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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to read this and think of a spiritual gift as something passive, but Paul urges Timothy to actively "fan into flame" this gift, as if it's a fire that needs tending. This isn't just about having a gift, but about using it with zeal and intentionality so it burns brightly and effectively. The power isn't just in the gift itself, but in Timothy's active participation in stoking that flame.
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger leader he clearly loves and deeply trusts. He's reminding Timothy to be bold and not to be ashamed of the gospel, particularly in light of potential persecution or spiritual apathy that might be creeping in. This charge to "fan into flame" his gift comes as Paul is encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast in his ministry, trusting in God's power and the solid foundation of truth they both share.
Paul reminds Timothy of a gift, something God has placed inside him. It's not about earning it, but recognizing and using what's already there.
An Empowering Endowment
Paul calls it the "gift of God." This isn't just a talent or a skill; it's a divine enablement, an equipping from the Holy Spirit for a specific purpose. Think of it as God's supernatural power made available to us. It was given "through the laying on of my hands," signifying a tangible impartation, a spiritual commissioning by Paul, representing the church's recognition and blessing of this gift.
Gifts, even divinely given ones, aren't meant to stay dormant. Paul urges Timothy to actively 'fan into flame' what he possesses.
From Spark to Blaze
The image of 'fanning into flame' is powerful. It suggests a fire that might be low, perhaps smoldering, but not extinguished. It implies effort, intentionality, and care. This gift needs to be nurtured, exercised, and intentionally put to use. It requires diligence to keep it vibrant and effective. Letting it go unused or neglecting it can cause it to diminish.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
charisma · Greek Noun
In the New Testament, this refers to a spiritual endowment or special capacity bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers for the purpose of serving the Church and advancing the Kingdom of God. It is a manifestation of God's grace, emphasizing that the ability to serve comes from Him rather than human talent.
Paul's reminder to Timothy to 'fan into flame' the spiritual gift highlights the importance of active, ongoing ministry in the face of opposition and the legacy passed down through apostolic mentorship, even as Paul himself faces martyrdom.
c. AD 44-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor and into southern Galatia, establishing churches and appointing elders. This journey is foundational for the Gentile mission.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches in Asia Minor and travels into Europe, founding the church in Philippi and Corinth. Timothy joins Paul during this journey and becomes a key companion.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, strengthening churches across the province of Asia. Timothy likely remains in Ephesus or nearby, continuing his ministry and spiritual growth.
c. AD 62-64
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest. During this time, he writes letters, including Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon, to encourage and guide the churches.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Paul's Final Imprisonment and Execution
Following a period of relative freedom after his first Roman imprisonment, Paul is arrested again and imprisoned, this time more harshly, likely in Rome. He anticipates his imminent death.
This passage highlights that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good, emphasizing that Timothy's gift, like all others, originates from God and is meant to be used.
1 Timothy 4:14Paul directly addresses Timothy again, urging him not to neglect the spiritual gift he received through prophecy and the laying on of hands, reinforcing the theme of actively using what God has given.
Romans 12:6-8This passage lists various spiritual gifts and encourages believers to use them faithfully according to their function, mirroring Paul's call to Timothy to 'fan into flame' his specific gift.
Hebrews 10:24-25The writer exhorts believers to consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, which resonates with Paul's encouragement to Timothy to actively cultivate and use his God-given abilities for ministry.
It’s easy to read this and think of a spiritual gift as something passive, but Paul urges Timothy to actively "fan into flame" this gift, as if it's a fire that needs tending. This isn't just about having a gift, but about using it with zeal and intentionality so it burns brightly and effectively. The power isn't just in the gift itself, but in Timothy's active participation in stoking that flame.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger leader he clearly loves and deeply trusts. He's reminding Timothy to be bold and not to be ashamed of the gospel, particularly in light of potential persecution or spiritual apathy that might be creeping in. This charge to "fan into flame" his gift comes as Paul is encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast in his ministry, trusting in God's power and the solid foundation of truth they both share.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger leader he clearly loves and deeply trusts. He's reminding Timothy to be bold and not to be ashamed of the gospel, particularly in light of potential persecution or spiritual apathy that might be creeping in. This charge to "fan into flame" his gift comes as Paul is encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast in his ministry, trusting in God's power and the solid foundation of truth they both share.
"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," — It’s easy to read this and think of a spiritual gift as something passive, but Paul urges Timothy to actively "fan into flame" this gift, as if it's a fire that needs tending. This isn't just about *…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026