A personal relationship makes all the difference in the walk of Christian discipleship. Paul writes to Timothy concerning his suffering for the sake of the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:21b-33). And of this suffering Paul does not boast, but is simply willing to suffer because he knows that he will experience immortality through Jesus Christ. Paul does not testify to a suffering that is in vain. He does not risk his life for a philosophy or pagan god. Rather, he trusts in the God of Jesus Christ, the one “who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:10b); the one whom Paul personally knew and believed.
And in verse 12b, Paul clearly differentiates his belief in Christ from any other gods and communicates his personal faith. He states, “I know whom I have believed” (italics mine). He does not say “in whom” but rather “whom.” By omitting the Greek word ev (in) Paul is affirming his personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It is this relationship in the Living Christ that we proclaim when we are baptized “into the death and resurrection of Jesus” (see Romans 6:5) and which we proclaim every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Corinthians 11:26).
Grace and peace, Pastor Bob
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