You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul doesn't tell Timothy to find strength, but to be strengthened by grace. This highlights that spiritual power isn't something we drum up within ourselves, but a gift poured into us by Jesus. It's about leaning into God's power, not just mustering our own courage.
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, urging him to remain strong in his faith and ministry amidst growing opposition and false teachings within the church. This verse serves as an urgent call to Timothy to draw his strength not from himself, but from the power of God's grace, a theme he will continue to explore throughout the chapter as he instructs Timothy on how to live and teach faithfully.
Paul tells Timothy, 'Be strengthened.' But how? Not by sheer willpower or personal grit. It's a divine enablement that comes from somewhere else.
The Source of Strength
The verse isn't an instruction to try harder, but an announcement of where to draw power. The strength Timothy (and we!) need isn't self-generated. It flows from 'the grace that is in Christ Jesus.' This grace is God's unmerited favor, His active, empowering presence given freely through our union with Christ. It's the fuel for obedience, the foundation for endurance, and the secret to spiritual resilience.
Think of it like a phone charger. You don't become a better phone by willing yourself to have more battery; you plug into the power source. Our spiritual strength is found the same way – by remaining connected to Christ and His abundant grace.
Paul calls Timothy 'my child.' This isn't just a term of endearment; it reveals a deep spiritual relationship and a weighty responsibility given to a younger leader.
A Legacy of Faith
The term 'my child' (teknon) signifies a profound spiritual father-son relationship. Paul discipled Timothy, seeing him grow in faith and ministry. This personal connection underscores the vital importance of mentorship and passing on spiritual heritage.
Paul isn't just sending a casual note; he's entrusting Timothy with a mission. This personal address makes the command to be strengthened deeply relevant. It's a call to step up, to embrace the mission God has for him, equipped by the grace Paul himself has experienced and now shares.
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Understand the original words
charis · Greek Noun
Refers to the unmerited favor and enabling power of God extended to humanity through Christ, providing both justification and the capacity for godly living.
This passage calls for unity and a singular focus on Christ, echoing the idea of being strengthened *in* Christ Jesus by speaking with 'the same understanding' and 'the same judgment'.
Ephesians 6:10Paul urges believers to 'be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,' directly linking spiritual strength to God's power, just as Timothy is called to be strengthened by grace *in* Christ.
Colossians 1:11This verse prays for believers to be 'strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience,' highlighting that our strength comes from God's power and leads to perseverance, a key aspect of Christian life.
Philippians 4:13Paul's declaration that he can 'do all things through him who strengthens me' is a powerful testament to finding strength not in oneself, but in Christ, paralleling Timothy's reliance on Christ's grace.
Paul doesn't tell Timothy to find strength, but to be strengthened by grace. This highlights that spiritual power isn't something we drum up within ourselves, but a gift poured into us by Jesus. It's about leaning into God's power, not just mustering our own courage.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, urging him to remain strong in his faith and ministry amidst growing opposition and false teachings within the church. This verse serves as an urgent call to Timothy to draw his strength not from himself, but from the power of God's grace, a theme he will continue to explore throughout the chapter as he instructs Timothy on how to live and teach faithfully.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, urging him to remain strong in his faith and ministry amidst growing opposition and false teachings within the church. This verse serves as an urgent call to Timothy to draw his strength not from himself, but from the power of God's grace, a theme he will continue to explore throughout the chapter as he instructs Timothy on how to live and teach faithfully.
"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus," — Paul doesn't tell Timothy to find strength, but to be strengthened by grace. This highlights that spiritual power isn't something we drum up within ourselves, but a gift poured into us by Jesus.…
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Last reviewed October 2026