II Timothy 2:8-10 The Word Of God Is Not Chained.

Without the resurrection there is no gospel (v. 8b Cf. Rom. 1:4). Of course, resurrection assumes death, and death assumes a life lived. It was because of his teaching on the resurrection that he suffered persecution from many of his own countryman, “even to the point of chains” (v. 9a). Paul also made the point that it is Jesus who was the Christ, also being “of the seed of David” (v. 8a Cf. Rom. 1:3). This was all “according to the scriptures” (I Cor. 15:3-4). What also kept him going, despite his chains, was the reality that “the word of God is not chained” (v. 9b). We know this motivated him because he says, “therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect” (v. 10a). We must not miss this second part to Paul’s point. He also endured hardship for the elect because he knew that for the elect the word would indeed take root. Our labour, including our hardship, is not in vain, because the word is not chained, and it is effectual for the elect. God predestines the means as well the end. The elect are chosen before the foundation of the world (Cf. 1:9), but it is through the faithful preaching of the gospel “that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (v. 10b).