2 Timothy 1:11
What does 2 Timothy 1:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:11 means
Paul states that he was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this gospel. These roles highlight proclamation (preacher), authority and foundation-laying (apostle), and instruction and formation (teacher). His calling is not self-made but God-given, consistent with the purpose and grace just described. This explains why he persists despite suffering: he is under divine commission. Paul’s varied titles also show the gospel’s breadth—it must be announced, established in churches, and taught for understanding and obedience. By identifying his office, Paul shows Timothy that the hardships he endures are directly tied to the privilege and responsibility of stewarding the message that brings life and immortality.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Of which I was made a preacher and an Apostle and a teacher;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to which I was placed a preacher and an apostle, and a teacher of nations,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherein I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to which I have been appointed a herald and apostle and teacher of [the] nations.
Context
Following the declaration of Christ’s victory (verse 10), verse 11 connects that gospel to Paul’s personal commission. This paves the way for verse 12, where Paul explains his suffering and confidence. The flow helps Timothy see that sharing in hardship (verse 8) is part of serving a calling that springs from God’s eternal purpose and Christ’s triumph. Paul models what he asks Timothy to embrace: a ministry shaped by the gospel’s demands and empowered by God. The next step is to exhort Timothy to hold and guard the same truth he heard from Paul (verses 13–14).
v.10but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
v.11This passage
v.12For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
- 1 Timothy 1:7
desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.
- Ephesians 3:7
whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
- 1 Timothy 2:7
whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
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