2 Timothy2
New King James Version
1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
10Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
14Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
17And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
19Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
24And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him 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