Three Metaphors for Ministry: A Meditation on Endurance

Be strong.

ἐνδυναμοῦ—be empowered, be strengthened, be made powerful. The verb is passive. The strength comes from outside. ἐν τῇ χάριτι τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ—in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Grace as energy source. Grace as fuel.

Timothy cannot generate what ministry requires. Neither can we. The strength must flow from Christ through grace into depleted vessels.

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."