II Timothy 2:9
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for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Wherein--in proclaiming which Gospel. suffer trouble--literally, "evil." I am a sufferer of evil as though I were a doer of evil. bonds-- (Ti2 1:16). word . . . not bound--Though my person is bound, my tongue and my pen are not (Ti2 4:17; Act 28:31). Or he alludes not merely to his own proclamation of the Gospel, though in chains, but to the freedom of its circulation by others, even though his power of circulating it is now prescribed (Phi 1:18). He also hints to Timothy that he being free ought to be the more earnest in the service of it.
Open source ↗2:9 like a criminal: Paul was identifying with Jesus’ death (2:11; Phil 3:10-11). • the word of God cannot be chained: Both Paul and the Good News would be victorious through the power of Christ’s resurrection (see 2 Tim 4:17-18; see also 2 Cor 12:8-10; Phil 1:12-14).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...