ACC ~ 2 Timothy 1 v2

A SON IN VIRTUE. CHRYSOSTOM: Those born of us physically are not loved purely on account of their virtue but out of the force of natural affection. But those born of us of faith are loved on account of nothing but their virtue [in Christ], for what else can it be? HOMILIES ON 2 TIMOTHY 1.

A SPIRITUAL SON. THEODORET OF CYR: Timothy’s sonship to Paul is that of the soul, not that generated by nature, and is based on the spiritual promise of life. INTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

A SON BY FAITH. CASSIODORUS: When writing to Timothy he put at the head of the letter, “To my dearly beloved son,” for he had begotten him, not in body but in faith. EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 101.29.

2 Tim