What does “I know whom I have believed” mean (2 Timothy 1:12)?

Answer

Second Timothy 1:12 states, “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.” In this verse and its context, Paul encourages his protégé, Timothy, to be bold and even “suffer for the gospel” «Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; », (2 Timothy 1:8).

Paul, who suffered for the sake of the gospel he preached, remained undisturbed and unashamed because he trusted Christ. His words serve as an encouragement for many Christians today, just as they did for Timothy.

Christ is the foundation of our faith «For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. », (1 Corinthians 3:11), the One in whom Paul and we believe. Our confidence stems from Christ’s tangible demonstration of trustworthiness. Throughout His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus was faithful to His Father in heaven and faithful to His disciples. “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” «Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. », (John 13:1).

Unlike other faith systems, biblical Christianity teaches that God initiated the relationship between Himself and mankind by taking on human flesh and dying on a cross. The crucifixion of Christ, supported by historical evidence, istransformative. Many individuals, upon realizing their moral responsibility before God, have discovered liberation through the Son’s atonement. Christ’s resurrection further confirms His claim to divinity and reveals His grand design for humanity. Christianity is a faith rooted in logic, encouraging followers to place their faith in Jesus. Like Paul, we can be certain in whom we have placed our faith.

Paul was “convinced” that the One in whom he believed was capable of safeguarding what had been entrusted to Him “until that day”—that is, the day of His return «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. », (2 Timothy 1:12). Christ is reliable because He is pure, flawless, and sinless. We can be confident that He will fulfill all His promises, including His pledge to glorify us one day (Philippians 3:20-21;Romans 8:30). Christ also proves His trustworthiness by meeting our needs and rescuing us from challenges or guiding us through them. Numerous individuals can attest to Christ’s dependable character (www.tyndale.com/sites/unfoldingfaithblog/2018/10/02/check-out-these-real-life-testimonies/).

When we are certain in whom we have believed, we have a firm foundation to rely on amidst life’s uncertainties. Few individuals are equipped for calamity, and those enduring suffering may spiral into despair or nihilism without any objective source of solace. Christians anchored in Christ will encounter sorrow and may feel bewildered, yet they ultimately discover solace in the unwavering presence of a sovereign God. He utilizes all circumstances, whether favorable or unfavorable, for our benefit «And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. »

Our confidence in whom we believe also motivates us to “work enthusiastically for the Lord” «Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.», (1 Corinthians 15:58). In our diverse, contemporary society, enthusiastic dedication to God’s work can be challenging. Nevertheless, obstacles should not discourage us. The apostles encountered similar difficulties, yet they proudly proclaimed the gospel «For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. », (Romans 1:16). The perseverance of the apostles did not indicate that they were exceptional Christians; instead, it showed their firm belief in whom they had trusted. They were confident that their Lord and Savior could safeguard what had been entrusted to Him.

What had Paul entrusted to Christ, the One in whom he believed? Various scholarly interpretations exist, but it is probable that Paul was referring to his soul. He had placed his entire being in the Lord’s care; he had completely surrendered himself, without hesitation, knowing the faithfulness of the Lord. In this, Paul followed the example of Christ Himself, who, “when he suffered, . . . he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” «who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly: », (1 Peter 2:23). As believers, we are all under God’s protection. Christ is our assurance, and we can be certain that He will safeguard our souls.