2 Timothy 1:6-7
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, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Notice that Paul doesn't say "start" the gift, but "fan into flame." This implies the gift isn't absent or completely dead, but has perhaps grown dim, needing intentional effort to rekindle its fire and purpose within you. It’s an active stirring of what God has already placed inside.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, who seems to be facing discouragement or perhaps hesitation in his ministry. He's just reminded Timothy of the powerful Spirit God has given, not of timidity but of power, love, and self-control. This verse, therefore, is a direct exhortation for Timothy to actively stir up and use the spiritual gifts God bestowed upon him, gifts Paul himself helped to impart, to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Paul reminds Timothy of a God-given ability, not something he earned. What does this mean for us when we feel inadequate?
Paul's words, 'the gift of God, which is in you,' point to a divine enablement. This isn't about natural talents alone, but a spiritual capacity given by God.
Divine Deposit
This gift was placed within Timothy by God Himself, likely referring to the spiritual empowerment for ministry that he received. It's a sacred trust, a deposit from heaven.
Through Impartation
'Through the laying on of my hands' signifies the formal commissioning and impartation of this gift. It wasn't just Paul's personal decision, but a recognized act within the early church community, often involving prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Why would a gift from God need 'fanning'? Discover the active role we must play in stewarding what God has given.
The imagery of 'fanning into flame' is powerful. It suggests that spiritual gifts, while divinely given, require intentional effort to keep them burning brightly.
Neglect and Diminishment
Gifts can diminish through neglect. Like embers that cool when left unattended, spiritual capacities can fade if not actively used and cultivated.
Active Cultivation
Paul's imperative isn't passive; it's a call to action. It means actively exercising the gift, praying for its strengthening, and stepping out in faith even when it feels challenging. It's about perseverance and dedication in using what God has entrusted to us for His purposes.
Understand the original words
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.
pneuma · Greek Noun
In biblical theology, 'spirit' refers to the immaterial part of humanity or, more frequently in this context, the Holy Spirit who indwells believers. It represents the inner disposition, power, or new nature imparted by God that transforms a believer's mind and character.
deilia · Greek Noun
A pervasive, trembling, or cowardly state of mind that opposes faith and confidence in God. Biblically, it is the opposite of the 'spirit of power' that the believer receives, acting as a hindrance to bold witness and trust.
The 'laying on of hands' likely refers to Timothy's ordination or impartation of spiritual gifts by Paul, possibly during Paul's early missionary journeys. This verse finds its poignancy in Paul's final days, urging Timothy to remember and actively use these God-given abilities amidst ongoing persecution and ministry challenges.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and appointing elders. Timothy likely encountered Paul during this period.
c. AD 50— this verse
Timothy's Call and Ordination
Timothy, a young disciple from Lystra, joins Paul and Barnabas. Paul circumcises him for the sake of ministry to the Jews, and he is recognized for his spiritual gifts, possibly indicated by the 'laying on of hands' mentioned in the verse.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, now accompanied by Silas and Timothy, travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, strengthening the churches. Timothy plays a key role, demonstrating his growing ministry.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor. Timothy likely served alongside him, gaining valuable experience in church leadership and pastoral care.
This passage highlights that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good, emphasizing that Timothy's gift, like all others, is a divine empowerment meant to be used.
1 Timothy 4:14Paul directly mentions the 'gift' in Timothy's life that came through prophecy with the laying on of hands, reinforcing the idea that Timothy received a specific endowment from God that needed activation.
Romans 1:11Paul expresses a longing to impart some spiritual gift to the Romans to strengthen them, showing the communal aspect of spiritual gifting and the desire for mutual encouragement through these divine provisions.
2 Timothy 4:2Paul commands Timothy to 'preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching,' which is a direct charge to actively use the very gift Paul is urging him to fan into flame.
Notice that Paul doesn't say "start" the gift, but "fan into flame." This implies the gift isn't absent or completely dead, but has perhaps grown dim, needing intentional effort to rekindle its fire and purpose within you. It’s an active stirring of what God has already placed inside.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, who seems to be facing discouragement or perhaps hesitation in his ministry. He's just reminded Timothy of the powerful Spirit God has given, not of timidity but of power, love, and self-control. This verse, therefore, is a direct exhortation for Timothy to actively stir up and use the spiritual gifts God bestowed upon him, gifts Paul himself helped to impart, to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, who seems to be facing discouragement or perhaps hesitation in his ministry. He's just reminded Timothy of the powerful Spirit God has given, not of timidity but of power, love, and self-control. This verse, therefore, is a direct exhortation for Timothy to actively stir up and use the spiritual gifts God bestowed upon him, gifts Paul himself helped to impart, to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Timothy 1:6-7 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 64
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent trials, Paul is imprisoned in Rome. He writes letters during this time, including potentially Philippians and his final letter, 2 Timothy.
c. AD 65-67
Paul's Final Imprisonment and Death
Paul faces his second Roman imprisonment, likely awaiting execution. He writes 2 Timothy as a final charge to his protégé, Timothy, urging him to remain faithful.
"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, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." — Notice that Paul doesn't say "start" the gift, but "fan into flame." This implies the gift isn't absent or completely dead, but has perhaps grown dim, needing intentional effort to rekindle its fire…
