2 Timothy2
New International Version
1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
5Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
13if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
14Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do 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