[Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord] Do not be ashamed to bear your testimony to the doctrines taught by the Lord Jesus; John 3:11,32-33; 7:7.  Paul seems to have apprehended that Timothy was in some danger of being ashamed of this gospel, or of shrinking back from its open avowal in the trials and persecutions to which he now saw it exposed him. –Barnes

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. –John 3:11

And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.  He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. –John 3:32-33

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. –John 7:7

We are products of the gospel.  We are embodiments of doctrine.  We are examples of Godly principles in that we invoke them.  This is being a light.  We cannot be ashamed of this and must be ready with an answer when we are specifically asked about that light in us.

[Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony] The testimony of Christ is the Gospel in general, which proclaims Christ crucified, and redemption through his blood. In the sight of the world, there appeared to be reason why a man should be ashamed of this; ashamed of him who was crucified as a malefactor; but, when this Gospel became the power of God to the salvation of everyone that believed, it was a subject to exult in. Hence, the apostle, Rom 1:16, said, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. –Clarke

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. –Romans 1:16

Since we are products of the gospel, to be ashamed of the gospel is to be ashamed of ourselves.  To be a product of the gospel is to be like Christ.  To be ashamed of the gospel is to be ashamed of Christ.

Be not thou, therefore, ashamed (at any time).  If fear be overcome, false shame flees (Bengel). Paul himself (2 Tim 1:12), and Onesiphorus (2 Tim 1:16), were instances of fearless profession removing false 'shame.'
 

Of the testimony of our Lord-of giving testimony in the cause of our Lord (Acts 1:8). "Our" connects Timothy and himself in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before or under Pilate (1 Tim 6:12-13) is an incentive to the believer to witness a good confession.

–JFB

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. –2 Timothy 1:12

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain [Paul being a prisoner in chains]. –2 Timothy 1:16

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. –Acts 1:8

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. –1 Timothy 6:12-13

Lesson 35: Instructions –
 
 1) Know the gospel message. This is accomplished by full immersion into the Word of God.
 2) Invoke the gospel message in the form of Godly principles using the Holy Spirit in you.  Be a light.
 3) Be ready with an answer when asked about the gospel hope in you.
 4) Understand that persecution is coming and we will be taken to task about our beliefs and religion.
 5) Have a boldness about your faith.

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