“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
The next distinguishing characteristic from 2 Timothy chapter two employs the familiar imagery of a soldier. This military reference serves to communicate some important truths for Jesus’ followers today.
You see, a Roman soldier enlisted for a twenty year period in the New Testament era and faced constant opposition, hostility, and resistance. In fact, it is estimated that only half of those who served within the Roman military during that period survived to fulfill the term of their enlistment. So this call to “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…” conveyed the need to reflect a similar level of commitment to Christ.
We should also remember that Paul was someone who practiced what he preached in this respect. In addition to the fact that he was imprisoned at the time he wrote this letter to Timothy, Paul also authored at least four other New Testament letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) while chained to a Roman soldier.
The New Testament book of Hebrews provides us with some additional insight into this passage…
“…Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated– the world was not worthy of them.
They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:35-40 NIV).
So while this may not be a popular subject, we should not overlook this aspect of our commitment to Christ. As Jesus Himself said, “…No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 ESV). In the words of a Pastoral commentator…
“…if a believer is not willing to endure hardship, they will never accomplish much for Jesus Christ. They will give up as soon as something hard is required of them; they cannot fulfill Jesus’ call: If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24).” (1)
(1) Guzik, Dave, 2 Timothy 2 – Advice To A Young Pastor, 3. (3-4) Persevere for God with a soldier’s attitude. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-timothy-2/