truth,” that is, Paul’s apostolic gospel.93 Paul previously told Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel (e.g., 1:8). Here shame is not the result of fear of being identified with Christ (ultimately at God’s judgment, 1 John 2:28) but of lack of proper training and skill in handling God’s Word. Similarly, some today stand ready to identify with Christ and preach his Word but, due to inadequate training, fail to handle God’s Word properly and thus will be put to shame. What such people need is not
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