2 Timothy 1:12 To Know and To Be Persuaded

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV)  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 

The Apostle Paul knows Jesus in a personal relationship. This relationship with Christ enabled him to suffer even imprisonment leading to his martyrdom. He knows what he was doing for Christ’s sake and he is persuaded with a firm conviction of the veracity of the gospel work.

What did he commit to Christ? His entire life and ministry in the light of Christ’s return. Christ will bring His rewards with Him for His faithful servants. He defended his ministry so that the gainsayers may be exposed when he testified in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (KJV)  Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; Injourneyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, inperils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 

His commitment to Christ was to spur the next generation to consecration and service – 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (KJV)  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 

Amen.