2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
In 1 Timothy the reference to Timothy’s ordination is associated with problems stemming from his youthfulness. Perhaps he had become somewhat intimidated by the opposition to both Paul and the gospel, even in some ways threatened, defensive, and ashamed at having to defend a prisoner and the “foolishness” which they both preached about a despised and crucified Jesus. But such timidity ( “cowardice,”) has no place in God’s service. Instead God gives a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. These three virtues, each supplied by the Holy Spirit, should characterize Timothy.
