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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul doesn't just tell Timothy to endure suffering, but to share in it, framing it as a participation with Christ and fellow believers. It’s an active embrace of hardship, not just passive endurance, empowered by God's strength for the sake of the good news. This shifts the perspective from mere victimhood to a shared mission that carries cosmic significance.
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing this letter to his young protégé Timothy, encouraging him to boldly continue the ministry and remain faithful to the gospel, even in the face of persecution and opposition. This verse directly follows Paul's reminder of Timothy's spiritual gifts and his call to not be timid but to empower the church, urging him to stand firm and not be ashamed of their shared mission or Paul's imprisonment for it.
In a world that often celebrates rebellion and mocks faith, the pressure to be ashamed of Jesus can feel intense. Paul knew this pressure well.
Paul’s first command in this verse is a powerful negative one: "do not be ashamed." He’s addressing a deep-seated human fear. Shame can make us want to hide, to deny our connection to something or someone, especially if that connection leads to suffering or social disapproval.
Why Shame?
Paul is saying, loud and clear: don't let the world's opinion or the potential for suffering silence you or make you deny your Lord or His messengers.
Paul doesn't just tell Timothy not to be ashamed; he tells him what to do instead. And it involves suffering!
The phrase "share in suffering" is incredibly profound. It uses a word that implies participation, partnership, or fellowship. Paul isn't asking Timothy to endure suffering alone, but to join in the suffering that is the gospel.
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Gospel Suffering
Understand the original words
martyrion · Greek Noun
The objective record or witness concerning the life, death, resurrection, and teachings of Jesus Christ. It encompasses the entirety of the gospel message and the apostolic proclamation regarding who Jesus is and what He accomplished for humanity.
euangelion · Greek Noun
The 'good news' concerning the salvation provided through Jesus Christ. It includes the announcement of Christ's victory over sin and death, the reconciliation of humanity to God, and the invitation to respond through repentance and faith.
Paul, writing from Roman imprisonment during a period of intense persecution under Nero, urges Timothy not to fear suffering or be ashamed of the Gospel, directly addressing the dangers Timothy himself faced.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians.
c. AD 64-68— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Death in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest initially, and eventually executed.
c. AD 67-68
Nero's Persecution Intensifies
Nero's brutal persecution of Christians escalates, marked by horrific public executions and widespread fear.
c. AD 68
Domitius Corbulo's Death
Prominent military leader Corbulo is executed by Nero, signaling a period of political instability and purges.
This passage echoes the same sentiment, stating that believers are not only granted faith but also called to suffer for Christ's sake, directly linking suffering with a gift from God.
1 Peter 4:12-13Peter reminds believers that fiery trials are not surprising and encourages them to rejoice, as suffering for the name of Christ is a sign of sharing in His glory.
Hebrews 12:2-3This passage highlights Jesus as the ultimate example, enduring the cross despite shame for the joy set before Him, urging believers not to grow weary or fainthearted in their own struggles.
Acts 5:41After being flogged for preaching about Jesus, the apostles rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus, showing a transformed perspective on shame and suffering.
Paul doesn't just tell Timothy to endure suffering, but to share in it, framing it as a participation with Christ and fellow believers. It’s an active embrace of hardship, not just passive endurance, empowered by God's strength for the sake of the good news. This shifts the perspective from mere victimhood to a shared mission that carries cosmic significance.
Paul is writing this letter to his young protégé Timothy, encouraging him to boldly continue the ministry and remain faithful to the gospel, even in the face of persecution and opposition. This verse directly follows Paul's reminder of Timothy's spiritual gifts and his call to not be timid but to empower the church, urging him to stand firm and not be ashamed of their shared mission or Paul's imprisonment for it.
Paul is writing this letter to his young protégé Timothy, encouraging him to boldly continue the ministry and remain faithful to the gospel, even in the face of persecution and opposition. This verse directly follows Paul's reminder of Timothy's spiritual gifts and his call to not be timid but to empower the church, urging him to stand firm and not be ashamed of their shared mission or Paul's imprisonment for it.
"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," — Paul doesn't just tell Timothy to endure suffering, but to share in it, framing it as a participation with Christ and fellow believers. It’s an active embrace of hardship, not just passive endura…
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Last reviewed October 2026