2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
Recalling your tears
The phrase "recalling your tears" suggests a deep emotional connection between Paul and Timothy. The Greek word for "recalling" is "μνημονεύων" (mnēmoneuōn), which implies a deliberate act of remembrance. This indicates that Paul is not merely reminiscing but is actively bringing to mind Timothy's past sorrows. The "tears" could refer to a specific moment of parting or distress, possibly when Paul was last imprisoned or when Timothy faced persecution. Historically, tears were often seen as a sign of genuine emotion and vulnerability, reflecting the close bond and mutual affection between the two men. This phrase underscores the humanity and emotional depth present in their relationship, reminding us of the importance of empathy and shared experiences in Christian fellowship.

I long to see you
The Greek word for "long" is "ἐπιποθῶ" (epipothō), which conveys an intense yearning or desire. This longing is not just a casual wish but a deep-seated desire to be reunited with Timothy. In the context of Paul's imprisonment, this longing is amplified by the isolation and hardship he faces. Historically, the early Christian community was tightly knit, often facing external threats and internal challenges, making personal connections vital for encouragement and support. Paul's longing to see Timothy highlights the importance of Christian companionship and the joy that comes from being in the presence of fellow believers.

so that I may be filled with joy
The phrase "filled with joy" is significant, as it reflects the profound impact that Timothy's presence would have on Paul. The Greek word for "filled" is "πληρωθῶ" (plērōthō), suggesting a complete or overflowing state. Joy, in this context, is not merely happiness but a deep, abiding sense of contentment and spiritual fulfillment. This joy is rooted in the shared faith and mission between Paul and Timothy. Scripturally, joy is often associated with the presence of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of believers (Galatians 5:22, Philippians 2:2). Paul's expression of joy serves as a reminder of the spiritual encouragement and strength that comes from Christian relationships, even amidst trials and tribulations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle and spiritual mentor to Timothy, writing this letter from prison, likely in Rome, during his final imprisonment.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and close companion of Paul, who is the recipient of this letter. Timothy is in Ephesus, where he is leading the church.

3. Tears
This refers to a previous emotional parting between Paul and Timothy, highlighting their deep bond and Timothy's sincere faith.

4. Joy
The anticipated emotional response Paul expects upon reuniting with Timothy, reflecting the deep spiritual and personal connection they share.

5. Ephesus
The city where Timothy is ministering, known for its challenges, including false teachings and cultural opposition to the Gospel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Relationships
Paul and Timothy's relationship exemplifies the deep bonds that can form through shared faith and ministry. Believers are encouraged to cultivate such relationships within their own communities.

Emotional Expression in Faith
The mention of tears and joy highlights the role of emotions in the Christian life. It's important to acknowledge and express emotions as part of a healthy spiritual journey.

Longing for Fellowship
Paul's longing to see Timothy reflects the value of Christian fellowship. In a world where isolation is common, believers should prioritize gathering with others for mutual encouragement and joy.

The Role of Mentorship
Paul’s relationship with Timothy underscores the importance of mentorship in spiritual growth. Mature believers are encouraged to invest in the next generation of Christians.

Joy in Reunions
The anticipated joy of reunion with fellow believers points to the ultimate joy of eternal reunion with Christ and the broader body of believers in heaven.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the emotional bond between Paul and Timothy challenge or inspire your own relationships within the church?

2. In what ways can you cultivate deeper spiritual friendships that reflect the joy and longing Paul expresses?

3. How do you handle emotions like tears and joy in your spiritual life, and what can you learn from Paul and Timothy's example?

4. What steps can you take to become a mentor or seek mentorship in your faith journey, following the example of Paul and Timothy?

5. How does the anticipation of joy in Christian fellowship encourage you in times of loneliness or separation from other believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 20:37-38
This passage describes a tearful farewell between Paul and the Ephesian elders, which may parallel the emotional parting with Timothy.

Philippians 1:3-8
Paul expresses similar feelings of longing and joy for the Philippians, showing a pattern of deep affection for his fellow believers.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Paul speaks of his intense desire to see the Thessalonians, emphasizing the joy and hope he finds in their faith.

2 Timothy 4:9-13
Paul requests Timothy to come to him quickly, underscoring the urgency and depth of their relationship.

John 16:22
Jesus speaks of the joy that comes after sorrow, which can be related to the joy Paul anticipates upon seeing Timothy again.
TearsJ. A. Bengel.2 Timothy 1:4
Tears Described2 Timothy 1:4
The Coming of an Absent FriendJ. Barlow, D. D.2 Timothy 1:4
The Faithful Found in CompaniesJ. Barlow, D. D.2 Timothy 1:4
The Power of TearsD. Thomas, D. D.2 Timothy 1:4
Things of Like Nature Desire UnionJ. Barlow, D. D.2 Timothy 1:4
Address and SalutationR. Finlayson 2 Timothy 1:1-14
Thankful Declaration of Love and Remembrance of Timothy's FaithT. Croskery 2 Timothy 1:3-5
People
Christians, Eunice, Hermogenes, Lois, Onesiphorus, Paul, Phygellus, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Asia, Ephesus, Rome
Topics
Always, Desiring, Earnestly, Filled, Full, Greatly, Joy, Keeping, Longing, Memory, Mindful, Recall, Remember, Remembering, Tears, Weeping
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Timothy 1:4

     5781   affection
     8341   separation

2 Timothy 1:2-4

     5691   friends, good

Library
The Form of Sound Words
The Apostle most earnestly admonished Timothy to "hold fast the form of sound words which he had heard of him in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." I do not suppose that by this it is intended that Paul ever wrote out for Timothy a list of doctrines; or that he gave him a small abstract of divinity, to which he desired him to subscribe his name, as the articles of the church over which he was made a pastor. If so, doubtless the document would have been preserved and enrolled in the canons
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Christianity
WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY? WHAT is Christianity? The question seems a belated one. It never was more pertinent than now. Its pertinency rests upon two facts. First: the modern drift in Christianity and its absolute failure. Second: the phenomenal triumph of primitive Christianity. The modern drift is antagonistic to doctrine and repudiates the miraculous. It sets aside the virgin birth, has no toleration for atonement by sacrificial death, and positively refuses to accept the bodily resurrection of our
I. M. Haldeman—Christ, Christianity and the Bible

The Seventh Word from the Cross
While all the words of dying persons are full of interest, there is special importance attached to the last of them. This is the Last Word of Jesus; and both for this reason and for others it claims particular attention. A noted Englishman is recorded to have said, when on his deathbed, to a nephew, "Come near and see how a Christian can die." Whether or not that was a wise saying, certainly to learn how to die is one of the most indispensable acquirements of mortals; and nowhere can it be learnt
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Abaelard had Defined Faith as an Opinion or Estimate: Bernard Refutes This.
Abaelard had defined faith as an opinion or estimate: Bernard refutes this. 9. It is no wonder if a man who is careless of what he says should, when rushing into the mysteries of the Faith, so irreverently assail and tear asunder the hidden treasures of godliness, since he has neither piety nor faith in his notions about the piety of faith. For instance, on the very threshold of his theology (I should rather say his stultology) he defines faith as private judgment; as though in these mysteries it
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "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." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Elucidations.
(Dinocrates, cap. ii. p. 701.) The avidity with which the Latin controversial writers seize upon this fanciful passage, (which, in fact, is subversive of their whole doctrine about Purgatory, as is the text from the Maccabees) makes emphatic the utter absence from the early Fathers of any reference to such a dogma; which, had it existed, must have appeared in every reference to the State of the Dead, and in every account of the discipline of penitents. Arbp. Usher [9011] ingeniously turns the tables
Tertullian—The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the Church.
Text: Ephesians 3, 13-21. 13. Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 and that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ, and Love one Another. "
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another." It is a common doctrine often declared unto you, that the most part of those who hear the gospel do run, in their pretended course to heaven, either upon a rock of dashing discouragement, or the sands of sinking presumption. These are in all men's mouths; and no question they are very dangerous, so hazardous, as many fools make shipwreck either of the faith, or a good
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Discerning Prayer.
INTRODUCTORY. BY D.W. WHITTLE. To recognize God's existence is to necessitate prayer to Him, by all intelligent creatures, or, a consciously living in sin and under condemnation of conscience, because they do not pray to Him. It would be horrible to admit the existence of a Supreme Being, with power and wisdom to create, and believe that the creatures he thought of consequence and importance enough to bring into existence, are not of enough consequence for him to pay any attention to in the troubles
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Communion of Saints.
"The Saints on earth, and those above, But one communion make; Joined to their Lord in bonds of love, All of His grace partake." The history of the extension of the Church of Christ from one land to another, and of the successive victories won by the Cross over heathen races from age to age, gives by itself a very imperfect idea of the meaning of the words "The Holy Catholic Church." Because, with the outward extension of the Church, its influence upon the inner man needs always to be considered.
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Concerning God's Purpose
1. God's purpose is the cause of salvation. THE third and last thing in the text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is the ground and origin of our effectual calling, in these words, "according to his purpose" (Eph. i. 11). Anselm renders it, According to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, According to His decree. This purpose, or decree of God, is the fountainhead of our spiritual blessings. It is the impulsive cause of our vocation, justification, glorification. It is the highest link in
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

The Secret Walk with God (I. ).
Pastor, for the round of toil See the toiling soul is fed; Shut the chamber, light the oil, Break and eat the Spirit's bread; Life to others would'st thou bring? Live thyself upon thy King. Let me explain in this first sentence that when in these pages I address "my Younger Brethren," I mean brethren in the Christian Ministry in the Church of England. Let me limit my reference still further, by premising that very much of what I say will be said as to brethren who have lately taken holy Orders,
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

Predestination and Calling
Eternal Father, who shall look Into thy secret will? None but the Lamb shall take the book, And open every seal. None but he shall ever unroll that sacred record and read it to the assembled world. How then am I to know whether I am predestinated by God unto eternal life or not? It is a question in which my eternal interests are involved; am I among that unhappy number who shall be left to live in sin and reap the due reward of their iniquity; or do I belong to that goodly company, who albeit that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Twelfth Day for the Spirit to Convince the World of Sin
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit to convince the World of Sin "I will send the Comforter to you. And He, when He is come, will convict the world in respect of sin."--JOHN xvi. 7, 8. God's one desire, the one object of Christ's being manifested, is to take away sin. The first work of the Spirit on the world is conviction of sin. Without that, no deep or abiding revival, no powerful conversion. Pray for it, that the gospel may be preached in such power of the Spirit, that men may see that they have
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Pastor in Parish (I. ).
Master, to the flock I speed, In Thy presence, in Thy name; Show me how to guide, to feed, How aright to cheer and blame; With me knock at every door; Enter with me, I implore. We have talked together about the young Clergyman's secret life, and private life, and his life in (so to speak) non-clerical intercourse with others, and now lastly of his life as it stands related to his immediate leader in the Ministry. In this latter topic we have already touched the great matter which comes now at
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

"That which was from the Beginning, which we have Heard, which we have Seen with Our Eyes, which we have Looked Upon, and Our Hands Have
1 John i. 1.--"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life." It is the great qualification of a disciple, or hearer, to be attentive and docile, to be capable of teaching, and to apply the mind seriously to it. It is much to get the ear of a man. If his ear be gotten, his mind is the more easily gained. Therefore, those who professed eloquence, and studied to persuade men to any
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. We come now, as was proposed, to observe, Thirdly,(474) That faith unfeigned is the only thing which gives the answer of a good conscience towards God. Conscience, in general, is nothing else but a practical knowledge of the rule a man should walk by, and of himself in reference to that rule. It is the laying down a man's state, and condition, and actions beside the rule of God's word, or the principles of nature's light. It is the chief piece
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Prefatory Scripture Passages.
To the Law and to the Testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.-- Isa. viii. 20. Thus saith the Lord; Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.--Jer. vi. 16. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

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