You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  –2 Timothy 2:2

Paul’s version of apostolic succession has little to do with hats and traditions, and lots to do with training faithful men. Faithful is contextually defined by what Paul has been saying to Timothy. Three times in chapter one of 2 Timothy has he mentioned not being ashamed. Because the Father has bestowed his Spirit of power, love, and self-control, free of fear, Timothy is “not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (vv7-8), and is also to “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (v8). Again, though he suffers, Paul is “not ashamed” because he knows God is guarding him and will vindicate his message. And one more time, Paul’s prays for Onesiphorus who “was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me” (vv16-17).

It is natural to associate suffering with shame and guilt, but Paul reverses this. He boasted in his infirmities and in all the sufferings he endured for the sake of the gospel, and he wanted to call men who would do the same to continue his ministry. Timothy would have to choose men who had such stalwart faith, who could teach others, and who were ready and willing to suffer as good soldiers. Soldiers of the gospel are willing to fight and refuse to be ashamed. These sorts of men are hard to come to come by, but when God has raised them up, they are to be entrusted to teach others and lead the church.