5 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,” (2 Timothy 1:5–6 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul not only wanted to commend Timothy for his sincere faith, but also to challenge him in living for the Lord. It was on the basis of Timothy’s unhypocritical spirit and behavior Paul reminded him of a truth he previously shared. The truth was to fan into flame the gift of God within him.
To fan into flame (ἀναζωπυρεῖν; anazopyrein) is a present active infinitive verb. It is a figurative expression meaning to rekindle or revive a personal cause and commitment. It seems Timothy may have become weary in well-doing and needed some encouragement from a spiritual mentor and father figure.
“Paul knew that the fire of Timothy’s charisma (the gift of God’s grace which enabled the younger man to become the apostle’s chosen representative) was burning low. Once before, in the earlier letter, the apostle had written, “Do not grow careless about the gift that is within you, which was granted to you by prophetic utterance with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1 Tim. 4:14; see on that passage).” [1]
What could have caused Timothy be discouraged? Remember the following observations from Paul. First, Timothy was handicapped by frequent physical ailments (1 Tim. 5:23). Two, he was naturally timid (“Now if Timothy comes, see to it that he is with you without fear,” 1 Cor. 16:10). Three, he was, in a sense, “a young man” (1 Tim. 4:12; cf. 2 Tim. 2:22). Fourth, the Ephesian church heretics who opposed him were very determined (1 Tim. 1:3–7, 19, 20; 4:6, 7; 6:3–10; 2 Tim. 2:14–19, 23). Finally, believers were being persecuted by the State. Think of Paul (1 Tim. 4:6).
All of these factors could have contributed to Paul’s concern and counsel to his young protégé. Therefore, Paul sought to comfort his son in the faith with the same comfort the Lord gave Paul (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
“Of course, we do not know whether all or only some of these factors contributed to the expressed result, namely, that the flame of Timothy’s ministerial office needed attention, nor do we know to what extent each contributed. The main idea, however, is clear. So, Paul, having carefully selected the most gentle verb, reminds Timothy to “stir (up) into a living flame” the divine gift of ordination. The flame had not gone out, but it was burning slowly and had to be agitated to white heat. The times were serious. Paul was about to depart from the scene of history. Timothy must carry on where Paul was about to leave off. The gift of the Spirit must not be quenched (cf. 1 Thess. 5:19). Timothy loves Paul. Let Timothy remember, then, that at the time of his ordination Paul’s hands, too, had rested upon him as a symbol of the impartation of the Spirit’s gift!”[2]
As a younger pastor, my mentors encouraged me in the same way. They saw the gifts God entrusted to my stewardship. They encouraged me to remain faithful (I Cor. 4:1-2). They challenged me to not become weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9). Now as an older minister, I find myself doing the same thing as Paul by encouraging younger men and women who are serving the Lord. As Paul’s maturity in ministry helped Timothy, I pray I am mirroring his example.
What about you? Who are you mentoring in the faith? How may you help someone fan the flame of the gifts the Lord has entrusted to their stewardship? It only takes one little spark, one little word, to do so. Do so today.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 228.
[2] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 229.
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