2 Timothy2
New Living Translation
1Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
2You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
5And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
6And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
7Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
8Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.
9And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
10So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him.
12If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
13If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
14Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
15Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
16Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.
17This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
18They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.
21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
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