Having just told Timothy to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner” (1:8), Paul goes on to encourage him to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (1:13). It is important to note the “gospel according to the power of God” (1:8), and the “pattern of sound words” are used synonymously by the apostle Paul. Men often attempt to separate the two, claiming that the gospel is not composed of God’s commands, but His love and grace. They fail to understand that the “pattern of sound words” that we are to keep are part of God’s grace and love. “Hold fast” denotes a steadfast adherence to that which you are holding fast, in this case “the patter of sound words.”

Paul reminds Timothy that not everyone will hold fast. All those in Asia, including Phygellus and Hermogenes, “turned away.” They were ashamed of the gospel, and of Paul because he was in chains for preaching it. However, Onesiphorus remained faithful and sought out Paul until he found him. He had also ministered to him in Ephesus. This is an example, and further encouragement, for Timothy to “hold fast the pattern of sound words.” May we all be strengthened by each other’s faithfulness, and hold fast the pattern!