2 Timothy 2:8-15

Preaching Commentary

Paul’s Gospel

In 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 we find the gospel that Paul preaches summarized in Christ’s crucifixion. Here in 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul’s gospel is encapsulated in Christ’s resurrection and humanity. Surely each summary is a form of synecdoche, with different aspects of Christ’s life standing for the fullness of his person and ministry. The particular Christological element highlighted as the summary of the gospel in each context seems to speak to a truth that was doubted or threatened in that context. The Corinthians needed to be reminded of the cross, as that was seen there as foolishness. Perhaps some of the false teachers in Ephesus were teaching a kind of Docetism, with Christ not being…