CHAPTER TWO
(Renewed appeal to transmit to others the Gospel, even at
the cost of suffering. 2:1-13.)
(vs 1) "therefore" -- Because of the apostasy of 1:15......
"my child" -- how tender, how affectionate. Paul was greatly
concerned about Timothy's welfare, as a father would be
with his children's welfare.
"be strengthened" -- that you may be faithful.
"in the grace of Christ Jesus" -- once again Paul refers to
the source of our strength -- CHRIST JESUS. Timothy,
God's favor rests upon you.
(vs 2) "things...heard" -- Timothy had heard the great apostle
proclaim many lessons. Many would testify of this.
Paul the teacher, Timothy the student.
"many witnesses" -- No doubt Paul spoke to many.
"commit thou to faithful men" -- What you have heard and
learned pass on to others, who would pass on to others,
who would pass it on....... THE DOMINO EFFECT!!
(vs 3) "Suffer hardships" -- Bear persecutions, difficulties, etc.
"with me" -- not necessarily in the presence of, but during
the same times.
"good soldier" -- not only Paul's child (God's child); but he
was Christ's soldier, warrior.
(vs 4) "no soldier..." -- The soldiers of the world understand that
their allegiance to their country takes first
precedence. Thus, he cannot become involved in the
affairs of this life. When there is a choice of
activities, the orders of his commanding officer must
come first.
So, likewise, the soldier in God's army must not
allow worldly affairs to crowd out service to Christ.
"affairs of this life" -- not necessarily things which are
sinful; anything that would cause our allegiance to be
divided. Mt. 6:33.
"enrolled" -- God is calling for volunteers, enlisted
personal. Mt. 11:28-30. "Come unto me....."
"please him" -- A good soldier seeks the pleasure of his
commanding officer; so should the child of God seek the
pleasure of His Master.
(vs 5) It is essential that an athlete obey (follow) the rules of
competition. If one does not obey the rules, he cannot
win the competition. This principle is understood in
football, baseball, tract, etc.; yet, many think they
will receive a reward without following God's word.
Thus, how urgent it is that we determine what the Lord
commands in every area.
(vs 6) The third comparison: a farmer.
"laboreth" -- there is work to do in the Lord's vineyard.
NOTE: A hard working Christian will benefit from his/her
labor first, then others. The teacher gains more from
the lesson than does the student.
NOTE: Think of the farmer -- working patiently,
anticipating the harvest which is to come. Labor
proceeds the harvest. And, without labor there will be
no harvest.
(vs 7) "Consider what I say" -- Think seriously about what I have
said. These are serious thoughts.
"give thee understanding" -- Enable Timothy to understand the
application of these three illustrations: Soldier,
Athlete and farmer. The Lord has promised us wisdom.
Jas. 1:5.
(vs 8) "Remember Jesus Christ" -- Never take your eyes off the
Savior. What He went through to give us eternal life.
"risen from the dead" -- Yet, only after suffering. Once
again, the fleshly (Human) aspect of Christ is involved
here. He was "dead" (did not ceased to exist, but dead
physical) now He is alive. So, are we. Rom. 6:3-11.
NOTE: "Risen" -- having overcome death.
"Seed of David" -- emphasizes once again the fact that Jesus
was indeed human, flesh and blood. He came in the
linage of "David."
"according to my gospel" -- The death, burial, resurrection
was and is the foundation of the "good news." 1 Cor. 15.
(vs 9) "I suffer" -- Because of his stand in the resurrected Christ
Paul had many trials. 2 Cor. 11:23-28. Paul was not a
common prisoner, he was in prison because he preached a
resurrected Savior.
"malefactor" -- one incarcerated, though innocent. He would
have suffered no worse had he been guilty of theft,
murder, insurrection, etc. Cf. 1 Pet. 4:14-16.
"word...not bound" -- one might imprison Paul, but the Word
of God would not be imprisoned. God's Word will never
be "bound." One might bind the hands, but can never
"bind" the heart.
(vs 10) "Endure" -- "all things" -- Bear up under duress. Whatever
difficulties come as the result of proclaiming Jesus
Christ, bring them on.
"elect's sake" -- God's people. Chosen on God, according to
their response to His commandments. God has predetermined
to save His people (Eph. 3:11-14) when they hear the truth
and obey the gospel.
"may obtain" -- future, eternal, salvation "in Christ"
"eternal glory" -- what a glorious promise!!!
(vs 11) "Faithful" -- truthful, dependable.
"died...live" -- Rom. 6:3-11; Phil. 3:10; Gal. 2:20. This
does not suggest a martyr's death, but rather the
crucifixion of the old man of sin, and the resurrection
of the new man in Christ.
"live with Him" -- in that eternal home of the soul.
(vs 12) "endure" -- more than begrudgingly bearing difficulties, but
remaining steadfast in the face of many trials.
"reign" -- reward, rejoicing, exaltation.
"deny" -- Mt. 10:33. We can deny Him by the choices we make;
by the places we go; the things we say, etc.
(vs 13) Jehovah will be true and faithful, regardless of what we do
or do not do. God cannot lie. He is consistent,
dependable, the "same yesterday, today, and forever."
Heb. 13:8; 6:18.
(vs 14) "them" -- the saints at Ephesus; those with whom Timothy is
working. Particularly those who were inclined to strive
about words. 1 Tim. 6:3-4.
"in remembrance" -- No doubt they had heard the same warning
from the Apostle himself. Timothy you remind them.
"strive not...." -- Most likely Judaizing teachers, arguing
about genealogies, etc.
"to no profit" -- nothing to be gained, useless.
"subverting" -- not only "to no profit," but to the
destroying of the faith of "those who hear."
(vs 15) "Give diligence" -- Put forth effort in learning and doing
the will of the Father. Serving God is not a casual
occurrence; it takes diligence and effort to be
"approved unto God."
"thyself" -- an individual responsibility.
"a workman" -- never lazy or slothful, but working.
"be not ashamed" -- No fear of the judgment. What a goal to
strive for; to be among the sheep.
"handling aright..." --("rightly dividing"K.J.) -- making the
correct use of the Word of God. God's word has been
given to different people, at different times, with
different requirements. Cf. Abraham, sacrifice your
son; Noah, build an ark; Moses, make a brazen serpent;
Israelite, circumcise your sons, etc.
"word of truth" -- the only standard in religion.
(vs 16) "shun" -- Stay away from; do not participate; refuse.
"profane" -- empty, useless, all things not included in God's
revelation.
"babblings" -- Cf. Acts 17:18, Paul was accused of being a
babbler. Useless words. The "tweeting of a small bird,"
as it picks up small seeds. So insignificant!!
"will proceed? -- goes from bad to worse. When left alone,
useless talk will result in more ungodliness.
(vs 17) "gangrene" -- that which poisons the whole body; eventually
leading to death, if not corrected. Likewise the
doctrines of men will lead to spiritual death.
NOTE: How strange it is that false doctrine has
greater influence than the truth. Perhaps, because that
is what men desire.
"Hymenae and Philetus" -- two examples of false teachers.
Most likely the same one mentioned in 1 Tim. 1:20. If
so, He refused Paul corrections and continued in his
false teachings.
(vs 18) "have erred" -- Difficult to know exactly the specifics of
what these two taught. It would seem that possibly they
had equated the resurrection as to the coming forth
from baptism, having "been raised with Him." Thus,
concluding that the resurrection had already taken
place. Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12.
Yet, Jesus taught a bodily resurrection from the
tomb. John 5:28-29. Paul also taught the same thing.
Acts 24:14-16
"faith of some" -- It seems that there are always those who
are ready and willing to accept false doctrines.
(vs 19) "firm foundation of God" -- Men may follow false doctrines,
even leading others astray; but God's ways shall stand
the test of time. Christ said "My word shall never pass
away." Though multitudes apostatize, God will stand by
His people if they continue in His ways. (cf. vs 13).
"knoweth those that are his" -- John 10:27-28. Those who
trust in Him and His Word.
"depart from...." -- The child of God will not persist in
walking in darkness. Cf. 1 John 1:6-10.
As oil and water do not mix, neither does
righteousness and unrighteousness abide in the same
person. "Cannot serve God and mammon." Mt. 6:24.
(vs 20) "a great house" -- Perhaps the church, thus members of the
church, represented as some being "gold, silver;"
others being "wood, earth."
In Ephesus, there were faithful children of God,
and there were false teachers. Some vessels are
valuable and profitable; while others are hypocritical
and divisive.
(vs 21) "purge himself" -- This shows individual responsibility. Each
one is responsible to God for our choices.
This is but another passage that denies the
doctrine of predestination. Man has been given free
will, to choose for himself his/her eternal destiny.
Vessels of "wood and earth" can become vessels of
"gold and silver."
(vs 22) "Flee youthful lust" -- Run from; Timothy was still a young
man, thus susceptible to lusts and passions of a young
person; though this would include any vice or sin that
may be engaged in.
One cannot be too careful when it comes to "lusts."
(Play with fire and you will get burned.)
Cf. 1 Tim. 6:11, where these are listed, with the
exception of "peace."
"Righteousness" -- being right with God, free from the stain
of sin and iniquity.
"faith" -- Timothy's faith in God and His son Christ Jesus.
"love" -- Displayed in doing what the Lord commands.
"peace" -- Comes by doing the will of God. Particularly in
the face of the strife that certain ones were bringing
into the church.
NOTE: Peace is not compromise!!!
"them that call..." -- to invoked His assistance.
cf. 1 Pet. 5:7 -- "casting all your anxiety upon him,
because he careth for you."
"pure heart" -- The only one that will please Jehovah. A life
lived in obedience to our Lord.
(vs 23) "foolish and ignorant" -- The fourth time this warning has
been given. 1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:16.
Things not taught by the Lord.
"refuse" -- avoid, shun.
"gender strife" -- cause contentions; divisions, etc.
(vs 24) "Lord's servant" -- Christ's bondservant.
"not strive" -- Not argumentative; striving over words.
"gentle towards all" -- Does not cause strife.
NOTE: This does not mean compromise of the truth; nor
overlooking that which is sin, but patient in dealing
with the souls of man.
"apt to teach" -- Having the desire and the ability to teach
the lost and/or erring. Each child of God should be
"apt to teach." Not necessarily from the pulpit or in
class situations, but able to teach God's plan.
"forbearing" -- Longsuffering, Patient. Phil. 4:5; Rom. 2:4.
(vs 25) "meekness" -- Humility. Though we have the truth, let us not
become arrogant and self-righteous. The truth should be
presented in love.
NOTE: Once again, this does not mean compromise nor
a failure to condemn sin, but error can be exposed
without harsh or mean words. There is no room for
boasting of our knowledge.
"correcting them" -- The desired end is to bring about a
correction, or repentance of the sin engaged in.
"oppose themselves" -- The one is sin is actually fighting
against himself, opposing that which the Lord desires
of him/her.
(vs 26) "recover themselves" -- Each one is responsible for choosing
their Master, Christ or Satan. Man does not have to
serve Satan, but many fall to his "snares" (traps). Man
may "recover themselves," come out from under Satan's
control.
"snare" -- Trap, entanglement, pitfall.
"captive" -- Sin always ensnares, traps, mankind.
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