The
2
Timothy (NIV)
By
Syd Cleveland
(©
1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2006 and Revised
Use of The
Information about purchasing this commentary in
electronic form is available at
www.christiancommunitychurch.us/clevelandcommentary/
Please click your mouse on the appropriate chapter
below. To return to the chapter menu
from anywhere
within this book, press the CTRL and HOME keys on your
keyboard at the same time.
You may search this Commentary by pressing the CTRL and
F keys together and following the prompts.
NOTICE!
Permission to use The Cleveland Bible Commentary in your personal study is
freely given, however this Commentary is not in the public domain. The author retains all copyrights © and
ownership of this commentary, world wide.
This means you cannot copy, revise, change, republish, or distribute The
Cleveland Bible Commentary in any way, including electronically, except as
provided here. Nor may you use it in any
manner other than for your own personal study, except as stated here, without
my written permission. You may quote
from The Cleveland Bible Commentary in materials used in your personal teaching
at educational institutions, including churches and Bible classes sponsored by
your church, as long as the quotation does not exceed twenty-five percent of
the entire Cleveland Bible Commentary verse notes on any single chapter. For example, this means if I comment on
twenty-four verses in Matthew chapter 19, you may directly quote my comments on
six verses of your choice in Matthew 19 without requesting permission.
When quoting, please include the following credit line:
“Quoted from The
Click here to
return to MAIN MENU.
PAUL = The Greek “Paulos” (Strongs #G3972)
means “little.” This is the
common way letters were written in first century
APOSTLE = The Greek “apostolos” (Strongs
#G652) means “one who is commissioned to represent another, an
ambassador, messenger.”
OF CHRIST = The Greek “Christos” (Strongs
#G5547) means “Annointed” and is used to translate the Hebrew
“Messiah” (Strongs #H4899).
Thus Jesus Christ is the Anointed One sent by God (John
JESUS = The Greek “Iesous” (Strongs #G2424)
is a transliteration of the Hebrew “Jehoshua” (Strongs #H3091)
which means “God saves.” In
Greek, “Jesus” is pronounced
“Ee-a-sous.” In Hebrew,
“Joshua” is pronounced “Yeh-ho-shoo-ah.” There is no “Je” sound in Hebrew,
(as in “Je-sus”), thus the names “Jesus” and
“Jehovah” are not linguistically correct when pronounced in
English. Neither is there a
“Ya” sound in Hebrew, (as in “Yah-weh”), thus neither
Jehovah nor Yahweh are the correct pronounciation of God’s so-call
“sacred name” in English.
The careful Bible student will correctly understand that the
“sacred name” proponents generally make much noise about nothing.
BY THE WILL = The Greek “thelema” (Strongs
#G2307) means “active choice, purpose, degree, will, pleasure.”
OF GOD = The Greek “theos” (Strongs #G2316)
means “deity, divinity, the exceedingly great God.”
2 Tim 1:2
TIMOTHY = A young Christian whose mother Eunice was Jewish, and
whose father was a Greek. Timothy was
converted in his home town of
MY DEAR SON = Spiritual "son," not literal. See Acts 16:1; Philippians 2:22.
2 Tim 1:4
RECALLING YOUR TEARS = Denotes the close relationship Paul had with
Timothy (i.e. "my dear son" [2 Timothy 1:2]; "my true son"
[1 Timothy 1:2]).
2 Tim 1:5
GRANDMOTHER ... MOTHER ... YOU = Christian faith passed down from one
generation to another. Timothy's
grandmother may have been one of the original Christians, dating back to 37
A.D.
2 Tim 1:6
FAN INTO FLAME = Spiritual gifts are given in "seed"
form. It is the responsibility of the
recipient to exercise and grow his spiritual gift(s) to the glory of God.
THE GIFT OF GOD = As used in the New Testament, this phrase can
mean: Jesus Christ (John 4:10); the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20); eternal life
(Romans 5:16; 6:23); salvation (Ephesians 2:8); a spiritual gift (2 Timothy 1:6).
THROUGH = The gift that
Timothy received was through the laying on of Paul's hands. Also see the wider view presented in 1
Timothy 4:14.
THE LAYING ON OF MY HANDS = The Holy Spirit as well as spiritual
gifts can be transmitted to the recipient through the laying on of hands. Laying on of hands can be done by a single
individual, or corporately (see Acts 8:17; 9:16; 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2
Timothy 1:6).
2 Tim 1:7
GOD DID NOT GIVE US = For a Christian "power" does not
come from assertiveness training, manipulation, or self-confidence! Real power comes from
"God-confidence" and is a gift from Him. It is His desire that His people have power,
love and self-discipline.
A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY = The Greek word "deilia" (Strongs
#G1167) means "cowardly, fearful, timid." These elements of fear do not come from God.
A SPIRIT OF POWER = The Greek word "dunamis" (Strongs
#G1411) means "to be able, enabling power, to be capable, to be
powerful."
SELF-DISCIPLINE = "Discipline is one of the most important character
qualities a person can possess. It plays
a key role in developing every area of life. ... What, then, is this thing we
don't understand but want more of? I can
give you a two-word explanation of this confusing character quality that
defines it, captures its essence, and uncovers what is really at its core. These two words are easily remembered. You can think about them during the day and
use them in your conversation.
Discipline is delayed gratification." -- Victory Over Temptation,
Wilkinson, (Bill Hybels), page 148. Also
see Galatians 5:23.
2 Tim 1:8
SO = Transitional phrase referring back to 2 Timothy 1:7.
2 Tim 1:9
HAS SAVED US = The Greek "sodzo" (Strongs #G4982) is
1Aor. Act. Ptc. Gen. Sing. Masc. meaning "He has saved us." Our salvation is secure, but it also involves
our being called to a holy life.
CALLED US TO A HOLY LIFE = 1Aor. Act. Ptc. Gen. Sing. Masc.
"He has called us."
Justification and Sanctification are inseparably linked together. The "holy life" that we are called
to, like salvation, is not the result of anything we have done: see 1 John
1:7-10; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.
THIS GRACE = In context, "this grace" is a reference to
salvation. Thus salvation has existed in
Christ Jesus "before the beginning of time."
BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME = Since Jesus existed before even
"time" came into existence, He is without beginning or end and
therefore cannot be a created being (John 1:1-3; John 17:5; 1 John 1:2-3; 1
John
2 Tim 1:10
IT HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED = This is a reference to progressive
revelation (i.e. in the Old Testament, God initially communicated a basic
truth, then progressively revealed more and more of that truth to its
completion in the New Testament).
“Paul
develops the idea of grace (1 Timothy 1:9-10).
It is centered in Christ Jesus; it is of ancient origin (“before
the beginning of time”); it is revealed through the incarnate Christ who
has destroyed death. Paul is clear that
all this has come about, not by human efforts but by the the free favor of
God. His concept of the gospel is rooted
in God’s provision of “life and immortality.” These wonderful provisions of God have become
clear through the gospel, which has thrown light upon them.” – New
Bible Commentary, by Wenham, Motyer, Carson, France, 21st Century
Edition, pp. 1305-1306
HAS DESTROYED DEATH = The Greek “katargeo” (Strongs
#G2673) is grammatically 1Aor. Act. Ptc. Gen. Sing. Masc. meaning "He has
destroyed, made void, abolished, caused to cease." Christ's triumph over death is just as
certain as our salvation (verse 9). If
our salvation is uncertain, then Christ’s resurrection is also uncertain!
HAS BROUGHT … TO LIGHT = The Greek “phtozo”
(Strongs #G5461) is gramatically 1Aor. Act. Ptc. Gen. Sing. Masc. meaning
"He has brought to light, illuminated, enlightened."
LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT = “Life and immortality”
was shrouded in darkness until the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But through the Gospel, they are now
spotlighted and fully visible. Our body
receives physical immortality at Christ's second coming (2 Corinthians 15:52-54). Also see 1 Peter 1:3.
“His death
has annulled for the believer the power and sting of death (cf. Hebews 2:14-15;
1 Corinthians 15:56-57), and will finally annihilate it completely (1
Corinthians 15:26).” – The International Bible Commentary, F. F.
Bruce, p. 1486
2 Tim 1:11
APPOINTED = The Greek "tithemi" (Strongs #G5087) means
"to set, put in place, lay (as in laying a foundation stone)."
2 Tim 1:12
THAT DAY = Refers to Christ's second coming: 2 Timothy 4:7, 8; 2
Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 3:13.
2 Tim 1:13
WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD = Refers back to the pure Gospel of 1:9-11.
THE PATTERN = Paul's emphasis on preaching the Gospel was firmed up
after his failure on Mars Hill: Acts 17:16-18:1; 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2. Christian witnessing is to revolve around the
Gospel rather than around doctrine.
FAITH AND LOVE = Without faith and love in Christ Jesus, even the
Gospel becomes empty.
2 Tim 1:14
GUARD THE GOOD DEPOSIT = A Christian pastor is to guard three things:
the truth of the Gospel, the vitality of his relationship to Christ, and the
well-being of the flock to which he ministers.
Also see 1 Timothy 6:20. In
defense of the Gospel, the Christian is to guard against presuppositions (which
twist God's Word); liberalism (which waters down God's Word); legalism (which
confines the spirit of God's Word); psychology (which replaces God's Word with
man's word); spiritualizing (which goes beyond God's Word); and
denominationalism (which boxes in God's Word with human organizations and
teachings).
WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT = The Holy Spirit
"helps" us "guard the good deposit that was entrusted to
us." This requires the Holy Spirit
to be a Personal Being rather than an "active force." Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief
that the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity,
"the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance,
but also that of inanimate substance. It
implies that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures
in Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
2 Tim 1:15
DESERTED ME = Under Roman law a person was guilty until proven
innocent. Under English/American law a
person is innocent until proven guilty.
This desertion occurred during Paul's first trial (4:16).
PHYGELUS = Was one of Paul former supporters.
HERMOGENES = Was one of Paul former supporters who defected out of
the fear of being considered guilty because of his association with Paul.
2 Tim 1:16
ONESIPHORUS = A loyal friend of Paul and a deacon in the church as
Ephesus. Since the reference is to the
"household of Onesiphorus" rather than to Onesiphorus himself, it is
likely that he had died by the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy.
2 Tim 1:17
HE SEARCHED = A word picture of what Christ did for sinners. Neither Christ nor Onesiphorus was afraid to
help the oppressed.
2 Tim 1:18
THAT DAY = See note on 1:12.
BE STRONG IN THE GRACE = The central fact and focus of the Gospel
is the unmerited favor we have in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 2:2
ENTRUST TO RELIABLE MEN = The Lord's work requires reliable
men. As these men are developed and
entrusted with the Gospel, the Lord's work grows.
QUALIFIED = The Holy Spirit initially qualifies these men through
the Spiritual Gift of teaching (1 Corinthians 12:28); and then through training
by master teachers such as Paul and then Timothy.
2 Tim 2:3
ENDURE HARDSHIP = Nothing worthwhile is achieved without
hardship. Paul repeats this key word in
2 Timothy 2:10, 12; 3:11; 4:5.
GOOD SOLDIER = The army, like the
2 Tim 2:4
CIVILIAN AFFAIRS = As Christians we are to focus on what we are
called to do -- what is truly important.
We must not dilute our God-given work by chasing after non-essentials.
PLEASE = Jesus reminded His disciples that nothing is to divert our
focus from Him (Matthew 10:3-38).
2 Tim 2:6
FIRST TO RECEIVE A SHARE OF THE CROPS = This is the basic
"Rule of Reward" (also see 1 Timothy 5:17-18). Here Paul uses the examples of a soldier,
athlete, and farmer as he speaks to Timothy about his rights and
responsibilities as a Gospel Worker (see 2 Timothy 2:4-6). Also see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians
11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6;
Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8; 2
Corinthians 9:6-11.
2 Tim 2:7
REFLECT = The Greek "noeo" (Strongs #G3539) to
"consider, think, understand, reason out, exercise the mind."
THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU = Similar to James' statement in James 1:5.
INSIGHT = The Greek "sunesis" (Strongs #G4907) means
"intelligence, understanding."
2 Tim 2:8
REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST = The central focus for each Christian is
Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 2:9
BEING CHAINED ... NOT CHAINED = Contrasts the power of the Gospel
with Paul's situation in prison. The
martyr's blood is simply Gospel "seed."
2 Tim 2:10
ELECT = The Greek "eklektos" (Strongs #G1588)means
"chosen out, selected to be the recipient of something." Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were also chosen by God to
receive salvation (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Salvation for both Jews and Gentiles depends upon the conditions of John
3:16 and 1 John 5:12, 13. Notice that
even though these people were "elected" by God, it was up to them to
"obtain the salvation." If we
are not "in Christ Jesus" we do not have salvation, and we can be
deceived (see Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22).
Also see commentary on 1 Peter 1:2.
2 Tim 2:11
DIED WITH HIM = Baptism symbolizes Christ's death on the cross for
us. Through baptism we receive the
"new birth." The new birth
requires us to "die" to our old sinful way of life (see Romans 6:6-8;
Colossians 2:20).
LIVE WITH HIM = Just as Christ rose from the dead and received
immortality, so we also receive immortality in the resurrection at His second
coming.
2 Tim 2:12
DISOWN HIM = Our salvation depends upon our free choice. If we choose to throw away our salvation,
Jesus will honor our decision. Once we
are saved we should never be foolish enough to become “unsaved”!
2 Tim 2:13
IF WE ARE FAITHLESS = The Greek grammar indicates we have made our
final choice to walk away from Jesus Christ.
Our faithlessness causes us to be lost, but it does not change God's
faithfulness, God's character, or God's purposes.
REMAIN FAITHFUL = We can have absolute confidence in God's
promises. Our security is in the fact
that nothing we can do will change God's love for us.
2 Tim 2:14
QUARRELING = Concentrate on the practical application of God's Word
rather than quarreling over trivia.
2 Tim 2:15
DO YOUR BEST = There are five levels of learning:
1. ROTE. Panic level.
Repeating from memory. You do not
know meaning of the information you repeat.
2. RECOGNITION. Dangerous because you think you know the
information.
3.
RESTATING. Beginning to put the
information in your own words.
4.
RELATIONAL. You begin to relate one
piece of information to another.
5. REALIZATIONAL. You personally experience the information and
understand it factually.
However,
especially in spiritual things, learninig has no value until it is applied and
changes the way you live your life.
Knowledge (“learning”) without life change is worse than no
knowledge, for once we know something we are accountable for changing our ways:
John 9:41.
APPROVED = Is the Lord pleased with your work?
"God does not
honor ignorance in males or in females." -- How Christian is Christian
Counseling? Gary L. Almy, M.D., p. 317
ASHAMED = Are you pleased with your work?
WHO CORRECTLY HANDLES = Are you correctly handling the Word?
"Unfortunately,
some of the ways people use the Bible render it useless. When it is studied or taught merely for the
sake of information, it becomes virtually trivial. Too frequently, even in conservative
churches, people excel in Bible quizzes but do not know how to use the Bible on
Thursday at work, in school, or at home.
The Bible becomes worse than useless when it is put to purposes for
which it was not designed. ... Paul warned us that unless we do our best to
become tried and true workmen in the Word, 'handling the Word of truth with
accuracy,' we will have cause to be 'ashamed' (2 Timothy 2:15). The Spirit expects the Scriptures to be
handled according to their intended purposes, not in other ways. Not, too, Peter's warning against 'twisting'
the Scriptures to one's own 'destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Twisting obviously refers to using the
Scriptures in ways other than those intended.
So, using the Scriptures to learn doctrine for doctrine's sake and
twisting the meaning of the Scriptures to suit one's fancy are two dangerous
activities to be avoided. God gave us
the Bible to transform lives. He gave it
to evangelize and to edify. To use it for
other purposes is to misuse it." -- How to Help People Change, Jay E.
Adams, pages 27-28.
2 Tim 2:16
AVOID = Not isolationism but practical instruction.
GODLESS CHATTER = The opposite of the Gospel (see 1:8-10).
MORE AND MORE UNGODLY = The result of intellectualism, trivialism,
and dogmatism.
2 Tim 2:17
HYMENAEUS = A heretic who taught that the resurrection was simply
an allegory about the soul being released from sin. Paul eventually disfellowshipped him (1
Timothy 1:20).
PHILETUS = Along with Hymenaeus, Philetus tried to spiritualize the
resurrection.
2 Tim 2:18
WANDERED AWAY = The Greek "astocheo" (Strongs #G795)
means "missed their aim, missed the target." The doctrines of these false teachers was
"off target" and thus not in accordance with the truth.
FROM THE TRUTH = In its primary sense, "truth" is
ultimately defined as Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
In a secondary sense, "truth" is everything in the Word of God
(John 17:17). Any teaching that is not
in accordance with the Bible is not "truth" (Isaiah 8:20).
THEY SAY = The false teaching of these men concerned the
resurrection. By claiming the
resurrection had already taken place through the first fruits of Christ's
resurrection (Matthew 27:51-53), they robbed Christianity of the joyful anticipation
of a bodily resurrection at Christ's second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
THEY DESTROY THE FAITH OF SOME = Apparently by destroying faith in
the resurrection at Christ's second coming, the people began to slip into
licentiousness as suggested by 2 Timothy 2:19.
The result of the false teaching concerning the resurrection was that
people saw no need to turn from their wickedness. Perhaps this teaching revolved around the
Greek philosophy of "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we
die."
2 Tim 2:19
SOLID FOUNDATION = A prelude to Paul's analogy in verses 20, 21
where he uses the illustration of a "large house" as a description of
the Christian community and faith. By way
of encouragement to Timothy, Paul states the certainty of Christianity versus
the instability of a few renegade Christians such as Hymenaeus and Philetus.
SEALED = "Seals were
used in the ancient world in ways similar to today. Cargo was sealed before shipping or letters
were sealed to guarantee the validity of the contents. A seal conveyed authenticity and
ownership." -- The NIV Application Commentary, by Klyne Snodgrass, p. 54.
INSCRIPTION = Cornerstones of ancient buildings often were engraved
with a description of what the building was to be used for.
KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS = The entire matter is in God's hands,
thus, contrary to outward appearances, the end result is certain.
MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS = Christianity is not a renewing of
the old sinful man, but a new birth and new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17;
Galatians 6:15). Also see note on 2
Timothy 2:22.
2 Tim 2:20
NOBLE ... IGNOBLE = The Christian church contains a variety of
people, some good and others who are not.
In addition, each Christian possesses spiritual gifts which give him
differing ministries within the community of believers. A Christian's value is not determined by his
ministry but by His willingness to "cleanse himself" (2 Timothy
2 Tim 2:21
CLEANSES HIMSELF = The "cleansing" is an act of our will
inviting Christ to "clean us up" (Hebrews 9:14; 2 Peter 1:9; 1 John
1:8-9).
2 Tim 2:22
FLEE ... PURSUE = Contrasting thoughts. Pursue "righteousness, faith, love and
peace" rather than "foolish and stupid arguments" (2 Timothy
2:23).
"Whose
responsibility is it for your personal holiness on a day to day basis? Is the Lord responsible or are you? If you are 'His' and 'confess the name of the
Lord,' then you are to 'turn away from wickedness' (2 Timothy 2:19), 'cleanse'
yourself (2 Timothy 2:21), 'flee the evil desire of youth, and pursue
righteousness.' The responsibility is
the believer's, not the Lord's. That's
why throughout the Bible, the Lord commands the believer to live in
holiness. Never be confused about your
personal holiness -- the Lord states it is our responsibility to become holy in
all of our conduct. But, the Bible is
also clear that the Holy Spirit dwells in the lives of all who know Christ and
He works in and through us to will and to do His good pleasure. ... This
partnership between the believer and the Holy Spirit is profound and usually
not perceptible, but the results are.
You cannot see the wind, but you sure can see the leaves blowing (John
3:8). So, don't get confused -- the Lord
works deeply, but He commands you to cleanse yourself." -- Personal
Holiness in Times of Temptation, Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, page 19.
2 Tim 2:23
DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH = Focus on the Gospel (2 Timothy
2 Tim 2:24
KIND = The Greek "epios" (Strongs #G2261) means
"gentle, mild, placid."
2 Tim 2:25
OPPOSE = The Christian leader is not to be a push-over (Titus 2:15;
3:10); but is to "gently instruct" hoping to help the opposition to
grow in the truth.
REPENTANCE = The Greek "metanoeo" (Strongs #G3341) means
"to change one's mind, to think differently, to reverse one's decision,
repent." Theologically, repentance
involves genuine regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward
God.
"Repentance
is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as
a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology,
Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202
2 Tim 2:26
COME TO THEIR SENSES = Satan's first purpose is to deprive us of
our ability to reason for ourselves. The
contrast between good and evil is so evident that anyone in his right mind will
eagerly pursue good and reject evil.
Thus it is imperative that Satan warp our thinking process in order to
get us to fall for his schemes.
LAST DAYS = This term is a common New Testament phrase referring to
the time which began just after Christ's first coming. However the description which follows in 2
Timothy 3:2 is general enough to include every generation in the past and
present. That Paul is not confining this
information to some future fulfillment of prophecy is evident from the fact
that in 2 Timothy 3:5-9 he switches from future tenses to present tenses. Timothy is instructed to "have nothing
to do with them," thus the "terrible times" of "the last
days" were already present in his day (see note on Matthew 24:15).
2 Tim 3:2
LOVERS OF THEMSELVES = Those who believe that we need to "love
ourselves" before we can love others need to clearly understand that,
according to Scripture, self-love is a sin.
More than that, self-love is the first sin in a long list of sins which brings on the "terrible
times" of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1).
This in itself should cause each Christian to tread very carefully when
teaching about the so-called "benefits" of self-worth, self-love, and
self-esteem. A focus on self
("selfishness") is the root cause of every sin.
2 Tim 3:3
SELF-CONTROL = Among both married and single people, the failure to
control one's self frequently leads to adultery.
"When you can
convince yourself you are unable to help what you are about to do, you thereby
become unable to help it. In fact, there
isn't any point in struggling with an issue when the outcome is
foreordained! If you can't help it, why
try? But is this old wheeze of a cliche
true? The behavior you say you can't
help is performed with muscles controlled voluntarily. It's not a twitch. To climb into bed you have to will certain
muscles in your limbs to contract so your legs and arms bend. It is a physiological fact that you can exert
control, that, in fact you must decide to perform the actions in question. Sexual behavior doesn't happen by itself
(i.e. it is a conscious, deliberate act resulting from a decisive act of the
will to implement a personal choice)." -- Victory Over Temptation, Bruce
Wilkinson, (William Backus), page 201.
2 Tim 3:4
LOVERS OF PLEASURE = The Greek "philedonos" (Strongs
#G5369) means "friend of sensual pleasure, appetite, lust."
2 Tim 3:5
HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS = The modern errors of
"Christian" psychology regarding self-worth, self-love, and
self-esteem (2 Timothy 3:2) produce a "form" of godliness that
contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture.
As a result, "Christian" psychology is without power itself,
and denies the power that comes from true, Biblical, godliness.
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM = In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Paul speaks of
"the last days" using the future tense. But here in 2 Timothy 3:5 Paul switches to
the present tense, indicating that he understood the last days to have begun
prior to his day. Jesus Christ taught
the same thing in Matthew 24:15-16. The
powerful command to "have nothing to do with them" prohibits any
compromise with doctrines or people who have a "form of godliness"
which contradicts the powerful tenets of godliness found in Scripture.
2 Tim 3:6
WEAK-WILLED WOMEN = Christianity is full of examples of the evil
power that easily ensnares the unwary. A
perversion of “agapay” love into “eros” love has caused
many Christians to fall from their secure position in Jesus Christ (Galatians
6:1; 2 Peter
2 Tim 3:7
ALWAYS ... NEVER ABLE = An unfortunate characteristic of both
legalism and intellectualism. This is the
result of majoring in trivia while minoring in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Compare this result with 2 Timothy 2:16, 17,
23. Those who lack genuine faith and
commitment to Christ never are able to "acknowledge the truth" (John
2 Tim 3:8
JANNES AND JAMBRES = According to Jewish tradition, these are the
names of Pharaoh's two magicians who opposed Moses. These men are not named anywhere else in the
Bible.
2 Tim 3:9
THEIR FOLLY WILL BE CLEAR = Frequently members of Christian
churches are temporarily swayed by "smooth talkers," but as time
passes, the true colors of these false teachers emerge. Pastors should take confidence in this
Biblical promise.
2 Tim 3:10
MY = The power of a personal example is far greater than that of
the spoken word.
2 Tim 3:11
PERSECUTIONS, SUFFERINGS -- WHAT KINDS OF THINGS HAPPENED TO ME = A
short list of Paul's sufferings can be found in 2 Corinthians
YET THE LORD RESCUED ME = Christians must always bear in mind that
Paul suffered extremely, even though "the Lord rescued me." God does not promise a trouble-free life for
His people on this earth (John 15:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:12). Rather we are to see ourselves as soldiers
and workers for God, a privilege which requires us to prepare and persevere in
order to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
2 Tim 3:12
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
WILL BE PERSECUTED = There is no harmony between the disciples of
Christ and the followers of Satan. Truth
and error are always in conflict.
2 Tim 3:13
DECEIVING AND BEING DECEIVED = There is no honor among the
wicked. They deceive and destroy one
another in self-destruction.
2 Tim 3:14
CONTINUE = The Greek "meno" (Strongs #G3306) means
"to stay put, remain, abide."
The Christian is called to stand firm in the faith and not waver (James
1:6).
2 Tim 3:15
FROM INFANCY = A life-long acquaintance with God will bear fruit if
one "continues" on in the faith (2 Timothy
2 Tim 3:16
ALL SCRIPTURE = All of it, not just a part of it. God has given us the Holy Bible, not the
half-holy Bible! See Proverbs 30:5-6;
John 17:17.
GOD-BREATHED = The Greek "theopneustos" (Strongs #G2315)
means "God-blown, divinely breathed."
This literally means the Bible is God-breathed. "The term "God-breathed" is a
powerful image that calls to mind the ships that plied the
The inspiration of
the Scriptures was commonly believed by the Jews and Christians of Paul's
time. The full teaching of Scripture
regarding inspiration indicates God inspired the very words of the Bible (see
Deuteronomy 5:5; 18:18-19; 1 Samuel 15:10; 2 Samuel 7:4; 2 Samuel 22:31; 1
Kings 13:9; 2 Kings 7:1; 1 Chronicles 22:8; 28:19; 2 Chronicles 11:2-4; 12:7;
Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5-6; Jeremiah 1:11, 13; 19:3; 36:27, 28; Ezekiel
20:47; Zechariah 4:6). Regardless of
whether the inspiration came verbally (2 Chronicles 11:2-4; 1 Corinthians 2:13;
Revelation 1:3; 2:1; 2:8; 2:12; 2:18; 3:1; 3:14; 17:17; 19:9, et cetera), or
was the result of a vision (Micah 1:1), or written by God's own finger (Exodus
20:1-17; 31:18), or was the result of inspired thoughts (1 Corinthians 7:12), the entire Bible is inspired by the Holy
Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and, according to Jesus, is absolute
"truth" (John 17:17). The
Bible further affirms it's inerrancy through the following texts: 2 Samuel
22:31; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:160; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:7;
Deuteronomy 32:4; Proverbs 30:5; Titus 1:2.
TEACHING = The Greek "didaskalia" (Strongs #G1319) means
"what is taught such as doctrine or precepts." In other words, Christians are not to teach
man's ideas, we are to teach the principles and doctrines of God's Word.
REBUKING = The Greek "elegchos" (Strongs #G1650) means
"to convict, persuade, refute."
CORRECTING = The Greek "epanorthosis" (Strongs #G1882)
means "to correct, set right, make straight."
TRAINING = The Greek "paideia" (Strongs #G3809) means
"discipline, chasten, correction, instruction of children."
CORRECTING and TRAINING = This deals primarily with practical
applications and life-styles. Training
"in righteousness" (Greek "dikaiosune" [Strongs #G1343])
means "what is consistent with God's own faithfulness and truthfulness;
what is right or just in itself; what conforms to the revealed will of
God" (Vines). Jehovah's Witnesses
heartily agree with this verse, but they neglect to read on and follow the next
verse (2 Timothy
2 Tim 3:17
THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED = The Bible is given to every Christian as the
Divinely inspired, all-sufficient tool for every good work (Isaiah
Jehovah's
Witnesses do not believe a "man of God" is fully competent and
equipped unless he belongs to the Watchtower and reads its books and
magazines. The Bible alone is not enough
for JWs. Christians also have Christian
magazines, books, concordances, Bible dictionaries and so on. But while Christians view this literature as
helpful and instructive, we do not believe we need these supplements in order
to understand the Gospel, to become reconciled to God, or to gain eternal
life. Christians believe that the study
of the Bible alone is sufficient to know God's will and receive a saving
relationship with Christ. But Jehovah's
Witnesses believe that one must have their organization's literature in order
to be saved: "People cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by
itself, but we see also that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies (JW study
guides) aside ... and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his
Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into
darkness. On the other hand, if he had
merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a
page of the Bible as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two
years" (The Watchtower, 9/15/1910, p. 298). "Unless we are in touch with this
channel of communication (Watchtower publications) that God is using, we will
not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we
do" (The Watchtower, 12/1/1981, p. 27).
"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively,
either alone or in small groups at home.
But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right
back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were
teaching 100 years ago ..." (The Watchtower, 8/15/1981, pp. 28-29). The Watchtower admits that JWs who begin
reading the Bible alone soon stop believing JW doctrines and return to the
doctrines taught by Christianity.
Therefore, we must ask, "Whose doctrines are truly based upon the
Bible?" Christianity leads its
members to the Bible, cults lead their members away from the Bible.
FOR EVERY GOOD WORK = The Bible is the textbook for living our
lives in harmony with God's will. From
the Old Testament alone, Jesus was able to successfully handle every
temptation, challenge, problem and need that came His way.
CHARGE = The Greek "diamarturomai" (Strongs #G1263) means
"to pledge or promise before witnesses." This sacred "charge" is given
before "God" and "Christ Jesus."
2 Tim 4:2
WITH GREAT PATIENCE = The five imperatives for the Christian are: (1)
preach the Word; (2) be prepared at all times; (3) correct; (4) rebuke; (5)
encourage. All of this is to be
accomplished "with great patience and careful instruction."
2 Tim 4:3
THE TIME WILL COME = A general statement, which in the context of 2
Timothy 4:5, simply means that young Timothy would face these issues in his
ministry. Some wrongly teach that this
is a prophetic statement concerning the end of the world. However, from the time of Christ onward, all
genuine Christians have had to work against the false teachers Paul describes
here.
NOT PUT UP WITH SOUND DOCTRINE = See note on 2 Timothy 3:7.
2 Tim 4:4
MYTHS = The Greek "muthos" (Strongs #G3454) means "a
tale, fable, myth, something fabricated in the mind which opposes
reality." Focusing one's life on
"myths" is a characteristic of insanity.
2 Tim 4:5
ENDURE HARDSHIP = Christianity is an endurance race, it is not a
sprint (2 Timothy 4:7)! Those who depend
upon emotional hype to stay in the race are in great spiritual danger.
2 Tim 4:6
DRINK OFFERING = The present tense of "already being poured
out" indicates that the decree for Paul's death was currently in
process. Also see Philippians 2:17.
MY DEPARTURE = This is the only place this word occurs in the New
Testament. The picture is that of a
soldier packing up his tent and moving on after completing his tour of
duty. As a Pharisee, Paul believed in
life after death (Acts 23:6-9), and his words here are consistent with the
Biblical teaching that the human soul/spirit transcends death. This does not contradict Paul's other inspired
teachings regarding the resurrection of dead bodies which are
"asleep" until Christ's coming: 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2, 8; 1
Thessalonians 4:16-17. For a similar
concept see 2 Peter 1:15.
2 Tim 4:7
FOUGHT ... FINISHED ... KEPT = All of these are acts of the will,
rather than emotions. Consistency of
Christian living comes from strong conviction, principled love, and the
appropriation of Christ's powerful grace -- not the emotional hype currently
demonstrated by popular television evangelists.
2 Tim 4:8
IN STORE FOR ME = Paul wrote the book of 2 Timothy around A.D.
67. He could confidently say at that
time that the judgment had already occurred for him. The "crown of righteousness" was
already stored up for him and he did not have to face the uncertainty of some
future judgment which might take away his crown. See note on 1 Timothy 5:24.
AWARD ME = Part of the reward that Jesus brings at His second
coming: Revelation 22:12, 14.
THAT DAY = Context indicates that this is the day of Christ's
second coming.
2 Tim 4:9
COME ... QUICKLY = Time was running out for Paul (2 Timothy 4:6,
21).
2 Tim 4:10
DEMAS = (DEE-MAS) One of Paul's co-workers who shared his hardships
and later abandoned Paul. Also see
Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24.
CRESCENS = (KRES-KENS) One of Paul's best friends whom he sent to
encourage the Galatians.
TITUS = A Greek that Paul converted. Titus was Paul's companion and
trouble-shooter. He was able to
straighten out the Corinthian church after Timothy had failed. Also see 2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14;
8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Galatians 2:1, 3; Titus 1:4.
2 Tim 4:11
LUKE = Physician and faithful companion of Paul; writer of the New
Testament books of Luke and Acts.
MARK = Author of the Gospel of Mark. His mother was Mary, and their home was the
location of the Upper Room where the disciples met after the resurrection of
Christ. Mark's uncle was Barnabas. Most church historians agree that Mark was
able to join Paul at
2 Tim 4:12
TYCHICUS = (TICK-EE-KUS) The name means "fortunate." He was a disciple and messenger for
Paul. Tradition says that he became a
leader of the church and later died as a martyr. Also see Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Titus
3:12.
2 Tim 4:13
CARPUS = Paul stayed in Carpus' home in
SCROLLS ... PARCHMENTS = As a highly educated scholar, Paul loved
his books. These writings would provide comfort
in the final days of his life when so many friends had left him.
"Timothy was
also to bring Paul's 'scrolls,' written documents probably made of papyrus.
Paul especially wanted his 'parchments,' i.e., scrolls or codices written on
animal skins. These may have been leather scrolls of Old Testament books."
-- NIVBC, Zondervan
2 Tim 4:14
ALEXANDER = Along with Hymenaeus later renounced Christianity and
were described as having "shipwrecked their faith" (1 Timothy
THE LORD WILL REPAY HIM = Two texts may have been in Paul's mind
when he wrote this: Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:26-27).
2 Tim 4:15
BE ON YOUR GUARD AGAINST HIM = These are the words of an
experienced pastor to his fledgling student.
2 Tim 4:16
DESERTED ME = See the note on 2 Timothy
MAY IT NOT BE HELD AGAINST THEM = Similar to Christ's words in Luke
2 Tim 4:17
I WAS DELIVERED FROM THE LION'S MOUTH = An allusion to Daniel
"When was
Paul 'delivered from the lion's mouth'? If we accept the reference to his first
imprisonment, the answer seems simple. But was he threatened to the extent
implied by this vivid figure? The only alternative would be that his first
trial had seemed to go well for him, with perhaps a temporary reprieve. The
'lion' would then be Nero. If so, it was this same emperor who later, according
to the unanimous tradition of the early church, condemned him and put him to
death." -- NIVBC, Zondervan
2 Tim 4:18
WILL BRING ME SAFELY TO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM = Paul had complete
assurance in the salvation given Him by Jesus Christ. One can readily
distinguish many false cults from Christianity by the simply fact that they
teach that salvation is conditional upon good works. Thus their members forever lack the assurance
taught by God's Word.
2 Tim 4:19
PRISCILLA = (PRIS-SILLA) Wife of
ONESIPHORUS = See note on 2 Timothy
2 Tim 4:20
ERASTUS = (E-RAS-TUS) a co-worker of Paul, later sent into
TROPHIMUS = (TRO-FI-MUS) a member of the Ephesian church who
traveled with Paul to
2 Tim 4:21
DO YOUR BEST TO GET HERE BEFORE WINTER = Another indication Paul's
execution was immanent (2 Timothy 4:6-9).
EUBULUS = (U-BUL-US) A Christian living in
PUDUENS = (PU-DENS) a popular name in
LINUS = (LI-NUS) Tradition states he was able to cast out demons;
would not permit women to worship in church without wearing veils; and that he
was finally martyred.
CLAUDIA = (CLAW-DIA) Probably the wife of Pudens and mother of
Linus. This family ministered to Paul
during his imprisonment at
2 Tim 4:22
WITH YOUR SPIRIT ... WITH YOU = The Greek "pneuma"
(Strongs #G4151) means "ghost, life, spirit, mind." Also see note on Acts 7:59; Luke 23:46. This is a clear Biblical distinction that the
"spirit" is separate from "you." The Bible teaches that the human spirit (or
soul) lives on after the body dies.
"The spirit
is that part that can live independently of the body." -- The Complete
Wordstudy Dictionary, New Testament, Zodhiates, AMG Publishers, pages
1180-1181.
"When used of
humans, spirit is associated with a wide range of functions including thinking
and understanding, emotions, attitudes, and intentions. Elihu told Job it was
spirit in a person ("ruach" [Strongs #H7307]), the breath of God,
which gave understanding (Job 32:8). When Jesus healed the paralytic, He
perceived in His "spirit" ("pneuma" [Strongs #G4151) that
the religious leaders present were questioning His forgiving the man's sins (Mark
2:8)." -- Holman Bible Dictionary on "spirit"
© Sydney
Cleveland 1990, 2000, 2005, 2006. All
rights reserved world wide.
Sydney
Cleveland, 172 Suncrest Drive, Greenwood, IN 46143 317 885-8122
Permission to use The Cleveland Bible Commentary in your personal
study is freely given, however this Commentary is not in the public
domain. The author retains all
copyrights © and ownership of this commentary, world wide. This means you cannot copy, revise, change,
republish, or distribute The Cleveland Bible Commentary in any way, including
electronically, except as provided here.
Nor may you use it in any manner other than for your own personal study,
except as stated here, without my written permission. You may quote from The Cleveland Bible
Commentary in materials used in your personal teaching at educational
institutions, including churches and Bible classes sponsored by your church, as
long as the quotation does not exceed twenty-five percent of the entire
Cleveland Bible Commentary verse notes on any single chapter. For example, this means if I comment on
twenty-four verses in Matthew chapter 19, you may directly quote my comments on
six verses of your choice in Matthew 19 without requesting permission.
When quoting, please include the following credit line:
“Quoted from The Cleveland Bible Commentary, by Syd Cleveland, located
at: http://www.christiancommunitychurch.us/ClevelandCommentary/Index.html. Thank you for being considerate in this
matter.
YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Syd@ChristianCommunityChurch.us
Back to Cleveland
Commentary's Home Page
Copyright © 1990, 1995, 2001, 2005, 2006
Sydney Cleveland