“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 1:8–18, ESV)
Suffering or difficulty may lead followers of Jesus to become silent or feel shame because of the perception of those who are not of faith. When one faces ridicule from those who doubt God's goodness, they may feel much more personal and powerful when facing suffering. As a prisoner, Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of Christ or their circumstances. The power of God will sustain in suffering, and the holy calling that they share in is not due to some merit or outstanding value found in themselves, rather it is for God's own good purpose and grace. God knows where his children are, and he is intimately aware of their suffering. The glorious king of the universe knows all things, and his glorious work of salvation was accomplished through Christ, who abolished death, brought life, and is the glorious light that illuminates the good news that Jesus rescues sinners. Christ has called Paul and appointed him as a preacher, apostle, and teacher. This calling includes suffering, but Paul is not ashamed to suffer because his hope is fixed on Jesus and he possesses an unwavering confidence that he will keep him all the way home through every circumstance. He reminds Timothy to follow the sound words that he has been entrusted with, knowing that faith and love will sustain him as well. The Spirit will provide the power to guard the good deposit that Timothy has now been entrusted to carry forward and entrust to faithful men. Paul recounts that some turned away from the truth, and it had been difficult for Paul to cope with this fact. He commands the efforts of Onesiphorus, who has stayed faithfully with Paul through all his tribulation in prison. He sought Paul out and remained with him. Timothy is acquainted of the kindness and generosity he had extended to Paul in Ephesus. Paul continues to call Timothy away from shame and encourages him to persevere.