God’s Word is not chained
2 Tim. 2:9
Second Timothy is considered the last letter of Paul to Timothy. Paul had been in prison in Rome, likely awaiting his death. His epistle therefore talks mainly of perseverance, not to be ashamed of the Gospel and to be a good soldier of Christ.
Even though Paul was imprisoned because of the Gospel, though “being chained like a criminal” (2:9), and though in chains (1:16), his main theme is, “God’s word is not chained.” Indeed it is, God’s word has never been chained, nor will it ever be chained. Paul continued to write and preach even unto this day. There have been many attempts to stifle God’s word throughout history, but none has succeeded, nor will they be, ever. This is because, “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
Today, God’s word is still not chained. It will never be.
- Like Paul, we can still strengthen ourselves in it by prayerfully reading it, and meditate upon it. We can also preach, tell, and send the word of God to others.
- Unchained, the Word of God never loses its power. Let us use it to strengthen ourselves because it is our bulwark against our enemy, our salvation, our peace, our life, and our living hope.
