2 Timothy2
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
5And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.
6The husbandman that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits.
7Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.
8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
9wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
10Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him:
12if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:
13if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.
14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear.
15Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.
16But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
17and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.
19Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.
21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work.
22But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
24And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,
25in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
26and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Timothy 2.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: 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).
vv1-7
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.
vv8-13
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.
vv14-21
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.
Key Words
σύ (sý): thou
οὖν (oûn): (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
μοῦ (moû): of me
τέκνον (téknon): a child (as produced)
ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō): to empower
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
χάρις (cháris): graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Timothy 2Both trace Jesus Christ's physical ancestry to the seed of David as a fundamental creedal truth.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Classic athletic metaphor of striving in the games according to strict rules to receive a crown.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct verbal allusion to 'the Lord knoweth them that are his' from Moses' defense against Korah.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The sovereign master's house containing diverse vessels, some to honor and some to dishonor.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallels the faithful saying: if we die with Him, we shall also live with Him.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Suffering with Christ as the necessary legal prerequisite to reigning and being glorified with Him.
Supported by Matthew Poole
If some do not believe, God's faithfulness and truth remain utterly unchanged and unaffected.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Avoid foolish questions and striving about words, which are unprofitable and vain.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhortation to 'be strong' in the Lord and in His gracious power.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's triple metaphors of the soldier, the wrestler, and the laboring husbandman.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Timothy is urged to not be ashamed of testimonies but to partake of Gospel afflictions.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the exact command to flee evil and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Qualifications for overseers, specifically being 'apt to teach' and holding the mystery of faith.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Contrasts the physical chains/bonds of Paul with Onesiphorus who was not ashamed of his chain.
Supported by JFB
The connection between receiving grace and the duty of departing from all iniquity.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Turning sinners from the power of Satan unto God, escaping the devil's snare.
Supported by Matthew Henry