Suffering Trouble as an Evil Doer 2 Timothy 2:9

As Paul the apostle continued writing his final words to Timothy, he desired for Timothy to “Consider what” he said, and for “the Lord” to give Timothy “understanding in all things”. Timothy was to “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to” Paul's “gospel”, and in chapter two and verse nine of this final letter from Paul, he told Timothy though he “suffer trouble, as an evil doer”, “the word of God is not bound”. We read:

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

The verse begins, “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds;” Paul began with the word, “Wherein” which means “in, with, and by which” “I suffer trouble” or “endure hardships and evils and am afflicted” “as an evil doer” or “in the same manner as a malefactor, wrongdoer or criminal” “even unto” which means “as far as, until and to a certain point” “bonds” or “bands, chains or shackles”. In other words, Paul the apostle shared the “gospel” “that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead”, and now he was suffering as a criminal in chains within the walls of a prison.

The verse continues, “but the word of God is not bound.” Though Paul was in “bonds” and “chains”, he declared, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated take precedence over what was previously stated, “the word” or “speech, what is uttered by a voice, discourse, doctrine and teaching” “of God” who is “the Godhead trinity consisting of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” who is the “one and only true God” “is not bound” which is the Greek phrase “deō un deō” and means “tied down and fastened with chains”. Though Paul himself was shackled and “tied down”, the “word of God” was not “bound”, and it continued to be shared with people everywhere.

While we think upon Paul's words, let us allow ourselves to imagine what it was like to be him. Although Paul had travelled extensively to share the gospel, he was penning his words from a Roman prison and quite possibly chained to a Roman guard. Although it is believed that he actually dictated his letters except for his final salutation, he was still “bound” throughout this process. We might have been in despair if we were in his condition, however Paul rejoiced over “the word of God” not being in the same condition he was. Perhaps we can relate to Paul as we feel “bound” by some illness, job or other position in life, and it appears that we are not very effective in the kingdom of God. We must remember that although we are in the “chains” of our situation, “the word of God” continues to be shared, and therein we may rejoice and be glad that the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to be preached.

Next time Paul tells Timothy why he “endures all things”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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