2 Timothy 1:8
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 exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel testimony or of Paul, his prisoner. The call to share in afflictions reveals a costly, faithful participation in the gospel, empowered by God’s power. The backdrop includes opposition from both Jews and Gentiles, and the social stigma of being associated with Paul’s imprisonment. The verse frames suffering as a shared, purposeful experience within the gospel mission.
Shame and witness are central themes in Christian courage. The verse links identity in Christ to willingness to endure hardship for the Gospel. It also affirms the validity and power of the gospel in the face of persecution, showing that God’s power sustains believers when outward circumstances seem adverse.
Handling shame today might involve resisting the pressure to conceal one’s faith in public or professional life. Practically: stand firm in conversations about faith with respect, avoid sensationalism, and model gracious endurance. If you face ostracism at work or school, gather supportive communities, maintain integrity in testimony, and remember that suffering can illuminate the transformative power of the gospel. For teachers and leaders, demonstrate perseverance even when outcomes seem uncertain.
Cross-References
- 1 Peter 4:14
- Romans 1:16
- Philippians 1:12-14
- Acts 5:41