was to use all proper means to keep the flame of pure religion in the soul burning, and more particularly his zeal in the great cause to which he had been set apart. The agency of man himself is needful to keep the religion of the heart warm and glowing. However rich the gifts which God has bestowed upon us, they do not grow of their own accord, but need to be…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore - Because I remember this. I remind thee of stirring up - Literally, blowing up the coals into a flame. The gift of God - All the spiritual gifts, which the grace of God has given thee. 2 Timothy 1:7”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:6 fan into flames: The Spirit’s work is not automatic—it must be cultivated (see Eph 5:18-21; 1 Thes 5:19-20; cp. Acts 4:31; 7:55; 13:9). • The spiritual gift is the Holy Spirit’s enablement for ministry (see 1 Cor 12:1–14:40; cp. Acts 6:3, 5; 11:24). • when I laid my hands on you: Paul and the elders (1 Tim 4:14) had ordained Timothy for ministry with the ceremonial laying on of hands.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I put: Ti2 2:14; Isa 43:26; Ti1 4:6; Pe2 1:12, Pe2 3:1; Jde 1:5 that: Ti2 4:2; Exo 35:26, Exo 36:2; Matt. 25:15-30; Luk 19:13; Rom 12:6-8; Th1 5:19; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 by the: Act 8:17, Act 8:18, Act 19:6; Ti1 4:14; Heb 6:2 2 Timothy 1:7”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification