Introduction to 2 Timothy
2 Timothy is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to Timothy expressing his desire to see him. As he writes, Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame” the spiritual gift given to him (1:6).2 Timothy is a personal letter from Paul to Timothy expressing his desire to see him. As he writes, Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame” the spiritual gifts he had received. He encouraged him to persevere in the good work he was doing in Ephesus.
The apostle reminds his son in the Lord that the Christian life and service would not be without its obstacles. He was not to get distracted, however, by false teaching and futile religious debates. Instead, he was to preach the truth he had learned from Paul without compromise, watching his life so that he would be an example for others to follow.
Paul exhorts Timothy to be bold in his preaching and Christian service because the days were coming when there would be a great turning away from the Lord. In light of this reality, Timothy was to preach, teach and exhort everyone to remain true to the Word of Christ.
Paul sets his own life as an example for Timothy to follow. As he wrote this letter, Paul was in prison awaiting sentence for preaching the gospel.
Chapter 1
Select Verse:
Verse 1
As the author of the epistle, Paul declares himself to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. The word apostle comes from the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apóstolos) meaning sent one or ambassador. Note here that Paul tells us that this particular calling and anointing as an apostle was “by the will of God.” Paul did not choose to be an apostle. God chose him. This was the purpose of God for Paul’s life.
Observe also that the apostle’s calling was not only “by the will of God,” but also “according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.” This was the focus of his message and ministry –to proclaim the promise of life in Christ Jesus. In other words, he was an apostle of the gospel. That gospel was a message of new life and hope in Jesus Christ.
Verse 2
The epistle is addressed to Timothy. Paul met him in Lystra and saw great potential in him as a servant of God (see Acts 16:1-5). He invited Timothy to accompany him on his missionary journies. Paul would see Timothy as a son and Timothy owed much to the apostle as a spiritual father. Note how Paul addresses Timothy as his “beloved child,” demonstrating the tenderness that existed between them.
Paul expresses his prayer for grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus his Lord. For Timothy to do the work of God, he required the gracious favour and mercy of God on his life. The work we are called to do demands the strength and wisdom of God. This is a gift from HIm to all who call out for it. Note also that Paul wanted Timothy to experience “peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus.” There are many obstacles in ministry. If we are going to face these trials, we need this peace to fill our lives and minds. In this peace, we have strength to endure and confidence in the affliction that comes our way.
Verse 3
The apostle begins with a word of thanksgiving to God for Timothy and a description of his ministry as an apostle. Note first what Paul tells us about his ministry.
First, he served God. There was no greater privilege than this. His calling was very high for He represented the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Second, Paul saw himself in a long line of faithful servants. His ancestors also served this same God. The God Paul ministered to was an eternal God who existed from ages past. Paul was part of these servants, throughout the ages, called and chosen by God as His representatives.
Third, Paul served the Lord God with a clear conscience. As a servant of Almighty God, Paul was faithful. He had nothing to be ashamed of in his service. He could stand unashamed in his walk and ministry for the Lord God.
Paul assured Timothy, his “beloved child,” that he remembered him constantly in his prayers both night and day. Timothy, as a son in the Lord, was a deep concern for the apostle and he regularly sought God’s blessing for His life and ministry.
Verse 4
Note the depth of Paul’s compassion for Timothy. He tells him that he remembered his tears. While Paul is not clear in this verse about what had caused Timothy’s tears, many commentators believe it was related to Paul’s parting from Timothy in Ephesus. Let’s consider this for a moment.
We discover from Paul’s first letter to Timothy that he had charged him to stay in Ephesus when he was going to Macedonia:
(3) As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine. – 1 Timothy 1:3 ESV
Acts 19:21 recounts that while Paul was in Ephesus (see Acts 19:1), he had a desire to go to Macedonia and on to Jerusalem:
(21) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” – Acts 19:21 ESV
Note how Paul describes going first to Macedonia, then to Jerusalem, and from there, being compelled to travel to Rome. Paul explains the reason for this trip to Rome in Acts 20:22-23 when he says:
(22) And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. – Acts 20:22-23 ESV
Paul would be imprisoned in Jerusalem for his preaching. This imprisonment and the resulting trial would ultimately bring him to Rome where he would appeal to Caesar (see Acts 28:17-20).
When the elders of Ephesus heard Paul’s prediction of “afflictions and imprisonment” they wept and embraced him, knowing that this would likely be the last time they would see him:
(37) And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, (38) being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. – Acts 20:37-38 ESV
Timothy may very likely have been among those Ephesian elders weeping and embracing Paul when he headed to Jerusalem, imprisonment and trial in Rome.
The picture of Timothy’s tears that day lingered with Paul and developed in him a deeper passion and longing to see him again.
Verse 5
Note the depth of Paul’s compassion for Timothy. He tells him that he remembered his tears. While Paul is not clear in this verse about what had caused Timothy’s tears, many commentators believe it was related to Paul’s parting from Timothy in Ephesus. Let’s consider this for a moment.
We discover from Paul’s first letter to Timothy that he had charged him to stay in Ephesus when he was going to Macedonia:
(3) As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine. – 1 Timothy 1:3 ESV
Acts 19:21 recounts that while Paul was in Ephesus (see Acts 19:1), he had a desire to go to Macedonia and on to Jerusalem:
(21) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” – Acts 19:21 ESV
Note how Paul describes going first to Macedonia, then to Jerusalem, and from there, being compelled to travel to Rome. Paul explains the reason for this trip to Rome in Acts 20:22-23 when he says:
(22) And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. – Acts 20:22-23 ESV
Paul would be imprisoned in Jerusalem for his preaching. This imprisonment and the resulting trial would ultimately bring him to Rome where he would appeal to Caesar (see Acts 28:17-20).
When the elders of Ephesus heard Paul’s prediction of “afflictions and imprisonment” they wept and embraced him, knowing that this would likely be the last time they would see him:
(37) And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, (38) being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. – Acts 20:37-38 ESV
Timothy may very likely have been among those Ephesian elders weeping and embracing Paul when he headed to Jerusalem, imprisonment and trial in Rome.
The picture of Timothy’s tears that day lingered with Paul and developed in him a deeper passion and longing to see him again.
Verse 6
The apostle begins the verse with the phrase, “for this reason.” This connects what he is about to say with the fact that Timothy’s grandmother and mother had passed down their faith to him. These ladies had entrusted this faith into Timothy’s keeping. They expected that he walk faithfully in it and be true to the Lord’s call on his life. Timothy had an obligation to honour these ladies by keeping his faith.
Paul challenges Timothy, therefore, to fan into flame the gift of God. Paul does not explain the nature of this gift in the verse but it was a gift that came to Timothy through the laying on of Paul’s hands. Commentators vary as they speculate about what this gift might be. Some see it as a spiritual gift for service. Others see it as a special enduement of power through his ordination into ministry. In other words, a special work of God’s Holy Spirit enabling Him and giving him authority and power in his ministry in Ephesus.
How do you fan a gift into flames? Consider the embers in a fire. If we leave those embers alone, they will eventually burn out. If we blow on them and feed them, they will burst into flames and consume the material we put in the resulting fire. This is how it is with the gifts of God. We must cultivate them and put them to use. The flames of all too many gifts perish because they are not used or fanned into flames.
Verse 7
The gifts of God must be fanned into flames. We must not hesitate to use them for His glory. All too many people fear stepping out in faith, uncertain of how people will respond. Others fail to use their gifts for fear of failure. This means that many gifts lie dormant and their embers burn out.
Paul rebukes this fear. He reminded Timothy that God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-control. Let’s break this down briefly.
First, in the use of our spiritual gifts, God has given us a spirit of power. The gifts of God, by nature, are endowments of power. They are not natural talents but special abilities from God. These gifts are miraculous. They break down the powers of hell and the flesh and, as arrows, penetrate through the hard shields held up against them. The gifts God gives are designed to break through the resistance set up against them to advance the kingdom of God.
Second, regarding the gifts of God, they are given, motivated and exercised in love. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus have been transformed into His image. One aspect of that image is love. Consider the love of the Lord Jesus who left the glories of heaven to come to earth for our sake. That love now resides in us. We are compelled by the love of Christ to minister to those who are bound in sin. We are constrained to reach out to them with the gifts God has given us to set them free from oppression and lostness. His love overcomes our fear of stepping out.
Finally, the gifts of God are exercised in self-control. The word translated as self-control is σωφρονισμός (sōphronismós). It refers to discipline, clear mind and judgement. The King James Version of the Bible translates the word as “sound mind.” Consider the words of Paul to the Corinthians when he writes:
(16) “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV
What happens when we come to Jesus Christ? We no longer have the same heart and mind. The apostle Paul challenged the Ephesians to be renewed in their minds when he wrote:
(20) But that is not the way you learned Christ!— (21) assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, (22) to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, (23) and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, (24) and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV
This renewal of our minds transforms our lives, and we no longer have the same passion for the world and its temptations. Instead, we find ourselves focused and disciplined in the ways of truth and godliness. Our minds have been set free from their former lusts and desires and captivated by the Spirit to live for Christ and His purposes.
The spiritual gifts God has given us come with a renewed mind that is no longer captivated by the world and its lusts but transformed by the work of Christ into a sound and healthy mind that can know the leading of God and His purpose. What a difference this makes! Those who belong to God are led now by His Spirit and their mind and hearts have been transformed so that they can walk in fellowship with Him and know His will. For this reason, we have no cause to hold back. We must stand firm, and be bold.
Verse 8
Because God has given us power, love and a sound and disciplined mind, we have no cause to be ashamed. Paul brings three challenges to Timothy here in this verse.
First, he tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord Jesus. Understand here that some believed the preaching of the gospel was foolishness.
(18) For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
Timothy would face opposition in preaching the truth to unbelievers. They would mock him and his understanding of the work of Christ. Paul reminds Timothy, however, that the power, love and renewed mind of Jesus Christ were powerful motivators to persevere.
Second, Paul tells Timothy that he is not to be ashamed of him or his imprisonment. There is something about being in prison that brings about a negative emotion. We do not readily declare that a friend or family member has been sent to prison. There is a certain shame in this, even if that person is innocent. Sometimes, we can feel abandoned by God in our prison cell. We can begin to believe that we did something wrong even when we were imprisoned for the cause of Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not to be ashamed of him and his imprisonment. The apostle was confident that he had been faithful to the Lord. He was not ashamed to suffer for Christ or be mocked and insulted for His name. Timothy was to stand firm. He was not to lose heart. He was to see Paul’s imprisonment as a sign of his faithfulness to the gospel.
Finally, Paul invited Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel. When Timothy fanned into flame the powerful gift God had given him, he was to expect opposition. What soldier going to war is surprised that the enemy shoots to kill? Timothy was to fight as a good soldier, expecting that he would be opposed, mocked and insulted. He might even be captured by the enemy and suffer at their hands like his spiritual father, Paul. The apostle challenged Timothy not to back down but to keep bombarding the gates of hell in the power of God no matter the cost.
Verse 9
Paul encouraged Timothy to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was no shame to suffer for His sake.
The apostle reminds Timothy that Jesus saved us from our sin by His death on the cross of Calvary. He was not ashamed to lay down His life and suffer the shame of the cross for us.
Jesus also called us to a holy calling. The calling referred to here relates to a new life and purpose through the work of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit in us. Our salvation transforms our lives and gives us a new purpose. We are called to walk faithfully in that calling to His honour and glory.
Note how the apostle reminds Timothy that this salvation and calling was not a result of any effort or merit of his own. Timothy did not merit his salvation or his calling as a servant of God. According to Paul, the reason Timothy was saved and called to a life of godliness was because of God’s “own purpose and grace.”
Timothy was saved because it was God’s purpose for Him. God rescued him from sin, forgave him and called him into service. This was a work of God from start to finish. The question I ask myself is this: Why should I be saved from my sin and equipped to live for Christ when so many people around me know nothing of this life and pardon? One thing I can guarantee is that I have the very same sinful nature as everyone around me. I am as much a sinner as anyone else. If I had any desire for God it was because he put it in my heart. If I became a child of God it was not because I was better than anyone else. Ultimately it was because God had a purpose for my life and graciously touched me and made me His own. I will not take any credit for being a believer. He deserves all the praise for anything good in me.
Observe the phrase “before the ages began.” Paul connects this phrase with the salvation and calling of God in Timothy’s life. God is an all-knowing God. Before the ages began, He knew Timothy and the purpose He had for his life. Before time began, he knew my name and His plan for me. What a privilege it is to live out that purpose by His grace.
Verse 10
The purpose of God from before the ages was manifested through the person of Jesus Christ our Saviour. He was the Messiah who came to save His people from sin. It is through the work of Jesus Christ alone that salvation is possible. Note what Paul tells us about the work of Jesus here. According to Paul, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
First, Jesus Christ abolished death. This does not mean that since Jesus died on the cross we no longer have to die. Unless He returns, we can all expect to die. When Paul tells us that Jesus abolished death he is telling us that He has broken its curse. Consider what took place in the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. Eve made it clear to him what the result of sinning against God would be when she said:
(2) And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, (3) but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” – Genesis 3:2-3 ESV
The result of sin and disobedience was death. That death was not just for Eve but for all of creation. The curse of death has affected everything on this earth. Everything dies and is subject to this curse.
When Jesus died on the cross and brought pardon for sin, He also opened the way to eternal life. These earthly, sin-cursed bodies will indeed die, but that is not the end. We will receive new bodies, imperishable bodies that will live forever in His presence. This earth as we know it will be destroyed, but we will see a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sin or death. This is the power of the cross. Death will be abolished.
Second, Jesus brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. The gospel is the good news of salvation through the pardoning blood of Jesus Christ. This work of Jesus on the cross opened the door for forgiveness, removal of the curse of death, and eternal life in the presence of the Triune God.
Verse 11
The apostle has been telling Timothy about how the purpose of God for salvation was manifested through the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. It was for this hope that Paul had been appointed a preacher, apostle and teacher. Paul describes his ministry as three-fold here.
First, he was appointed as a preacher. The word κήρυξ (kḗrux) speaks of a proclaimer or herald. This is the person who gathers people together to pronounce an important message. The preacher proclaims the truth to the masses of people who will listen to his proclamation.
Second Paul was also appointed to be an apostle. The word ἀπόστολος (apóstolos) comes from the word apostéllō meaning to send. The apostle was an ambassador. While there are many preachers proclaiming truth to the masses, the apostle had a very special connection with the Lord who sent him. Just as an ambassador represents the king in a very special way, these apostles had a particular charge to convey the specific purpose of Christ to the church. They spoke on His behalf and especially represented His purpose.
Finally, Paul also saw himself as a teacher. The word used here is διδάσκαλος (didáskalos) and speaks of an instructor. As a teacher, Paul instructed the church in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul’s teaching was, in some cases, one-on-one. At other times it was larger groups or even through his writing. Our understanding of the great doctrines of the faith is due in large part to the teaching of the apostle Paul in his writing.
While each of these ministries has its unique flavour, Paul’s purpose here is simply to show that his ministry was multi-faceted. That is to say, he did a variety of things in the calling of God.
Verse 12
Paul’s calling as a preacher, apostle and teacher placed him before people who would often reject him and the message he proclaimed. This resulted in suffering and persecution. We should not assume that being a servant of God and representing the truth will be easy.
While Paul suffered in his presentation of the gospel, he was not ashamed. He gives two reasons why this rejection did not bring him shame.
First, the apostle declared: “I know whom I have believed.” Paul had personal acquaintance with the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ was real to Him. He had complete confidence in His Saviour and knew His fellowship in the harshest of suffering. He was convinced of the truth of Jesus Christ, had experienced His salvation, and knew Him intimately. He was willing to lay down his life for this Saviour.
Second, Paul was convinced that Jesus was able to guard what He had entrusted to Him. There were several things Jesus had committed to Paul. Jesus had given His pardon and salvation to the apostle. Paul was convinced that Jesus would keep Him in that salvation until the day He returned. The Lord had also committed a ministry and message to Paul. Despite the suffering he had to endure, the apostle was convinced that the Lord would keep him faithful in the declaration of that message without compromise. God had committed a ministry to Him and Paul knew that the Lord would bless that ministry and support Him every step of the way.
Paul knew his Saviour and he knew His support. As long as Christ stood with him, there was absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. He represented the Lord and had His blessing. In this, he was proud, even in the midst of suffering and rejection. He could lift his head high as a servant of Jesus Christ.
Verse 13
The apostle challenges his son Timothy to “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me.” The idea is that Timothy was to teach exactly what Paul had taught him. He was not to be distracted from this.
Some feel it is important to have individual thoughts and expressions of faith. They don’t like the idea of following someone else and not having their ideas. They feel that faith needs to be upgraded to fit the needs of our society. This is not what Paul is saying here. He is challenging Timothy to follow exactly what he taught him and not to be distracted from it. Society was to submit to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. God’s Word was not to change to meet society’s wants or desires.
Paul encouraged Timothy to preach the truth he taught him. While the proclamation of unadulterated truth was vital, that truth also needed to be preached in a certain way. Paul charges Timothy to preach the pattern of truth he had heard from him in faith and love.
First, the unchanging truth of God’s Word must be preached in faith. The word faith is πίστις (pístis) and refers to a conviction and belief. In other words, Timothy was to be convinced of the truth he preached. He was to be persuaded that the message he preached was true and reliable. I admit that there have been times I preached the truth but was not one hundred percent convinced that God would be faithful to His promise. Can you stand on what you preach, or are you merely speaking words and doctrines you are not convinced of personally? There is a world of difference between preaching and teaching something we truly believe and teaching what the Bible says, although we are not convinced that it is true. Those who preach must believe what they proclaim.
Second, Paul challenged Timothy to teach the truth in love. It is quite possible to teach the truth without love. We can condemn those who walk in sin. We can preach without compassion for the lost. We can speak the truth in bitterness and anger of heart. Paul encouraged Timothy to examine his heart to be sure that what he preached came from a heart that loved as Jesus loved. He was to speak the truth with a heart that sought to bless and honour those who heard the message. He challenges Timothy to preach what he truly believed from a heart that loved those who would listen.
Verse 14
Notice how the apostle challenged Timothy to “guard the good deposit entrusted” to him. That good deposit is the gospel of Jesus Christ, its life and its truth.
Observe how this good deposit could be guarded in the words “by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.” It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to keep us in the salvation and truth of the gospel. He does so by empowering, leading and convicting us. He is our Teacher, Comforter and Guide. Without Him, we would fall, but with His enabling, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
Note that the word “guard” is a command. Timothy had the responsibility of guarding the deposit. Understand, however, that this was not something he could do himself. He needed to rely on the Holy Spirit and walk in His power for this deposit to be truly guarded. The strength and wisdom necessary to guard the deposit was in the Holy Spirit. Timothy was to tap into this source if he was to be faithful to the end.
Verse 15
Paul has been telling Timothy that he was not to be ashamed of his suffering as an apostle. At this point in Paul’s life, he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Consider what the apostle would tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3:
(3) Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 2:3 ESV
Suffering for Jesus Christ is something we must be willing to do.
One of the most difficult things Paul had to deal with was seeing believers turn their backs on him and his teaching. We see evidence of this in 2 Corinthians 10:1 where some believers accused him of being very meek when with them but bold in his statements when he was away from them:
(1) I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— – 2 Corinthians 10:1 ESV
Men like Alexander who appeared to have confessed faith at one point (see 1 Timothy 1:19-20) turned their back on Paul and did much to hinder his ministry:
(14) Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. (15) Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
In his trial, Paul lamented the fact that no one came to stand with him. They deserted him in his hour of need:
(16) At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! – 2 Timothy 4:14-16 ESV
Here, in this verse, Paul expresses his grief over the fact that “all who are in Asia” had turned away from him. He mentions two men in particular (Phygelus and Hermogenes) who may have been leaders in this resistance to Paul and His teaching.
We need to give Paul some poetic license here in the use of the phrase “all who are in Asia.” Ephesus, for example, was part of Asia at that time. There were believers in the church of Asia who stood behind Paul and his ministry. Timothy was the principal among them. What Paul is lamenting, is a large number of believers who were falling away from the truth he preached.
Paul knew what it was like to have people reject him and his message. Jesus experienced the same thing in His ministry on this earth. Our calling is not to be approved by people but by God.
Verse 16
In those times of discouragement, when Paul felt abandoned and rejected, God brought households like that of Onesiphorus to him to refresh him in his need.
We know nothing about the household of Onesiphorus. The name only appears in this epistle. All we know is that they had a ministry to the apostle when he was in prison. They refreshed him and were not ashamed of his “chains.” It may be that they came to visit him or provided him with necessities. In any case, they blessed and encouraged Paul in his chains. Paul’s prayer was that the Lord be merciful to this household for their kindness toward him.
Verse 17
We are not told where Onesiphorus lived but note here that he came to Rome and searched “earnestly” for the apostle. The impression we get here is that there was some effort involved in finding Paul in the big city of Rome. Onesiphorus did not give up searching, however, until he found the apostle and was able to minister to Him.
Not all ministries fall into our lap. Sometimes, like Onesiphorus, we must work hard to find what God has called us to do.
Verse 18
Paul was very grateful to Onesiphorus for the effort he took to find him and minister to his needs. We can only imagine what it would have been like for Paul to see this man walk through the door!
Paul’s prayer is that the Lord would grant him mercy on the day of Christ’s appearing. It was Paul’s desire that Christ reward this man for his valiant efforts to minister to His servant in his time of need.
Onesiphorus appears to have had time in Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering at this time. It may be that he travelled from Ephesus to Rome to see Paul. What is clear is that Onesiphorus was well-known for his Christian service not only to Paul but also in the city of Ephesus.
Chapter 2
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Speaking directly to Timothy, Paul expresses his desire that he would be strengthened by the grace found in Jesus Christ.
Note first that Paul calls Timothy his child. Paul had a special relationship with Timothy. He had taken him under his wing and trained him in the faith. He saw himself as a spiritual father and mentor to him.
Second, Paul challenged Timothy to be strengthened by grace. This is a concept that is often difficult for us to understand. When we think of growing in our Christian life we think of all the things we need to do to become strong in the Lord. Now, admittedly, we do need to be faithful and diligent in our spiritual walk and disciplines, but I have had many times in my life when I have attempted to attain spiritual maturity in my strength and failed. The source of my strength and ability to mature in Christ and be fruitful is not in human effort but in the grace that comes from Jesus Christ. He must be in our efforts for them to be fruitful. He must be our strength for us to mature. The Christian life is not about what I do so much as it is about what Christ and His Spirit do in and through us. We are saved by the grace of Christ but we must also learn to walk by His grace as well. We are born into the kingdom by grace and we mature by that same grace.
Observe the source of strengthening grace. It is in the person of the Lord Jesus, whose death and resurrection pardoned us, gave us new life and continues to sustain us in that life until He comes again.
Verse 2
Paul has just told Timothy that he was to be strengthened by the grace of Jesus Christ. His second word of advice here is to entrust what he had heard from him to faithful men who could teach others.
Timothy was to be faithful to what Paul had taught him. Much of this teaching is found today in the pages of Holy Scripture. Paul’s counsel to Timothy was to be committed to the truth of the gospel and never deviate from that truth. There are many conflicting ideas in this world. Christian servants, however, must have eyes only on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anything that distracts from this central truth must be shunned.
Notice, second that the truth Paul spoke was in the presence of many witnesses. It is unclear who these witnesses were but they also heard the truth Paul declared to Timothy. Not only did they hear that truth but they also experienced its reality in the transformation that had taken place in their lives. The truth Paul declared was not his understanding but was confirmed by many people.
Timothy could be confident in the truth he had learned from Paul. What he had heard was not for himself alone. It was to be declared to “faithful men.” Understand here that Paul is not limiting the teaching of this truth to this select group. Timothy was to preach the gospel to whoever would listen. Paul, however, gives him specific instructions to train faithful men in the ministry of the church. A vital part of the training of these church leaders was in the basic truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These faithful leaders were to be trained in gospel truth so that they could, in turn, instruct others. The gospel was not to be kept to oneself but carefully passed on so that others could learn and grow.
Verse 3
The third word of advice Paul offers to Timothy is that he be willing to share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Observe that Timothy was to “share” this suffering. Timothy was not alone in facing opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul was in prison for his faith. The apostle invites Timothy here to join him in this great cause.
Note how Paul does not hesitate to ask Timothy (who was very dear to him) to join him in suffering. The gospel of Jesus Christ was so important to Paul that he was willing to be imprisoned or even lay down his life for it. He does not think twice about asking others to join him in death if need be, to communicate this vital truth.
Paul calls Timothy to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. In saying this, he was reminding him that he was in the midst of a great spiritual battle. This battle demanded that Timothy stand strong, and be willing to suffer. There would be opposition to the message he preached. Timothy, however, was to expect this. As a good soldier, he was to hold his ground and never give up, even if that meant suffering or death.
What is striking here is how Paul speaks so plainly about this matter of suffering for the gospel. The truth about Jesus Christ, in his mind, was a cause worth suffering for. To suffer for this gospel, was not shameful but a great honour.
Verse 4
Paul reminds Timothy here that being a good soldier (verse 3) requires certain sacrifices in life. Imagine a soldier getting entangled in “civilian pursuits.” Maybe he wants to build a nice home for his family, and so instead of training for battle, he spends his time working on his home. Maybe he wants to advance in his career and so finds himself dividing his time between his career advancement and his military service. These “civilian pursuits,” will only hinder this man’s ability to be a devoted soldier.
Good soldiers must be devoted full-time to the cause they represent. They must not be distracted by other things but fully committed to those who enlist them. They must be ready at any time to leave everything. They must be in good shape and focused if they are to represent their country well.
Paul is telling Timothy that he, too, must always be ready for battle. As a servant of Christ, he was to be alert, for he never knew when the enemy would shoot his arrow. He was to leave no unguarded place in his life. His sword was always to be ready. He was to be watchful and diligent, never letting down his guard.
Verse 5
The fourth word of advice to Timothy here relates to the importance of competing “according to the rules.” The apostle uses the illustration of an athlete. Imagine a runner of a cross-country race who chooses to deviate from the course laid out and take a shortcut to the finish line. Would this athlete not be disqualified from the race for cheating? You can’t win the competition if you are unwilling to compete according to the rules of the race. There is no winner’s crown for cheaters.
So it is in the Christian life. If you want to receive your reward for a job well done, you must minister faithfully according to the principles of God’s Word. You must stand firm in that truth, and walk in God’s purpose. You can’t serve God any way you want. You must study the Scriptures and commit yourself to walking in absolute obedience. In our day we have seen all too many people ignore or compromise the truth. God’s work must be done in His way by those who walk in obedience to His Word. If you want the crown, you must compete according to the rules.
Verse 6
There is a blessing for suffering and hard work. Paul illustrates this by using the example of a “hard-working farmer.” Such a farmer gets “the first share of the crops.” The law of the Old Testament permitted the ox who was treading the grain to eat the grain it treaded:
(4) “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain. – Deuteronomy 25:4 ESV
There is a reward for those who suffer and work hard. No service for God will go unrewarded. Consider the words of Jesus in His parable of the talents. Speaking to the man who had been faithful with his talents, the master said:
(23) His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:23 ESV
When Paul called Timothy to share in suffering for the cause of Christ, he also called him to receive his reward for faithful service.
Verse 7
As the apostle concludes his exhortation to Timothy here, he challenges him to reflect on what he had been telling him. The idea is that Timothy was to take time to meditate on Paul’s advice and challenges.
Note also that Paul believed that if Timothy was willing to “think over” what he said, the Lord would give him an understanding of its application. For Paul to say this, he had to believe that what he spoke was from the Lord and the will of the Lord for Timothy. He also had to believe that if Timothy was willing to meditate on these words, the Spirit of God would give him an understanding of how to live in obedience.
Paul understood the need for God to work in his writing and preaching. It was not within his ability to bring a true understanding of spiritual truth. This was the work of God through what he said. Paul knew that unless the Lord opened eyes, minds and hearts, there could be no true understanding of these vital truths. He spoke the truth but God needed to apply it in a life-transforming way in Timothy’s life.
How important it is for us to understand this in our ministries. Unless God chooses to illuminate what I am communicating to your spirit, soul and mind, what I write is mere words. If He gives understanding, however, those words become life.
Verse 8
Timothy was to hear and teach the gospel Paul taught him. Notice three details about Paul’s gospel.
First, the gospel was about Jesus Christ. There is no other name through which we can be saved. There is no other means of salvation apart from His shed blood. Any gospel that does not centre on Jesus Christ and His work is false.
Second, the message of the gospel declares Jesus Christ to be risen from the dead. This means that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and overcame the power of death on the third day. The resurrection is proof of Jesus’ victory and the Father’s acceptance of His work on the cross. Death, could not hold the Lord Jesus. Because He overcame death, we have hope of eternal life through Him.
Third, Paul’s gospel declared Jesus to be the offspring of David. Let me explain why this is important.
First, God promised that David’s throne would be established forever. and that there would always be someone on his throne.
(16) And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” – 2 Samuel 7:16 ESV
The fulfillment of this promise would be through the Lord Jesus as a descendant of David. The gospel writer Luke records the words of the angel Gabriel who said to Mary:
(31) And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”- Luke 1:31-33 ESV
Note what the angel told Mary here. The child she bore would be great because he was the Son of the Most High (the Son of God). He would receive the throne of David through the Lord God. His kingdom would never end, but He would reign forever. It was understood that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and He would reign forever.
Paul’s gospel declared Jesus to be the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, who died for the sins of the world. He conquered sin and death and reigns as Lord and King forever. To Him every knee will bow. The gospel Paul taught, declared the Lordship of Jesus Christ over all.
Verse 9
In verse 8 Paul described the gospel he preached. He reminds Timothy here now that it was for this vital message that he was suffering. Note that, at the time of writing, he was “bound with chains as a criminal.” Paul was in prison for preaching the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While the message of the gospel is precious and beautiful to us, it is foolishness to those who are lost in their sin:
(18) For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
In fact, for many, the gospel is offensive. I remember being in a coffee shop when a believer and an unbeliever left. It appears that on the way out, the believer began to talk to the unbeliever about the Lord. I was still in the coffee shop when the unbeliever returned and raising his hand with his thumb and index finger about an inch apart, he said to his friends: “I was this close to punching him in the face.” He was offended that a believer would attempt to share the gospel with him. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle. When the arrow of the gospel pricks the unbeliever, they are repulsed and sometimes retaliate in anger.
Observe Paul’s comfort in his imprisonment – “The word of God is not bound.” Paul knew that while he was bound in chains, the word of God was still going out. He was able to write to Timothy and encourage him in the truth of the gospel. He was able to share with the guards the truth he believed. Timothy and many others like him were still preaching the truth about Jesus Christ in relative freedom. This word was having its effect in the lives and hearts of people throughout the Roman empire and many were coming to know the Lord Jesus as a result.
Verse 10
The Word of God was not bound as Paul was at this time. It was affecting the lives of men and women around the world. They were being saved and transformed by this wonderful truth about Jesus Christ. For this reason, Paul was willing to “endure everything.” He was willing to be imprisoned for this powerful truth. He was willing to suffer or even die for the proclamation of this wonderful and life-changing gospel.
Paul desired that the “elect” should come to know this salvation of God that “is in Christ Jesus” and share in His eternal glory. Not everyone will come to know the Lord Jesus and the salvation He offers. Some will turn their back on Him. The word elect here refers to those who would hear the call of God and respond. I confess that I do not know why I should hear and respond to the gospel when I am as much a sinner as anyone else. I give the glory to God for giving me ears to hear and for softening my hard heart to respond. I do not take any credit for this myself.
While I give all glory to God, who worked in my life to open my heart to the truth, note here that Paul told Timothy that he was willing to suffer to proclaim the gospel for the sake of the elect. The fact that God saved me does not take away from the necessity of declaring the truth to those who need to hear. God worked miraculously through Paul’s proclamation of the gospel and brought people to Himself. We have been given a life-changing message that God will use to transform lives. We must be diligent in its proclamation.
Verse 11
Paul is in chains as he writes this letter to Timothy. He expresses, in this context, his willingness to accept suffering for the “sake of the elect” (verse 10). Note here that he quotes a “saying.” The saying is found in verses eleven to thirteen. While the saying is biblical in its content, it is not a quote from Scripture. Some commentators note the fact that it is written in poetic form and may have been a hymn used in the early church. We are uncertain, however, of its origin.
The apostle tells Timothy that the saying is trustworthy. While not a direct quote from Scripture, it was in line with Biblical teaching and conveyed truth. Let’s take a moment to examine the saying Paul refers to here.
Note the words: “If we have died with him, we will also live with him.” The question we must ask here is what does it mean to die with Christ? The immediate answer that comes to our mind is dying as a believer in Jesus Christ and going to heaven to live with Him forever. While this is certainly an element of what Paul refers to here, we need to understand this phrase in light of Paul’s teaching in Romans 6.
(6) We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (7) For one who has died has been set free from sin. (8) Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (9) We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. (10) For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. (11) So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:6-11 ESV
Paul teaches the Romans that they were legally crucified with Christ when He died on their behalf. That legal transaction was not just on paper but it had a profound impact on the lives of every believer. Jesus’ death set them free from the consequences of sin and opened the door for the Spirit of Christ to give them new life. Every believer experiences that new life even on this earth. Christ’s death also sets us free from the dominion of death and its eternal hold on all who do not know the Saviour and His work.
The saying Paul quotes here refers to the new life we have received in Jesus Christ by our death with Him on the cross. That death brought us new life. That life is here now but also throughout eternity in His presence.
Verse 12
In verse twelve, Paul quotes two more phrases from the saying he referred to in verse eleven.
The first of the two phrases is found in the first half of the verse and reads as follows: “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”
The phrase is not as easy to understand as it first appears. On the surface, it conveys the truth that those who persevere in their salvation and walk with God will reign with Christ. This seems to be the understanding of the writer to the Hebrews when he says:
(36) For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. – Hebrews 10:36 ESV
Both of these verses convey the importance of endurance if we want to receive our reward and reign with Christ.
Listen also to what the apostle John saw in his vision on the island of Patmos in Revelation 20:
(4) Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. – Revelation 20:4 ESV
Note here that it was those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and had refused to worship the beast or receive his mark who came to life and reigned with Christ for one thousand years. There is a connection between enduring and reigning.
The Christian life is about holding fast to the truth of the gospel. Understand here, however, that not every believer lives to their full potential. Some fail in their walk with Christ, and like Peter, they deny Him. Like David, there are times when they fall into sin. Some even die in their sin and will stand before God to give an account of their lives. Others will waste their lives and not use them to serve the Lord. Paul addresses this in his letter to the Corinthians when he challenges them to build their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ with gold, silver and precious stones. Note what he says about those who fail to do so:
(15) If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. – 1 Corinthians 3:15 ESV
The Lord does not abandon those who are His. Some of His children are unfaithful. They waste their lives in foolishness and worldliness and do not mature in Him and produce fruit for eternity. Paul tells us that God will not abandon these children. They will be saved but “only as by fire.” That fire of God’s judgement will consume their fruitless works and they will stand naked before Him with very little to show for a life lived under His grace.
While God does not renounce those who are His, there are rewards for faithful service. Those who endure have the confidence that they will reign with Christ. Victory will be theirs and they will be more than overcomers in Him. This is great motivation for endurance to the end.
The next phrase in the saying is this: “If we deny him, he also will deny us.” This phrase takes us back to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10 where He taught:
(32) So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, (33) but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 10:32-33 ESV
There is a sense here in which we could understand the word deny to refer to an eternal condemnation. Those who refuse the Lord Jesus and His work will be condemned to an eternity in hell.
Note, however, what Jesus said in Luke 12:
(8) “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, (9) but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. (10) And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. – Luke 12:8-10 ESV
Note particularly that Jesus offered forgiveness to the individual who “speaks a word against the Son of Man.” We understand from this that a person may initially deny the Lord Jesus, speak evil of Him and still be saved if they come to see the error of their ways and confess their sin. This was the case for the apostle Paul who initially denied Jesus but came to know Him and accepted Him as His Saviour.
There is something else we need to understand here, however. Consider the case of the apostle Peter as recorded in Matthew 26:
(70) But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” (71) And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” (72) And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” (73) After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” (74) Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. (75) And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. – Matthew 26:70-75 ESV
Peter denied Jesus three times as a believer. If we see the word deny in 2 Timothy 2:12 to refer to eternal damnation, we will find ourselves struggling to understand what happens to Peter here in Matthew 26. Peter was not condemned for all eternity because he denied Jesus. Instead, he was forgiven for the sin of denying Jesus as a believer when he repented of that sin and “wept bitterly.”
Those who deny Jesus in the sense that they reject Him and His work will also be denied and rejected on the Day of Judgement. There is, however, a denial that is not related to eternal condemnation. This denial refers instead to grieving of God’s Spirit and a break in fellowship with our Saviour. God steps back from us, withdraws His blessing and is grieved by our actions. The call of God, of course, is to do nothing that would cause Him to deny us fellowship and blessing or grieve His heart so that He is forced to turn His face from us.
Verse 13
The final statement in the saying Paul quotes here is this: “If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” Peter denied the Lord Jesus but found Him to be faithful to him. Jesus pardoned him and opened His heart to receive and use him as a powerful instrument in the early church. Our unfaithfulness to God does not diminish His faithfulness to us.
Deuteronomy 7 describes God as faithful to His promises and love for His people:
(9) Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, – Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV
Jeremiah reminds us that the faithfulness of God is demonstrated every morning in His steadfast love and never-ending mercies:
(22) The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; (23) they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
This quality of faithfulness will never change in our God. As the Lord said through the prophet Malachi:
(6) “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. – Malachi 3:6 ESV
For God to be unfaithful would be to deny Himself. It would be like me saying that I have no head. Faithful is who God is.
Verse 14
Paul encouraged Timothy to teach the church of Ephesus the truth of the gospel (verse 8) and the fact that good soldiers of the cross must discipline themselves and be ready to suffer for the cause of Christ (verses 3,4). He was to remind his listeners that God was faithful (verse 13) and that they would know His life and reign with Him if they endured to the end (verses 11,12).
Note here that some in the church were getting caught up in quarrels about words. Paul does not get into details about the nature of those quarrels or words they were arguing about. What we need to see, however, is that instead of focusing on the message of the gospel, they were dividing minor details in theology.
We must have a good grasp of theology. The problem, however, is that not everyone will have the same perspective. Brothers and sisters in Christ will not agree on every point of theology. There has never been a time when every believer agreed on all points, and there will never be a time on this earth when we will come to a complete agreement.
What we can agree on, however, is defined by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:8:
(8) Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, – 2 Timothy 2:8 ESV
As true believers, we have a clear understanding that the gospel is centred on the person and work of Jesus Christ, who was born as man and prophesied Messiah from the offspring of David. He died for our sins and rose from the dead, overcoming sin and death for us.
There are many other details about God, our relationship with Him, and His purposes that are not so clear. We are to reflect on these things but arguing with other believers about these matters is not always beneficial. According to Paul, it may even “ruin the hearers.” Who among us has not experienced a heated theological debate with each side seeking to prove the other wrong? Who among us has not felt belittled by a brother or sister who pushed their point too hard?
The fact of the matter is that there will be differences among believers in understanding God’s Word and purpose. We are to learn how to accept these differences and walk in fellowship. The message of the gospel unites us as brothers and sisters. We must not allow our differences on minor theological matters to divide what God has joined through the work of His Son.
Verse 15
Speaking particularly to Timothy in words that apply to us all, the apostle tells him to do his best to present himself to God as one approved. In Luke 18, Jesus told a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray:
(11) The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. (12) I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ (13) But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ (14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:11-14 ESV
This parable of Jesus is important in the context of Paul’s words to Timothy. Jesus speaks in Luke 18 about the Pharisee who fasted, gave a tithe, didn’t commit adultery, and tried to live justly before his fellow human being. These were just some of the things the Pharisee did. His prayer indicated that he fully expected to be approved by God for these efforts. The reality of the matter, however, was that God rejected his efforts and accepted the humble tax collector instead. We see from this that we can do a lot of religious things and not be approved by God.
What does it mean for us to do our best to present ourselves as one approved? While Paul does not get into much detail about this here, he does leave Timothy a few points to consider as he seeks to present himself to God as one approved.
Notice first the phrase, “present yourself as one approved.” The phase indicates that Timothy has already been approved. Timothy is not attempting to gain God’s approval by his efforts, but presenting himself to God as one who has already been approved by God through the work of His Son Jesus Christ.
Second, observe that as an approved servant of God, Timothy was to be a worker who had “no need to be ashamed.” Timothy’s sins were forgiven and he lived his life as one who belonged to Jesus Christ. He devoted himself to the ministry to which he had been called. He lived his life according to the principles of God’s Word. Paul challenges Timothy to do his best to live as a faithful and obedient servant of God so that he could stand before God unashamed of the life he had lived as an approved servant of God.
Third, Paul encouraged Timothy, as God’s approved servant, to “rightly handle the word of truth.” Rightly handling the word of truth implied three things. First, being true to the intentions of that Word. Second living in obedience to its teaching. Third, preaching and teaching it without compromise.
Verse 16
Timothy was to rightly handle the Word of God. Some feel that rightly handling the word involves endless controversy and debate over words and doctrines. These individuals, according to Paul “ruin the hearers” (verse 14) through their divisive controversy and “battle for truth.”
The word translated babble is κενοφωνία (kenophōnía). It is derived from kenós, meaning vain, and phōnḗ, meaning voice. Together, they carry the sense of useless speech or debates that are of no spiritual benefit to the hearers. Note also that these useless debates and words are “irreverent.” The fact that they are “irreverent” indicates that they are spiritual but blaspheme the name of God or hinder the work of the kingdom. It is possible to hinder God’s kingdom by our battle for the truth.
Timothy was to avoid unprofitable spiritual debates and discussions. Paul tells him that such controversies did not accomplish the purpose of God but only led people into “more and more ungodliness.” Have you ever been in a discussion where tempers flared, and people began to take sides and accuse each other of error? Have these discussions given you a greater sense of the glory of Jesus Christ and His work, or have they just made you angry as you watched believers divide over their understanding of Biblical truth? As important as it is for us to seek a greater understanding of the deeper things of God, we must not do so at the expense of our relationship with genuine believers. Yes, we must stimulate each other to greater commitment to the truth, but there comes a time when our endless debates and controversies become “irreverent babbling” that no longer stimulates brothers and sisters to greater godliness but rather to bitterness and controversy. Paul challenges Timothy to teach truth in a way that challenges believers to godliness and avoids vain and useless discussions that have no spiritual benefit to the hearer.
Verse 17
Paul speaks here of two individuals whose “irreverent babblings” (verse 16) spread like gangrene through the region. We meet Hymenaeus in 1 Timothy 1 where we read:
(18) This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, (19) holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, (20) among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. – 1 Timothy 1:18-20 ESV
We understand from this that Hymenaeus was not “holding faith with a good conscience.” Paul rebuked him and handed him over to Satan so that he could learn not to blaspheme with his “irreverent babble” (2 Timothy 2:16). His ungodly and false teaching was having an impact on others in the church. Paul goes into further detail about the “vain babblings” of Hymenaeus and Philetus in the next verses.
Verse 18
Hymenaeus and Philetus, according to Paul, had “swerved” from the truth by declaring that the resurrection had already happened. They were discussing their views with other Christians in the church and seeking to promote their position. Their efforts had upset the faith of some. The idea is that this teaching was causing believers to question what they had heard from Paul and the apostles. Hymenaeus and Philetus were beginning to gain a following and people were wandering from the truth. The apostle declares their teaching on the resurrection to be false.
Verse 19
Having declared the teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus about the resurrection to be false, Paul points Timothy to “God’s firm foundation.”
What is the firm foundation Paul speaks about here? Paul seems to answer this in the second half of the verse by stating two truths:
The first truth is found in the words: “The Lord knows those who are his.” While this is not a direct quote from Scripture, it is nonetheless a truth it teaches. Psalm 1:6 reminds us that God knows the way of the righteous:
(6) for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. – Psalms 1:6 ESV
The prophet Nahum teaches that the Lord knows those who take refuge in him:
(7) The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. – Nahum 1:7 ESV
Jesus Himself, as the Good Shepherd, declared:
(14) I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me – John 10:14 ESV
While Hymenaeus and Philetus deceived believers into false teaching, God knew those who were His. We can understand this in two ways. First, Hymenaeus and Philetus might deceive believers into thinking that they belonged to the Lord, but they would have to answer to God in the end, and they would not deceive Him. Second, while some immature believers may have fallen into the error of Hymenaeus and Philetus, God was able to see past this to their hearts. Some of God’s children have fallen into doctrinal error. They have been deceived by the clever arguments of false teachers. They may have been deceived doctrinally by people like Hymenaeus and Philetus, but they still belong to the Lord. The Lord knows those who belong to him. I believe that we will find people in heaven who belonged to churches who did not preach the truth.
The second foundational truth Paul declares here is this: “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Once again, it is hard to pinpoint a particular verse that Paul is quoting here, but the truth of this statement is confirmed by Scripture. Writing to the religious leaders of his day, the prophet Isaiah challenged them with these words:
(11) Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the LORD. – Isaiah 52:11 ESV
He also declared to his people:
(16) Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil – Isaiah 1:16 ESV
The apostle James challenges his readers in James 4 to walk in purity of heart and mind when he wrote:
(8) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4:8 ESV
While God alone knows those who are His, we can see evidence of true faith in the way individuals live their lives. Those who love the Lord will “depart from iniquity.” They will want to please Him in word and deed. This was a lesson that Hymanaeus and Philetus needed to learn. Their lives were not demonstrating true faith either in teaching or in lifestyle. They were dividing the church and upsetting the faith of believers. They needed to “depart from this iniquity” if they were true servants of God.
Verse 20
Paul has been speaking about Hymenaeus and Philetus, false teachers, who were “upsetting the faith of some” (verse 18) in the church of Ephesus. Paul was not surprised to see false teachers in the church of his day. He compares the church to a great house with vessels of every kind. Some are made of gold and silver, while others are made from wood and clay. Some vessels are very honourable; others are dishonourable. Consider what Paul is saying here.
Note how the apostle compares the vessels of gold and silver with those of wood and clay. The vessels of gold and silver are of greater value than those of wood and clay. The apostle uses a similar illustration in his letter to the Corinthians when he says:
(12) Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— (13) each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (14) If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (15) If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. – 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 ESV
In 1 Corinthians 3, the apostle describes a house built with various kinds of material. Some are of inferior quality and will be burned up by the fire of God’s judgment. Others will endure because they are of superior quality.
In the visible church of our day, there are people of all kinds. Some like gold and silver, are valuable assets and bring great honour to the name of the Lord Jesus. Others, however, like wood and clay, do not bring the same honour to their Saviour. As Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3, the fire of God’s judgement will consume their wooden works. Their clay efforts will crack under the pressure of His wrath.
Lest we be too critical of others, we need to examine our own lives and ask ourselves whether we have been truly vessels of honour in the body of Christ. Have we been faithful servants? Do our lives reflect the person of Jesus Christ? Will we hear Him say to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
In the case of the church in Ephesus. They were dealing with men like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who were “upsetting the faith” of believers in the church. We must always be watchful as servants of God in the church. There is a great spiritual battle raging for the glory of Christ. The enemy has taken that battle into the church of our day.
Verse 21
Paul reminded Timothy that there were vessels of various kinds in the church of his day. Some were honourable, others were dishonourable. As you examine your life, maybe you have come to understand that you have not brought the honour you should to the Lord Jesus. Things do not have to remain that way. The apostle reminds us here that this can change.
Paul tells Timothy that “if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use.” The difference between a vessel of honour and a vessel of dishonour is in the cleansing. Writing in 1 John 1:9 the apostle John says:
(9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 ESV
It is sin that makes us dishonourable vessels. This sin may be related to things we are doing or the attitudes of our hearts. We may also be sinning by our unwillingness to obey the Lord in stepping out in faith. These sins must be confessed to God and we need to repent and make things right with Him.
The apostle assures Timothy that those who cleanse themselves from what is dishonourable can become vessels of honour, set apart as holy and useful to God as the master of the house. By repenting of their sin and cleansing themselves, these individuals are ready instruments in the hands of God for every good work He wanted to do through them.
Verse 22
The verse begins with the word “so.” The implication is that what Paul is about to say is directly related to what he has just said.
In verses 20 and 21 the apostle told Timothy that there were honourable and dishonourable vessels in every house but whoever cleansed himself could be set apart as holy and useful to the master for every good work. Paul encouraged Timothy to cleanse himself and keep himself clean and free from sin so that he could be useful to the Master for any work He had for him to do. One of the greatest obligations of every servant of God is to walk in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord God. Sin in our lives will only hinder the work of the kingdom.
Paul challenges Timothy here, in particular, to flee youthful passions. What is important for us to understand is that what is natural to us is not always godly. If Timothy allowed his natural passions to reign, he would fall into sin. Our passions have been affected by sin and need to be controlled and brought into submission to the greater purpose of God. Note how Paul encourages Timothy in this verse to pursue five things:
First, Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue righteousness. The Greek word δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosúnē) refers to a submission to the standard of God. Now we must admit that none of us could ever claim to have been able to uphold this standard perfectly. We have all fallen short. None of us could claim to merit our salvation based on our ability to live according to God’s purpose. Our salvation is based solely on the work of Jesus and not on our ability to live a perfect life.
Note, however, the word, “pursue” in this verse. While Paul understood that Timothy would never be able to perfectly adhere to God’s standard, he challenged him to pursue it nonetheless. Timothy was to make it his priority to discipline himself to walk in the purpose of God. He was to resist his natural passions and choose God’s way instead. He was to make it his ambition to pursue God and His purpose.
Second, the apostle encouraged Timothy to also pursue faith. The word πίστις (pístis) means to persuade or to have a firm conviction or belief. Of course, that belief, in this case, is in the Lord Jesus and His work. Many things can distract us from faith in Jesus Christ and His work on our behalf. Whether that be false teaching, pride or sin. Timothy was to set his heart and mind on the truth of Jesus Christ and His work. He was to place his full hope and confidence in Jesus Christ and shun anything that would depreciate His work on our behalf.
Third, Timothy was to pursue love. The Greek word ἀγάπη (agápē) refers to goodwill or benevolence. It is not a feeling so much as an action. It is the kind of love that would cause the Lord Jesus to lay His life down for the sinner. It is a love for the undeserving. Timothy was to seek God’s love in his interactions with his community. He was to put aside pride, prejudice, anger and resentment and demonstrate the love of God in his life for all he met.
Fourth, the apostle challenged Timothy to pursue peace. The Greek word εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) encompasses more than our English word peace. It does speak of the absence of conflict but also of health and prosperity as well. Prosperity is the absence of conflict over whether I will have something to eat or not. It is the freedom from worry over whether this sickness will mean I will not be able to feed my family or pay my bills. The word reveals what Paul expected of Timothy as a servant of God. Timothy was to seek the welfare of his community. Not only was he to preach the gospel, but he was to demonstrate the love of God in acts of compassion and mercy, giving those he ministered to peace in the midst of the many conflicts they endured. Maybe that required a financial contribution to help a brother pay his bill. Possibly it referred to a helping hand to get a task done that had been worrying a sick brother or sister unable to care for their responsibilities.
There is another aspect to peace as well. This peace related to the relationship between brothers and sisters. Timothy was to do his best to live in harmony with fellow believers in Christ. He was also to strive for peace with unbelievers in his community. He was not to be a troublemaker but to make every effort to live peacefully as a productive citizen of his town. In doing so, he would be a good witness to the Lord Jesus.
Finally, note that Timothy was to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” In other words, he was not to live out the purpose of God in isolation but in fellowship with the larger body of sincere believers. Timothy needed the body of Christ if he was to be what God had called him to be. He needed the interaction, rebukes and encouragement of brothers and sisters if he was to mature in his walk with Christ. We need each other to become all that God requires us to be.
Verse 23
Paul continues to advise Timothy here. In verse 22 he listed five qualifications of the servant of God. He adds a sixth here in this verse.
The apostle challenged Timothy to have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant controversies. Note that these controversies were foolish. The word used here is μωρός (mōrós), which speaks of something worthless or without purpose. The controversies that Paul speaks about here have no spiritual value for the believer, though they may be spiritual.
Note also that the apostle described the controversies as ignorant. The word ἀπαίδευτος (apaídeutos) is derived from the word, “a” meaning without and “paideúō” meaning instruction. These controversies are engaged in by people who have no instruction. In other words, they don’t know what they are talking about and speak out of ignorance of the subject.
There are some things we just don’t know because God has not revealed them to us. We can invent doctrines based on our ideas. Many people throughout history have predicted the day of Jesus returns, but no one knows that day. We waste our time trying to figure this out.
According to Paul, these controversies only cause quarrels. With no authority to back up our opinions, nothing can be proven definitively and there will always be those who disagree. We can spend endless hours debating what we can never prove, or we can master the essentials of the faith, which are laid out for us in the Word of God. How the enemy loves to divide the church over practices and beliefs. Paul called Timothy to peace and love. This meant accepting that there would be differences of opinion on secondary matters. The apostle challenges Timothy to focus on the essentials of the faith and not get caught up in arguments over matters that God has not revealed clearly in His Word.
Verse 24
Continuing from verse 23, Paul declares that the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome. The word used here is μάχομαι (máchomai) which speaks of fighting, striving or disputing. It is true that as servants of the Lord, we must stand up for the truth. There is, however, a difference between standing firm in our convictions and being quarrelsome. In verse 23 the apostle speaks of quarrels as being foolish. The word indicates that they are of no value or benefit to the church.
To understand what Paul is saying here, we need to grasp the fact that as servants of God, we cannot change people. The work of salvation and genuine Christian maturity belongs to the Spirit of God. When we quarrel, we generally take it upon ourselves to convince people rather than trusting the work of God’s Spirit through the simple proclamation of truth.
The second thing we need to understand about quarrelling is that it tends to be divisive and stirs up ungodly thoughts and attitudes of the flesh. Who among us has not been in a heated debate with a brother or sister and found the ungodliness of the flesh rising to the surface? This is not helpful, nor is it the way of the Spirit.
Instead, Paul tells Timothy that the genuine servant of God was to be kind to everyone. The word translated “kind” here is ἠˊπιος (ḗpios). It speaks of meekness, gentleness and tolerance. How does this kindness manifest itself in the life of the servant of God? Paul answers this in the final section of the verse.
First, the kindness of the servant of God is demonstrated in his or her ability to teach. The phrase able to teach implies two things. First, it implies that the person in question is teachable and able to learn from others (even their enemies). Second, it implies that they can take what they have learned and instruct others in it. Kindness is demonstrated, therefore, in our willingness to learn from others but also in our passion to teach the truth in gentleness and compassion to those who are trapped in error and falsehood.
Second, kindness is also demonstrated in the ability of the servant of God to patiently endure evil. What does it mean to endure evil? The evil spoken about here is often perpetrated against us as preachers of the gospel. Not everyone will accept our message. Jesus warned that persecution would arise for those who were faithful to Him and the truth He taught. The servant of God is patient in this persecution, trusting God and committing his way to Him. Patience endures suffering without seeking revenge or retaliation. It continues to demonstrate kindness even to those who make life difficult.
Verse 25
While we are to be patient and kind with our opponents, Paul challenges Timothy also to correct those who wander into error, falsehood and sin. He was to correct them with two goals in mind.
First, Timothy was to correct his opponents with patience, and kindness in the hope that God would grant them repentance. Note here that while God could use Timothy’s efforts, it was He who granted repentance. We are the means by which God may work repentance in the life of the sinner but that repentance is not the fruit of our labours but God’s touch. Timothy’s correction was a seed but the life of that seed was from God. God could take the seed he planted and grant that it would grow and produce fruit. As servants of God, we plant seed, but God gives the increase. What a privilege we have to plant seeds that can transform the hearts and lives of men and women around the world. Understanding that God gives repentance, helps us to trust Him for a miracle. It also shows us that our role is not to quarrel and persuade so much as it is to trust God to grant repentance.
The second goal of correction is that God would lead men and women to a knowledge of the truth. Once again, note that it was God who would lead men and women to the truth. Maybe you sat under the teaching of the word and understood it intellectually. Then, the day came when God opened your mind and heart to the truth you had heard all your life. What God did that day, however, was life-transforming. You understood in a way you never understood before. Your life could never again be the same. What you experienced was a powerful work of God taking what you understood intellectually and making it real in your life.
By correcting those in error, Timothy was planting a seed that God could use to bring repentance and genuine conviction to the hearts and lives of those who received the correction.
Verse 26
Those who receive correction and are given repentance and understanding by God can experience two wonderful realities in their lives.
First, they can “come to their senses.” Those trapped in sin and error are blinded intellectually and spiritually. They cannot see or understand the reality of Jesus Christ. Through the correction offered by genuine believers, their eyes can be opened by God’s Spirit to see and know the truth of the Saviour.
Second, those who receive correction can “escape from the snare of the devil.” According to Paul, these individuals had been captured by Satan to do his will. The story of how Satan captured the human race is found in Genesis 3. Captured and blinded by Satan, humanity was under the curse of sin with Satan as their master. Through the simple correction by a servant of God and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit opening their eyes, these individuals can have the opportunity to escape the curse of sin by embracing the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. That work sets them free from Satan, the power of sin over them and makes them children of God and heirs of eternal life.
Chapter 3
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul takes a moment here in this section to discuss what will take place in the last days. The phrase “the last days” generally refers to the period just before the return of the Lord. The apostle describes these days as “times of difficulty.” The word he uses here is χαλεπός (chalepós) which is defined as violent, fierce, or distressing. The difficulty Paul refers to here is severe. In other words, the lives of believers will be in peril as the enemy rages against the church of Jesus Christ.
Verse 2
Having told Timothy that the last days would be difficult, the apostle now moves on to describe the people who will live in that period. Here, in verse 2, Paul describes eight qualities in those who live in the days before the return of our Lord.
First, they will be lovers of self. Individualism and a focus on doing what pleases oneself, even at the expense of others, will prevail. People will not be concerned for each other but only for their own needs and desires.
Second, money will become a god. Materialism will become a focus of the last days as people seek to accumulate money for the benefits, privileges and pleasures it brings. Of course, the love of money will bring all kinds of evil with it. Paul told Timothy in his first epistle:
(10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. – 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
Third, the people of the last days will be proud. The word translated proud is ἀλαζών (alazṓn) and refers to a boaster. The word is derived from alazoneía which refers to a person who proudly speaks of things they have never done and boasts of things they have never possessed. The idea here is that they are trying to make an impression or make themselves look bigger, or more important than they are.
Fourth, these individuals will be arrogant. The word arrogant is ὑπερήφανος (huperḗphanos). It is derived from hupér, meaning over or above, and phaínō, meaning to shine or to show. The idea is that these individuals seek to shine brighter than anyone else. They want to be seen and noticed. Being seen as better than other people is their goal.
Fifth, those who live in the end times will be abusive. The word used here is βλάσφημος (blásphēmos). It speaks of slanderers or those who are disrespectful of others. These people do not hesitate to destroy the reputation of someone else if it profits themselves.
Sixth, there will be a lack of respect for parents. When there is a lack of respect at this level, we can be sure that there will be no respect for others in authority either. Listen to what the Law of Moses had to say about a son who refused to obey his parents in Deuteronomy 21:
(18) “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, (19) then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, (20) and they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ (21) Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear. – Deuteronomy 21:18-21 ESV
A disobedient son was to be stoned to death. Proverbs 30 speaks in the same tone when it says:
(17) The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures. – Proverbs 30:17 ESV
Disrespect for parents and, ultimately, any authority will be a theme in the days before Christ’s return.
Seventh, people will be ungrateful. The word ἀχάριστος (acháristos) means without favour, kindness, or thankfulness. Those who are ungrateful demonstrate a sense of entitlement. They feel that people owe them. They are not grateful because they believe that what people give them is rightfully theirs anyway. There is no appreciation for the sacrifice of others on their behalf.
Eighth, Paul describes the people of the last days as unholy. The word ἀνόσιος (anósios) means without consecration or righteousness. These individuals are ungodly with no sense of God or desire to follow after Him. They do whatever they please with no reference to the purpose of God for their lives.
Verse 3
In verse 2 Paul listed eight qualities of those who lived in the last days. He adds another six characteristics here in this verse.
The ninth characteristic of those living in the end times is heartlessness. The word ἀˊστοργος (ástorgos) is derived from “a” meaning without, and “storgḗ” which refers to family love. We have already seen from verse 2 that the people of the end times would be disrespectful to parents. This word takes this quality further and shows us that they have no natural love for their parents. Family love also implies a love for children as well. The implication is that children would be abandoned or even aborted if they did not fit into the life plan of the parent.
Tenth, Paul uses the word unappeasable to describe those who lived in the last days. The Greek word is ἀˊσπονδος (áspondos). It is derived from “a,” meaning without, and “spondḗ,” meaning drink offering. The drink offering was part of the regular offering to God and reminded people of the covenant relationship they had with Him. To be without a drink offering was to be without an agreement. The word ἀˊσπονδος (áspondos) refers to someone who will not accept an agreement. They are stubborn and reject any peace or settlement with another person. They want their way, and reject any compromise with anyone else.
Eleventh, people of the last days will be slanderous. The word διάβολος (diábolos) means to accuse. It is also the name given to Satan when we call him the devil. Consider how John described Satan in Revelation 12:
(9) And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world— he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (10) And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. – Revelation 12:9-10 ESV
John speaks of the devil (diábolos) as a deceiver and accuser of the brothers. The people of the last days will be like the devil who deceives and falsely accuses believers. Lies and deceit will prevail and people will not hesitate to destroy another person by their slanderous remarks.
The twelfth characteristic of the end times will be a lack of self-control. The word ἀκρατής (akratḗs) comes from “a,” meaning without, and “krátos,” meaning strength. This lack of strength relates to the inability of these individuals to control their appetites, passions and desires. They allow their flesh free reign ungoverned by moral or spiritual principles. They do whatever pleases them.
Thirteenth, before Christ’s coming we can expect that people will be brutal. Paul uses the word ἀνήμερος (anḗmeros) here. It means to be without gentleness. The word seems to describe people who are aggressive and hostile. They are ready to protest and do battle at any time. They are unsympathetic to anyone who disagrees with them.
The fourteenth quality of the people who live in the days before Christ’s return is that they will not love good. To describe what it means to be good would take an entire book. Let me simply refer you to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10 where He said:
(18) And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. – Mark 10:18 ESV
Ultimately, to be good is to be godly. God is the ultimate definition of good. The people who live in the last days will be godless and devoid of good. They will do whatever pleases them. They will not take God or His purpose into consideration.
Verse 4
Continuing from verses 2 and 3 we see that the fifteenth characteristic of those living in the end times is treachery. The word προδότης (prodótēs) means to give away or betray. You will not be able to rely on people or depend on them because their words, commitments or relationships will not mean anything to them.
Sixteenth, Paul defines the inhabitants of the earth in the end times as reckless. The Greek word προπετής (propetḗs) comes from the word “pró,” meaning forward, and “pípto,” meaning to fall. A person who falls forward is one who carelessly rushes into things and falls flat on their face. They do not give careful thought to what they are doing. They don’t use common sense but foolishly make decisions without consideration of the implications of what they do. They act on emotion and impulse rather than reason or study of Scripture.
The seventeenth characteristic of the end times will be that people are “swollen with conceit.” The word τυφόω (tuphóō) comes from the word túphos meaning smoke. The idea is that a person is surrounded by smoke and cannot see clearly. They are blinded to the reality around them and think they are something they are not.
Eighteenth, the end time will filled with “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” Pleasing themselves and satisfying the lusts and desires of their flesh will be their governing principle in life. God will have no part in their lives. He will be seen as an obstacle to their pleasures and passions in life.
Verse 5
The final characteristic of those who live in the end times, according to Paul, is that they will have an appearance of godliness but deny its power. Godliness without power is only an appearance. It is not true godliness. The only way we can be godly is through the ministry of Jesus Christ on the cross and His Holy Spirit in our lives. The power for godly living is not in our sinful flesh but in the person of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer in Jesus Christ. Without His power and life-changing work, all our efforts to be godly are in vain. Godliness requires God and His work. It requires the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and the ministry of His empowering Spirit.
The people of the last days deny the power of godliness. They deny the work of Jesus Christ, who has the power to forgive, and the person of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live as God requires. When we deny the work of Christ and His Spirit, all we have is an appearance of godliness — a set of traditions and beliefs but nothing that can save our souls or give us eternal life.
Notice Paul’s warning to Timothy about the kind of people he describes here in verses 1-4 — “Avoid such people.” They have nothing of value to offer the believer as far as their relationship with Christ is concerned. They can only hinder them in their spiritual growth and witness.
Verse 6
In verse 5 Paul challenged Timothy to avoid the kind of people he described in verses 1-4. What is important to note here is that Paul tells Timothy that while these people would appear in “the last days” (see verse 1) they were also present in Paul’s day as well. We can expect to see more and more of these people as the day of the Lord’s return draws closer.
Paul tells Timothy that the kind of people he has been describing are those who “creep into households and capture weak women.” Notice the kind of women Paul describes here.
First, they are “weak women.” The word used here is γυναικάριον (gunaikárion). It describes a gullible woman who is immature. She is likely uneducated and susceptible to false teaching.
Second, the kind of women these people seek to influence are “burdened with sins.” The word translated as “burdened” is σωρεύω (sōreúō) which means to heap up. These are not godly women but those who have lived a life of sin.
Third, these women have been “led astray by various passions.” Note the phrase “various passions.” These passions may be sexual, societal or even materialistic. The word passion is ἐπιθυμία (epithumía) and speaks of a strong desire or lust. These women surrendered to their fleshly appetites and committed themselves to fulfil these desires.
The women Paul speaks about here are not godly. They are governed by their lusts and passions. They do not control these passions and sinful appetites but choose to feed them. They live to be satisfied and pleased.
Paul is telling Timothy that the people of the last days will embrace this kind of woman (or man). They will accept them and encourage them in their ungodly lifestyle. They will not, however, embrace godly people because the light of their godly lifestyle and beliefs would expose their deeds of darkness.
Verse 7
Verse 7 is not a separate thought but a continuation of Paul’s sentence in verse 6 about “weak women, burdened with sins and led astray.” These women, though weak, burdened by sin and led astray, were not incapable of learning. Paul tells us that they were always learning new things but they never seemed to arrive at the “knowledge of the truth.” The truth of the gospel was either hidden from them or they were unwilling to open their heart to it because of their “passions” (verse 6).
Verse 8
Note how Paul moves from the illustration of women who rejected the truth to an example of two men who did the same. He speaks here about Jannes and Jambres. The IVP Bible Background Commentary has this to say about these two men:
Paul here employs Jewish tradition not found in the Old Testament. In a widespread Jewish tradition (various elements appear in Pseudo-Philo, the Dead Sea Scrolls, rabbis, etc.), Jannes and his brother Jambres were Pharaoh’s magicians who opposed Moses in Ex 7:11. Even pagan accounts (Pliny the Elder and Apuleius) record them as magicians of Moses’ time (presumably dependent on Jewish tradition). Because Paul’s opponents appeal to Jewish myths (1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 4:4; Tit 1:14), Paul cites such stories to fill in the names for these characters.
(The IVP Bible Background Commentary”. Marion, IA: Laridian, Inc., 2023.OT: © 2000 by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews and Mark W. Chavalas; NT: © 2014 by Craig S. Keener. All Rights Reserved.)
Jannes and Jambres watched Moses perform his miracles before Pharaoh but despite these powerful works of God, they closed their hearts to the truth Moses proclaimed. Notice what Paul tells us about these two men.
First, their minds were “corrupted.” The word καταφθείρω (kataphtheírō) speaks of something that has been destroyed morally. The effects of sin on their mind, like a wasting disease, had stripped them of every ability to discern truth or receive it.
Second, these men were “disqualified regarding the faith.” The word translated as “disqualified” is ἀδόκιμος (adókimos). It is derived from the word “a,” meaning without, and “dókimos,” meaning acceptance. The idea is that these men were unacceptable for faith. Understand here that faith is a gift given to us by God. While we are all unworthy of this gift, these men, in particular, were judged by God to be unacceptable. I cannot answer why God saw them as unworthy of faith, especially when he gave that same faith to me. Suffice it to say that Jannes and Jambres, though they saw evidence of God’s power, resisted it and perished without faith in the God of Israel. I can only thank God that what He refused for Jannes and Jambres, He gave to me, though I was just as unworthy as them.
Verse 9
The people Paul describes in verses 1-4 denied the truth like Jannes and Jambres. They lived their lives resisting the gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting their “folly.” Note that Paul tells us that this folly was plain to all. The lifestyle these individuals promoted was contrary to common sense and reason. They stood in opposition to the principles of righteousness and godliness. Everyone knew this, but they continued in their stubborn resistance to godliness and morality, just like Jannes and Jambres. These two men saw the power of God but turned their backs on it and continued to believe a lie. But for the grace of God, that would be me.
Verse 10
After speaking at length about those who had denied the Lord Jesus and whose “folly will be plain to all,” (verse 9), Paul now turns his attention to Timothy. As his spiritual father, Paul expresses gratitude that Timothy had followed his example. He shares seven qualities his son in the Lord had learned from him here in verse 10. You can sense Paul’s pride as he sees these qualities in his son.
First, Timothy followed Paul’s teaching. Timothy had not wandered from what he had learned from the apostle but preached and taught faithfully what Paul had given him.
Second, Timothy imitated Paul’s conduct. The word ἀγωγή (agōgḗ) refers to how a person lives his or her life. Timothy lived what he preached and taught. In this he followed Paul’s example.
Third, Timothy’s aim in life was the same as that of the apostle Paul. The apostle does not explain this but writing to the Philippians he said:
(20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. – Philippians 1:20-21 ESV
It was Paul’s ambition in life to honour the Lord Jesus Christ in his body either in life or in death. His aim in live was to live for Christ. Timothy shared this aim.
Fourth, Paul’s faith was also Timothy’s faith. The word faith is πίστις (pístis) and speaks of a belief or conviction. That conviction was in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Like Paul, Timothy’s hope was in Jesus, His work on the cross, and the forgiveness and new life He gave.
Fifth, Paul and Timothy shared the same patience. The word μακροθυμία (makrothumía) refers to the ability to remain under pressure without giving up. In Paul’s case, it was his ability to suffer for the cause of Christ. Timothy demonstrated this same quality of endurance under presssure.
Sixth, Timothy had the same ἀγάπη (agápē) love in his heart as Paul. This love is an active love and not just a feeling. It is a self-sacrificing love that gives itself freely to others. It is the love of Jesus who laid down His life on the cross for unworthy sinners. Both Paul and Timothy had their hearts full of this love and willingly sacrificed time, effort and resources for those they served.
Seventh, Paul saw evidence of the kind of steadfastness God had given him in his son in the Lord. The word used her is ὑπομονή (hupomonḗ) refers to the ability to keep one’s hope alive under pressure. The one who is steadfast keeps his or her eyes fixed on the goal and refuses to give up until they reach that goal.
Verse 11
Paul adds one more quality he saw in his son Timothy here — “my persecutions and sufferings.” In particular, Paul describes what happened to him in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra.
Acts 13:45 tells us that in Antioch, the Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict and revile Paul when he spoke:
(45) But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. – Acts 13:45 ESV
Acts 14 tells us that in Iconium the Jews stirred up the Gentiles, poisoned their minds and an attempt was made to mistreat and stone Paul:
(1) Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. (2) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers… (4) But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. (5) When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them – Acts 14:1-2,4-5 ESV
Finally, when Paul went to Lystra in Acts 14:8, Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, persuaded the crowd against them, stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city thinking he was dead:
(19) But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. – Acts 14:19 ESV
Paul’s suffering and persecution for the gospel were seen in these three cities. Note how he praises the Lord for rescuing him from the hands of his persecutors here in verse 11. Timothy had the same spirit as Paul and was willing to suffer and lay down his life for the sake of the gospel he preached.
Verse 12
Paul did not see himself as unique in suffering for the gospel. He tells Timothy here that anyone who committed themselves to live a godly life in Christ Jesus would be persecuted.
Note the phrase, “a godly life in Christ Jesus.” While we know that there is no true godliness apart from Christ Jesus, many people live good and religious lives by their efforts. Being a good person or even being religious is relatively acceptable in this world. Living a godly life in Christ Jesus, however, is a different matter.
Those who believe in Jesus see Him as the only means of salvation. They preach a gospel that demands submission to Him alone and a denial of all other gods. They teach that we are sinners destined for eternal separation from God unless we receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus is Lord and we must submit to His ways, renounce sin and be willing to live and die for Him. Those who live godly in Christ Jesus renounce the world and its ways and choose to walk in the purpose of God instead. They die to their sin and their fleshly desires. This kind of life is threatening and offensive to the world. They do not want to believe they are sinners. They don’t want to surrender to Christ alone. They love the world and its attractions and react strongly to anyone who calls them to repent and renounce their ways.
Verse 13
It is a strange world where those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus are persecuted but evil people who get worse and worse never seem to experience this same rejection. These evil impostors are deceived by the devil and his worldly ways. They, in turn, teach their deception to others who follow whole heartedly their evil purposes. All this is left unguarded while principles of godliness and holiness are banned, mocked and rejected.
Verse 14
Speaking directly to Timothy, the apostle challenges him, despite the persecution that awaited those who lived a godly life in Christ, to continue with what he had been taught. He was not to allow persecution and rejection of his message to keep him from being faithful in the proclamation of the gospel.
Note that Paul understood that Timothy “firmly believed” the message taught him. He also understood that there were individuals who firmly believed the gospel message but, because of persecution and difficulty, wandered from it. Paul encouraged Timothy to continue with what he had learned and not get distracted.
Observe that Paul told Timothy that one of his motivations for continuing in the teaching was “knowing from whom he had learned it.” Not only did Timothy learn the gospel message from Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ but also from his mother and grandmother who were true examples of godliness for him.
Verse 15
Continuing from verse 14 Paul reminded Timothy about how he had come to know the truth of the gospel.
First, he learned as a child from his grandmother and mother who instructed him in the ways of the Lord.
Second, Timothy learned about salvation through the Scriptures that Paul, his grandmother and his mother had taught him. These Scriptures pointed Him to the Lord Jesus as the Messiah who came to save His people from sin.
Finally, Timothy came to know and accept the message of Scripture through faith in Christ Jesus. That faith in Jesus Christ, as a gift of God, convinced him and assured him of the truth of the Scriptures taught him.
Verse 16
The apostle Paul concludes this section with a powerful statement about the Scriptures. We need to see this in the context of what Paul has been saying in chapter 3. Paul has been telling Timothy that the last days would be “times of difficulty” (verse 1). People would turn from the principles of righteousness and do as they pleased (verses 2-5). False teachers would creep into the church leading people astray (verses 6-8). Paul warns Timothy that all those who wanted to live a godly life in Christ Jesus would be persecuted (verse 12).
How was the believer to live in those days? How could the followers of Jesus know the truth in times of confusion and diverse opinions? Paul points Timothy to the unchanging, authoritative and inspired Scriptures. Here he would find the support and guidance he needed to persevere in the truth of God’s purpose. Notice what Paul has to tell Timothy about these Scriptures which will be so important in these last days.
Paul begins by telling Timothy that “all Scripture is breathed out by God.” The word used here is θεόπνευστος (theópneustos). It is derived from the words “Theós,” meaning God, and “pnéō,” meaning to breathe or to blow. The idea is that the Scriptures came from God and were blown into the hearts and minds of those who faithfully recorded what He gave them. In essence, God is the author and source of the Scriptures. The human writers were merely scribes recording what He told them. Because Scriptures are breathed out by God, we can have absolute confidence in their authority and His protection of those Scriptures handed down to us.
Next, the apostle teaches that all Scripture is profitable for four particular purposes. Let’s consider these purposes briefly.
First, all Scripture is profitable for teaching. The word διδασκαλία (didaskalía) refers to instruction. What Paul is telling Timothy here is that because the Scriptures are God-breathed, they are a reliable and authoritative source of doctrine and truth. If we want to know the truth we must find it in these Scriptures. If we want to know God’s purpose for our lives, we must seek it in its pages.
Second, all Scripture is profitable for reproof. The word reproof comes from the Greek word ἐˊλεγχος (élegchos). It is a legal term that refers to a conviction brought against a guilty person. Scripture is the legal standard by which all behaviour must be measured. It is the law by which we will all be judged.
Third, all Scripture is profitable for correction. The word ἐπανόρθωσις (epanórthōsis) refers to making something straight again. If there is one thing sure in life, it is that we will get distracted. The influence of this world surrounds us and impacts our decisions, attitudes and actions. We will be tempted to wander from the path of God. I am not saying here that we will fall into great sin and turn our back on God and His purpose. I have, however, often found that I have not walked as closely to my Saviour as I should have. Scripture has a way of correcting me and bringing me back into line. For that to happen, however, I need to read it and listen to its instructions. If I do, it will bend me back into shape and restore me to the right path.
Finally, all Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. The word παιδεία (paideía) means to instruct. It is derived from the word paideúō which refers to the process of raising a child and teaching them how to live a good life. Scripture is like a father or mother to us. It comforts us when we need encouragement. It corrects us when we begin to wander. It disciplines us when we go astray. It guides us into the truth. It instructs us in the way we should walk.
As the days of the end approach, we need a reliable guide to teach us what is right, to convict us when we wander, to correct us when we have left that path, and to be a reliable and faithful comfort and support when times are difficult (see verse 1)
Verse 17
Note one final detail about the Scriptures. They teach us, reprove us, correct and train us for a very specific reason. God wants us to be equipped for “every good work.” If you want to be a true servant of God, you must be instructed in the Scriptures. They will show you the truth you must proclaim. They will reveal God’s requirements for service. You must allow those Scriptures to rebuke you. You must allow them to bring you back in line when you have wandered ever so slightly. You will need them to train you in God’s purpose for life and ministry. They will be your comfort in the difficult times.
If you want to do the “good work” God expects of you, there is nothing so important as the Scriptures. All too many have ignored the Word of God and fallen into error and sin. Even worse, they have led others astray because they have not allowed this Word to train them and equip them in God’s purpose. We ignore this Word to our peril.
Chapter 4
Select Verse:
Verse 1
As he begins chapter 4, Paul charges Timothy with a particular responsibility. Notice the nature of this charge here.
Paul charges Timothy in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus. God the Father and Son both witness and approve this charge to Timothy. Timothy would step out understanding that he did so under both apostolic and divine authority.
As if this were not enough, Paul goes on to remind Timothy of Jesus Christ’s credentials. He is the judge of the living and the dead. Every human being who ever lived will stand before the Lord Jesus and give an account of their life. He will determine their destiny. Everyone is accountable to Him as their Lord and Creator.
Second, Jesus Christ will appear again on this earth. He will come to judge but also to set up his kingdom. This kingdom will be an eternal kingdom where all enemies of the cross are banished and cast eternally from His presence. Sin, suffering and death will be no more. Those who belong to Him will reign forever in His presence.
The charge given to Timothy was serious. It was a responsibility laid on him by God Himself. Timothy would stand before this God to give an account of how he handled the obligations Paul was about to place on him.
Verse 2
We see here the charge that was given to Timothy from Paul in the presence of God the Father and the Son. The charge is five-fold.
First, Timothy was to preach the word. The word used here for preach is κηρύσσω (kērússō) which means to proclaim or herald. This was done in a public setting so that the masses of people could hear. The word Timothy was to preach was the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was to boldly proclaim this message so that all could hear.
The second aspect of Timothy’s charge was to “be ready.” The word “ready” in Greek is ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi) which is derived from epí, meaning near, and hístēmi meaning to stand. The idea is to stand near someone or something prepared to take action. Paul does not tell us what that action might be. We can assume, however, that this would vary according to the circumstances. When false teachers came to Ephesus, Timothy was to be ready to proclaim the truth. When brothers and sisters in Christ were suffering, Timothy was to be ready to bring them comfort and assurance.
Note here that Timothy was to be ready “in season and out of season.” The idea is that he was to be ready day and night, holidays and work days. He was to be prepared to do everything he could to minister to the needs before him. Just as a soldier was to be always vigilant, knowing the enemy could come at any time, Timothy was never to let his guard down. He was to keep his sword at his side, prepared to use it whenever necessary.
Third, Timothy was to “reprove.” The word ἐλέγχω (elégchō) used here means to convict or to prove someone to be in error. The person who reproves makes people aware that they are in the wrong or are sinning before God. Timothy’s role was to warn people about their sins and wandering ways. The purpose of this was to bring them back to the path of God for their lives.
The fourth charge given to Timothy was to rebuke. The word ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō) is derived from epí, meaning upon, and timáō, meaning to evaluate. Together they speak about making an evaluation of one’s actions and placing consequences upon that individual. In other words, it speaks of pronouncing punishment or a sentence against an individual for their actions. While reproving points out the errors of our ways, rebuking makes us accountable for those actions.
Finally, Timothy was to exhort. The Greek word used here is παρακαλέω (parakaléō), which is derived from pará, meaning to the side of, and kaléō meaning to call. The idea is to call someone to the side of another. The purpose of this is support and encouragement. Timothy was not just to preach, reprove and rebuke from a pulpit. He was to get down from that pulpit and stand beside those who were struggling.
Notice how Timothy was to exhort. He was to do so with “complete patience.” The word “patience” is translated from the Greek word μακροθυμία “makrothumía” which speaks of restraint and long-suffering. The patient person, in this sense, is compassionate and merciful to those who have fallen short of God’s standard. They are not quick to condemn and bear with them as they seek to learn how to live in the truth and overcome their sinful ways.
Timothy was also to exhort with teaching. He was to correct errors and instruct those who had fallen. He was to show them God’s purpose for their lives.
Timothy was charged to guard the truth of the Gospel, proclaim it to all who would hear and watch over those who received it so that they did not stray from it through the temptations of this world or those who would teach another gospel.
Verse 3
The apostle prophesied to Timothy about the kind of people who would live on the earth in the days to come.
First, he told him that the time is coming when people “will not endure sound teaching.” The word endure is ἀνέχω (anéchō) means to hold up or to keep from falling. Those who endure keep themselves from falling. They stand firm. Paul tells us that in the last days, people will not hold onto “sound teaching.” They will let it fall like something of no value. They will not stand firm in it but wander from its truth. Teaching that is sound is healthy and without error or falsehood. The truth of sound teaching will become of no importance and people will no longer hold onto it as something of value.
Next, Paul prophesied that people would have “itching ears” in days to come. When something itches it needs to be scratched to relieve the discomfort. To have itching ears is to long to hear something pleasing to those ears. Paul explains what he means when he tells Timothy that these individuals would accumulate teachers “to suit their own passions.” The itch these individuals experienced was to have their teachers condone their sinful behaviour. They didn’t like to hear that they needed to submit to the purpose of God. They wanted people to tell them that their fleshly passions were legitimate. Instead of submitting to the truth, they would gather around them people who supported their sinful passions and desires.
Verse 4
Paul tells Timothy that in the last days, people would turn from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. The word translated myths is μυ̃θος (múthos) which refers to a fable or tale that is not based on facts and truth but an invention of the human mind. These myths and fables are held in contrast here to the authoritative Word of God, which was divinely authored and a reliable source of truth. Paul is telling Timothy that in the last days, people turn away from the Word of God in favour of their own ideas.
Verse 5
Paul challenges Timothy to be “sober-minded” in light of what he prophesied would take place in the last days.To be sober-minded is not to allow oneself to be distracted by other things. The word νήφω (nḗphō) used here means to be watchful and diligent. We often speak of a person who is sober as one who has refrained from the use of alcohol or drugs. These substances hinder clear thinking and keep a person from making wise decisions. Alcohol and drugs, however, are not the only things that can hinder wise decision-making. Anything that distracts us from God or influences us to stray from His purpose must be put away.
Next Paul challenges Timothy to endure suffering. He preached to those who only wanted to hear teachers who condoned their sinful passions. Timothy proclaimed sin as a barrier between humans and their God. He rebuked sin and called people to turn from their sinful ways. This kind of message would meet rejection. As a result, Timothy would suffer as people turned from him and the truth of the gospel he declared. Paul tells Timothy to stand firm and not allow this rejection to keep him from doing what God had called him to do.
Thirdly, the apostle calls Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. An evangelist declares the message of the gospel. Timothy was not to allow anything to distract him from this role. He was to preach Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour. He was to point men and women to Him as their salvation and hope of forgiveness and eternal life.
This was Timothy’s ministry. He was called to that ministry by God. He was to do everything in his power to be faithful to that calling, even if it meant suffering alone for the cause he represented.
Verse 6
Paul has charged Timothy with the responsibility of enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel. He does not ask him to do what he himself was unprepared to do. Paul tells Timothy here that he was being poured out “as a drink offering and the time of his departure has come.”
A drink offering was poured out before the Lord. Jacob, after meeting the Lord at the place he called Bethel, set up a pillar and poured a drink offering on it to commemorate it and set it apart.
(14) And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. (15) So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel. – Genesis 35:14-15 ESV
Paul saw his life as a drink offering poured out for God. He was expending his limited resources for God. He was devoting his energy and time to Him and pouring them out in His service. Paul knew, however, that the time would come when that energy would come to an end. Like the last drops of a bottle dripping out, Paul’s life would cease. For Paul, that time was now in sight. He knew that the last of his drink offering was now being poured out before God and the time of his departure was drawing near, when he would leave his earthly vessel and go to be with his Saviour.
Verse 7
Paul has just declared that the time of his departure has come. He knew that he did not have long to live. As he reflects on his coming death, he considers the life he lived. He states three things about his life here.
First, Paul had confidence that he had “fought the good fight.” That fight was a fight for truth. The truth he fought for was the message of the gospel. It was the fact that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, came to this earth to save sinners. He died on the cross, rose victoriously over death and ascended to the Father to be the judge of the living and the dead. He offers pardon through His work on the cross, and all who believe in him will have eternal life. There were many opposing messages but Paul resisted them and continued to declare the truth without compromise. He suffered abuse for this message but proudly bore his suffering for His Saviour. He stood at death’s door with confidence that he had fought the good fight.
Second, Paul was assured that he had “finished the course.” On the one hand, we could look at this phrase and interpret it to mean that Paul knew that his end was drawing near and that he was going to die soon. In this sense, the course he refers to is his life. There is, however, a deeper sense to this phrase. The course Paul refers to here is not just his life but his calling and service. God had called him to a particular ministry. Paul reflects on that ministry calling and can say that he had been faithful to what God had given him to do. He had followed the course that had been set for him by His Lord. He stood now at the end of his life with the assurance that he had not deviated from the path but had completed the task assigned to Him.
Finally, Paul had the assurance that he “kept the faith.” The faith Paul speaks about here is the truth about Jesus Christ and His work. Paul had not wandered from the truth about Jesus Christ. He declared Him to be Saviour, Lord and God. Paul’s faithfulness, however, was more than just to a doctrinal position. He also lived His life in a way that represented his Lord and Saviour. His faith impacted his behaviour, attitudes and actions. His life demonstrated the truth he believed. He was a changed man and lived in the power of his changed life.
Verse 8
The apostle Paul had the assurance that he had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Note, however, that while he tells us that he was going to die soon, he does not see this as the end. As any athlete who wins the race expects to receive his trophy, so Paul expected to receive his crown of righteousness. The crown spoken of here was given to an athlete in recognition of his completion of the race.
The crown Paul expects, is a crown of righteousness. It was, on the one hand, a recognition of his faithful service. On the other hand, however, it was the ability to truly live a righteous life. He would be released from the effects of sin and its curse. There, in the presence of his Saviour, He would be free of the old fleshly nature he had battled all his life. Now he could truly live in the righteousness of Christ without hindrance. There in his heavenly home, Paul could enjoy His Saviour and Lord unhindered by the ungodly world, his sinful flesh or the temptations and trials of the devil. There he would know what it meant to live a truly righteous life.
Notice what Paul says about this crown of righteousness. He tells us that it would be given to him “at that day.” In other words, when his life was over and he stood before his Saviour, he would receive this crown. He promised that everyone who loved Christ’s appearance would receive this crown.
Now there is a sense in which we have been given the righteousness of Christ here and now. Those who have accepted the Lord Jesus and His work on their behalf are given a right standing with the Father, based on what Jesus has done. If I am honest with myself, however, I cannot say that I live a perfectly righteous life. The Lord continues to reveal that I have wandered from His purpose in attitude, thought or deed. It is not my righteousness that will get me to heaven but the righteous work of the Lord Jesus who has pardoned me and set me free from condemnation.
I expect, however, that the day is coming when my sinful flesh will be no more. I will be given a new body and my heart will be forever changed. I will stand in the presence of my Saviour and the righteousness of Christ in me will take on a whole new meaning. I will be given the ability to honour Him in a way I could never have done so with my fleshly nature. I will serve Him as I ought. I will love him with a heart unhindered by sin. The fullness of Christ’s righteousness will be fulfilled in me as never before. Yes, the crown of righteousness is a reward for faithful service but I believe it is not just something to wear as a badge of honour. It is a life-transforming event where free from this body of sin, I will be granted the privilege of being truly righteous and holy without hindrance or obstacle, free finally from the flesh to bring Him the honour He deserves.
Notice finally here the phrase “them that have loved his appearing.” The day of the Lord’s return will not be a glorious day for everyone. Consider the words of John about that day in Revelation 6:
(15) Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, (16) calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” – Revelation 6:15-17 ESV
For those who do not know the Lord, this day will be a day of great terror. Those who love the appearance of the Lord are those whose sins are forgiven and who have already entered into a relationship with Him through his work on the cross.
Verse 9
Paul believed that the time of his departure from this world was at hand (see verse 6). In light of this reality, he asked Timothy to come to see him. Note two words here.
First, observe the phrase “give diligence.” Paul wanted Timothy to make it a priority to come to see him. He wanted to see Timothy before he died. This shows us the relationship that existed between Paul and Timothy.
Second, note the word “shortly.” Paul wanted his son in the Lord to come to him as soon as possible. He told him that the time of his departure was “at hand.” The implication is that Paul did not know how much longer he was going to live and so he wanted Timothy not to delay in coming to see him.
Verse 10
Paul’s need for Timothy’s visit was magnified by the fact that Demas had forsaken him. We have two other references to Demas in Scripture.
Writing to the Colossians, the apostle says:
(14) Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. – Colossians 4:14 ESV
Paul lists Demas as one of his fellow workers when he wrote to Philemon:
(23) Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, (24) and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. – Philemon 23-24 ESV
Demas, however, was distracted from the faith by his love for the “present world.” We are not told how that love was manifested, but it certainly hindered his relationship with Paul, and he was forced to leave for Thessalonica. Some commentators believe that this was his hometown.
We know nothing about Crescens, whom Paul mentions here in this verse. He was clearly a fellow worker with Paul. Paul tells Timothy that Crescens had left for Galatia. He does not give any reason for this departure. We have no reason to believe that it had to do with a break in fellowship with the apostle. He may have gone to minister in that region.
Paul also mentions Titus here in the verse. Titus worked alongside Paul in His missionary journeys. According to Paul in Galatians 2:3, Titus was an uncircumcised Greek:
(3) But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. – Galatians 2:3 ESV
Paul called Titus, his “true child in common faith” when he wrote to him in Titus 1:4:
(4) To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. – Titus 1:4 ESV
Like Timothy, Titus also had a special place in Paul’s heart. According to the apostle, Titus went to the region of Dalmatia (east of Rome, across the sea). Once again we are not told why Titus went to Dalmatia. We can assume that he went there for ministry purposes. With the absence of Demas, Crescens and Titus, Paul was likely feeling a bit lonely in his prison cell.
Verse 11
At this point in Paul’s life, only Luke was with him. Demas had abandoned the apostle and Crescens and Titus had travelled to other cities. Paul seems to be feeling a certain loneliness at this point in his life. He needed people around him.
In verse 9 Paul asked Timothy to come to see him as soon as possible. Note here how he asked him to bring Mark with him. Mark is likely the John Mark who was the source of conflict between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:
(36) And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” (37) Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. (38) But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. (39) And there arose a sharp disagreement so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, (40) but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. – Acts 15:36-40 ESV
While Mark had left Paul on his missionary journey, note how Paul does recognize that he was very useful in ministry. Working with Barnabas, the encourager, was likely a good thing for Mark and had matured him in ministry. At the end of his life, Mark is now one of the people Paul wants by his side.
Verse 12
Tychicus was a fellow worker with Paul. We read in Acts 20 how Paul was forced to leave Greece when a plot against his life was discovered. Note the reference to Tychicus as part of the team that had been with him in Greece:
(3) There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. (4) Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. (5) These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, – Acts 20:3-5 ESV
Paul described Tychicus as a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord in his letter to the Colossians:
(7) Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. – Colossians 4:7 ESV
We discover here that Paul had enough confidence in Tychicus that he sent him to Ephesus to help in the ministry there.
Verse 13
Paul has a request to make of Timothy. He asked that when he came to see him, he could bring three particular articles.
First, Paul asked for his cloke. He had left this in Troas with a man by the name of Carpus. We are uncertain why the cloak was left. Some commentators believe that Paul had to leave in a hurry and, as a result, was forced to leave it. What is important to note here is that Paul is now looking for it. That cloke would keep him warm. Paul does not have much to his name at this point in prison and a cloke to wrap around himself in those cold and damp nights would have been a tremendous blessing.
Second, Paul asks for his books. The word used here is βιβλίον (biblíon) and speaks of a scroll. We have no way of knowing what these scrolls contained. They could have been legal documents or even copies of the Scriptures.
Particularly of concern for Paul was what he called parchments. The Greek word used here is μεμβράνα (membrána). Parchments were used for writing and were usually made from the skin of an animal. It is uncertain if these parchments had anything written on them or not. In a day when paper is readily available, we cannot fully appreciate the luxury of having parchment on which to write. Paul wrote many of his letters from prison. He may have been requesting parchment to write those letters for the encouragement of believers in the regions where he had travelled. If this is the case we can see his genuine concern for the wellbeing of God’s people. It was important to him that he remain in contact with them and at this point, being in prison, writing to them was the only contact he had.
Verse 14
Paul speaks here about Alexander the coppersmith. We read about him in 1 Timothy 1:19-20:
(19) holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, (20) among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. – 1 Timothy 1:19-20 ESV
We understand from this that Alexander was likely part of the church of the day but had wandered from the faith. We are uncertain if he was a true believer. What is clear is that he appears to have been living a life of blasphemy and was handed over to Satan by Paul in the hope that he would repent. In the meantime, however, Alexander opposed Paul and “did much evil” to the apostle. We are uncertain as to the evil Alexander did, but the reference quoted above would seem to indicate that this may have come in the form of blasphemous words against the apostle and his teaching. Paul handed this man over to Satan and trusted that the Lord would discipline and correct him.
Verse 15
We see more clearly here the evil Alexander did to Paul through his blasphemous words. Paul warns Timothy about him. It appears that this opposition was not quiet but Alexander had taken it upon himself to actively oppose the message Paul declared. The fact that Paul warns Timothy about him shows that in Paul’s mind, Alexander might spread his opposition as far as Ephesus.
Verse 16
Paul was in prison awaiting trial at this time. As a Roman citizen, he was given the right to defend himself. Note how Paul went to this defence alone. Everyone deserted him and left him to fend for himself before his accusers. This seems to have hurt Paul but he asked God not to hold this desertion against his friends.
Paul’s confidence was not in his witnesses and fellow workers but in the Lord God. Note, however, that he felt the absence of friends and supporters. Their presence and support would have been a great blessing to him in his hour of need.
Verse 17
Despite the desertion of his friends and supporters, Paul testified that he experienced the strength of the Lord as he stood before his accusers in his defence.
Observe here the passion of Paul in these days of imprisonment and trials in the phrase: “So that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” Paul believed the Lord strengthened him so that he could be a witness to his Gentile accusers. It was his passion to proclaim the gospel to those who heard his defence, and those who guarded him. Paul chose to use his circumstances for the glory of God. He was strengthened in his prison cell and in his trials to proclaim boldly the truth of Jesus Christ.
Note also the phrase: “I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” It is uncertain what Paul is referring to when he speaks about the lion. Some see reference to the Roman emperor of the day, or possibly even to Satan. Others see it as a reference to his death at the hands of the Roman officials. Whatever we understand about this, what is clear is that not only did Paul experience the strengthening of the Lord in those days, but also His protection.
Verse 18
Observe Paul’s confidence here as he awaits his sentence.
First, he believed that the Lord would rescue him from “every evil deed.” Understand here that this did not mean that Paul believed that he would be released from prison and his life spared. He had just told Timothy in verse 6 that he believed the time of his departure had come. Paul’s understanding of what is meant to be rescued was not limited to this world. This takes us to the second conviction Paul had as he stood trial in those days.
Second, Paul believed that the Lord would bring him “safely into his heavenly kingdom.” Paul accepted the fact that he was going to die at the hands of Roman officials for preaching the gospel. He also believed that God would deliver him from this evil sentence by opening the door of the heavenly kingdom to him. Paul would be freed from the sin and evil of this world and conducted directly into the presence of Jesus Christ his Saviour.
Note what this reality did for Paul. Despite his impending death, he cries out: “To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Yes, he stood at death’s doorstep but his heart was filled with praise and gratitude to God for the victory that would be his as he passed from this life to the next.
Verse 19
As Paul concludes his letter he asks Timothy to give greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
Prisca and Aquila are likely the people he met in Corinth who shared with him the trade of tent-making.
(1) After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. (2) And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, (3) and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. – Acts 18:1-3 ESV
We learn more about them in Romans 16:3-5 where Paul writes:
(3) Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (4) who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. (5) Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. – Romans 16:3-5 ESV
Prisca and Aquila were “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” who “risked their necks for Paul,” and who hosted a church in their home.
We know much less about the household of Onisiphorus. Paul mentions them in 2 Timothy 1:16-18 where he says about him:
(16) May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, (17) but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— (18) may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. – 2 Timothy 1:16-18 ESV
Onisiphorus “often refreshed” Paul. He appears to have sought him out in Rome and visited him in prison. Paul recognized that he also rendered service to the believers in Ephesus where Timothy was ministering.
Verse 20
The apostle gives Timothy some news about some of his co-workers here.
First, he told Timothy that Erastus was in Corinth. From Acts 19:21-22 we see that Erastus worked with Timothy in Macedonia:
(21) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (22) And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. – Acts 19:21-22 ESV
Second, Paul informed Timothy that he had to leave Trophimus at Miletus because he was ill.
Trophimus is listed as one of Paul’s co-workers in Acts 20:4-5:
(4) Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. (5) These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, – Acts 20:4-5 ESV
It also appears that he was the source of a great controversy in Jerusalem when the Jews accused Paul of defiling the temple by taking Trophimus, a Gentile, into the temple:
(27) When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, (28) crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” (29) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. – Acts 21:27-29 ESV
Paul’s purpose here in this verse is simply to update Timothy on what has been happening to his fellow workers.
Verse 21
Paul asks Timothy to do his best to visit him before winter. He possibly wanted his cloke before that time (verse 13). It may have been more difficult for Timothy to travel in the winter and Paul was keen to see him before then.
Paul sends greetings to Timothy from a number of believers of whom we know nothing but their names: Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia, along with some unnamed brothers.
Verse 22
Paul concludes this letter with a prayer that the Lord be with Timothy’s spirit and that His grace be upon him.
By praying that the Lord would be with Timothy’s spirit, Paul was praying for his emotional and spiritual encouragement in the Lord. He was asking God to strengthen Timothy in his inner man.
He ends by asking God also to pour out His unmerited favour upon his son in the Lord. That He would shower him with undeserved blessings, wisdom and power.
It is an amazing reality that we can experience the presence of the Lord in this way.
