2 Timothy Chapter 2
1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me amongst many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
6 The farmer who labours must be the first to get a share of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,
9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 This saying is trustworthy: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can't deny himself."
14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:
18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
19 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honour, and some for dishonour.
21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.
Footnotes
- Verse 8 (offspring)
- or, seed
- Verse 19
- Numbers 16:5
- Verse 19 (the Lord)
- Textus Receptus reads "Christ" instead of "the Lord"
Version: World English Bible
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2 Timothy Chapter 2 Guide
In order to fulfil the ideal revealed in the instructions, Timothy was charged to "be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." The apostle employed three figures of speech, the soldier, the athlete, and the husbandman, as revealing the methods by which Timothy might be strengthened in grace. The ultimate command is, "Remember Jesus Christ."
The apostle next referred to his own experiences again. Briefly, but vividly, he said, "I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor." Paul was now in prison for the second time, and was ranked as one of the lowest criminals. Nevertheless, he was jubilant over the fact that "the Word of God is not bound." It is in fellowship with Christ that such experience is granted. "If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him." This declaration is followed by the solemn warning, "If we shall deny Him, He also will deny us." for God must be faithful to Himself.
The apostle then turned to the subject of Timothy's responsibility as to the Church. This is revealed as threefold:
First, the exercise of power (verses 2 Timothy 2:14-19); second, the exercise of love (verses 2 Timothy 2:20-23); and, third, the exercise of discipline (verses 2 Timothy 2:24-26). In the presence of difficulties created by a wrong teaching, Timothy must show himself a workman skilled in the specific calling of handling the Word of truth. The goal of ambition is "approved unto God." The method is, "Give diligence ... a workman." The work, "rightly dividing the word of truth."
The duty of Timothy in the exercise of discipline, and the manifestation of love are then set forth. The apostle grants the existence of mixture in the Church. Separation from fellowship with the unworthy is a condition of fitness for the highest forms of service. The apostle urged this consecration in a threefold injunction, the key words of which are "flee," "follow," "refuse."
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
2 Timothy Chapter 2 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman. -- (1-7)
- Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness. -- (8-13)
- Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors. -- (14-21)
- Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit. -- (22-26)
Verses 1-7
As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read.
Verses 8-13
Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
Verses 14-21
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.
Verses 22-26
The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of saints, will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth, by his grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would continue to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure," in respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot tell that he will give repentance to those who oppose his will. Sinners are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except by repentance, which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him by earnest, persevering prayer.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.