Note 17 at 2 Tim. 2:8: Paul was encouraging Timothy to be faithful in the face of hardship or persecution (v. 3). Now he is reminding Timothy that Jesus was faithful even unto death. But that wasn't the end of the matter. Jesus rose from the dead and is now totally triumphant.

Paul did this to stir up Timothy toward faithfulness. If Jesus was faithful even to death because of His love for us, how can we do any less? Also, look what Jesus' faithfulness obtained for Him. He is exalted over all. This is an encouragement that we also will reign with Him if we remain faithful (v. 12).