2 Timothy 1:14

That good thing ... keep. The entire clause reads literally, “guard the excellent deposit” (see on 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:12). Here Paul refers to Timothy’s commission as a faithful minister of the gospel, which was entrusted to him by both men and God. Part of this “deposit” was Paul’s own words, which he challenged Timothy to “hold fast” (v. 13). Paul’s service was about finished; the apostle had kept this deposit of truth free from doctrinal error or moral taint. But the work that had been committed to Paul, his “deposit,” was now laid on the shoulders of Timothy and others. Henceforth they were to be custodians of the priceless treasure of the gospel, and, in turn, to pass it on faithfully to other guardians.

By the Holy Ghost. That is, the Holy Spirit is the effective agent who enables men successfully to fulfill the task of preaching the gospel. There is no limit to the usefulness and influence of anyone who consecrates his will to the purposes of God. The Holy Spirit becomes man’s strength and is the unseen power behind every advance of the cause of God.

Dwelleth. The power of God becomes allied with the vital forces of men. Man changes intrinsically when he allows the Holy Spirit to direct his life. Compare John 15:4-7 (see John 14:17; see on 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 3:16).