Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Timothy 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
17. the man of God ] As in 1Ti 6:11.
perfect ] In the sense in which, for example, Confirmation is sometimes said to make ‘a perfect Christian,’ i.e. one perfectly equipped and supplied with the full measure of gifts and graces through the Holy Spirit. The word for ‘perfect’ here occurs nowhere else in N.T. It is derived from an adverb meaning ‘exactly,’ and so occurs in Homer, Il. xiv. 92, of speaking ‘exactly to the purpose,’ in Theophrastus H. P. 2. 5. 5, of being ‘full-grown.’ Complete, then, as R.V. renders, is more correct than A.V. So when the word is compounded with hand, foot, mind, we get ‘perfect of hand,’ ‘of feet,’ ‘sound of mind,’ &c.
throughly furnished ] The perfect participle again expressing the resulting and abiding state; the verb is from the same root as the adjective; hence R.V. rightly preserves the play upon the words by rendering furnished completely. It only occurs again in Act 21:5, ‘we had accomplished,’ completely finished, the days. Another compound occurs Luk 6:40, ‘Every one, when he is perfected, shall be as his master.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
That the man of God may be perfect – The object is not merely to convince and to convert him; it is to furnish all the instruction needful for his entire perfection. The idea here is, not that any one is absolutely perfect, but that the Scriptures have laid down the way which leads to perfection, and that, if any one were perfect, he would find in the Scriptures all the instruction which he needed in those circumstances. There is no deficiency in the Bible for man, in any of the situations in which he may be placed in life; and the whole tendency of the book is to make him who will put himself fairly under its instructions, absolutely perfect.
Thoroughly furnished unto all good works – Margin, perfected. The Greek means, to bring to an end; to make complete. The idea is, that whatever good work the man of God desires to perform, or however perfect he aims to be, he will find no deficiency in the Scriptures, but will find there the most ample instructions that he needs. He can never advance so far, as to become forsaken of his guide. He can never make such progress, as to have gone in advance of the volume of revealed truth, and to be thrown upon his own resources in a region which was not thought of by the Author of the Bible. No new phase of human affairs can appear in which it will not direct him; no new plan of benevolence can be started, for which he will not find principles there to guide him; and he can make no progress in knowledge or holiness, where he will not feel that his holy counsellor is in advance of him still, and that it is capable of conducting him even yet into higher and purer regions. Let us, then, study and prize the Bible. It is a holy and a safe guide. It has conducted millions along the dark and dangerous way of life, and has never led one astray. The human mind, in its investigations of truth, has never gone beyond its teachings; nor has man ever advanced into a region so bright that its light has become dim, or where it has not thrown its beams of glory on still far distant objects. We are often in circumstances in which we feel that we have reached the outer limit of what man can teach us; but we never get into such circumstance in regard to the Word of God.
How precious is the book divine,
By, inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine.
To guide our souls to heaven.
It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts.
In this dark vale of tears:
Life, light, and joy, it still imparts,
And quells our rising fears.
This lamp, through all the tedious night.
Of life, shall guide our way;
Till we behold the clearer light.
Of an eternal day.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 17. That the man of God] The preacher of righteousness, the minister of the Gospel, the person who derives his commission from God, and always appears as his herald and servant.
May be perfect] . From , to fit or adapt. It properly signifies an integer or whole number in arithmetic, to which nothing needs to be added to make it complete.
Throughly furnished] . From , intensive, and , complete; see above. Not only complete in himself as to his integrity, religious knowledge, faith in Jesus, and love to God and man, but that he should have all those qualifications which are necessary to complete the character, and insure the success of a preacher, of the Gospel. Timothy was to teach, reprove, correct, and instruct others; and was to be to them a pattern of good works.
From what the apostle says here concerning the qualifications of a Christian minister, we may well exclaim: Who is capable of these things? Is it such a person as has not intellect sufficient for a common trade or calling? No. A preacher of the Gospel should be a man of the soundest sense, the most cultivated mind, the most extensive experience, one who is deeply taught of God, and who has deeply studied man; one who has prayed much, read much, and studied much; one who takes up his work as from God, does it as before God, and refers all to the glory of God; one who abides under the inspiration of the Almighty, and who has hidden the word of God in his heart, that he might not sin against him. No minister formed by man can ever be such as is required here. The school of Christ, and that alone, can ever form such a preacher.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That the man of God may be perfect; that both ministers and all godly men may be as perfect as they can be in the state of mortality, fitted for the duties of their several callings and places.
Throughly furnished unto all good works; and be prepared to every work which is good, acceptable and well-pleasing unto God, whether it be a work of piety, or justice and charity. The Scripture, as to all, is so full a direction, that Christians need not go down to the Philistines to whet their tools, nor be beholden to unwritten traditions, or to the writings of pagan philosophers, for directions what to do, how to worship God, or manage any part of their conversation, either as to their general calling, or as to their particular relations.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
17. man of God(See on 1Ti6:11).
perfect, throughlyfurnishedGreek, “thoroughly perfected,” andso “perfect.” The man of God is perfectly accoutred out ofScripture for his work, whether he be a minister (compare 2Ti 4:2;2Ti 3:16) or a spiritual layman.No oral tradition is needed to be added.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
That the man of God may be perfect,…. By the man of God may be meant everyone that in a special relation belongs to God; who is chosen by God the Father, redeemed by the Son, and called by the Spirit; but more especially a minister of the Gospel; for as it was usual to call a prophet under the Old Testament by this name, it seems to be transferred from thence to a minister of the New Testament, see 1Ti 6:11 and the design of the Scriptures and the end of writing them are, that both preachers of the word, and hearers of it, might have a perfect knowledge of the will of God; that the former might be a complete minister of the Gospel, and that nothing might be wanting for the information of the latter:
thoroughly furnished unto all good works, or “every good work”; particularly to the work of the ministry, which is a good one; and to every part and branch of it, a thorough furniture for which lies in the holy Scriptures; from whence, as scribes well instructed in the kingdom of heaven, do Gospel ministers bring forth things new and old, both for delight and profit: though this may be also applied to all good works in common, which the Scriptures point unto, give directions about, as well as show where strength is to be had to perform them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The man of God ( ). See 1Ti 6:11.
May be complete ( ). Final clause with and present subjunctive of . is old word (from root , to fit), specially adapted, here only in N.T.
Furnished completely (). Perfect passive participle of , rare verb, to furnish (fit) fully (perfective use of ), in N.T. only here and Ac 21:5. In Josephus. For , see Luke 6:40; 2Cor 13:11.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Perfect [] . N. T. o. LXX Rev. complete; but the idea is rather that of mutual, symmetrical adjustment of all that goes to make the man : harmonious combination of different qualities and powers. Comp. katartisiv perfecting, 2Co 13:9 : katartismov perfecting (as accomplished), Eph 4:12 : katartisai make perfect or bring into complete adjustment, Heb 13:21.
Thoroughly furnished [] . The same root as artiov. It fills out the idea artiov; fitted out. Only here and Act 11:5 (note). o Class.
Unto all good works [ ] . More correctly, every good work. Any writing which can produce such profitable results vindicates itself as inspired of God. It is to be noted that the test of the divine inspiration of Scripture is here placed in its practical usefulness.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “That the man of God may be perfect” (hina artios e ho tou theou anthropos) “in order that the man of God may be fitted (fully equipped);” The term “man of God” used here primarily means the minister of the gospel, yet so true for laymen, 2Ti 2:15.
2) “Thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (pros pan ergon agathon eksertismenos) “For every (kind of) good work having been adequately furnished,” with information, motive, and zeal necessary for every kind of good work, 1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21; Tit 2:11-15.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
17 That the man of God may be perfect. Perfect means here a blameless person, one in whom there is nothing defective; for he asserts absolutely, that the Scripture is sufficient for perfection. Accordingly, he who is not satisfied with Scripture desires to be wiser than is either proper or desirable.
But here an objection arises. Seeing that Paul speaks of the Scriptures, which is the name given to the Old Testament, how does he say that it makes a man thoroughly perfect? for, if it be so, what was afterwards added by the apostles may be thought superfluous. I reply, so far as relates to the substance, nothing has been added; for the writings of the apostles contain nothing else than a simple and natural explanation of the Law and the Prophets, together with a manifestation of the things expressed in them. This eulogium, therefore, is not inappropriately bestowed on the Scriptures by Paul; and, seeing that its instruction is now rendered more full and clear by the addition of the Gospel, what can be said but that we ought assuredly to hope that the usefulness, of which Paul speaks, will be much more displayed, if we are willing to make trial and receive it?
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.The man of God here is no official designation, but simply designates the Christian generally, who is striving, with his Masters help, to live a life pleasing to God; and the good works have no special reference to the labours of Timothy and his brother presbyters, but include all those generous and self-sacrificing acts to which, in these Epistles, so many references have been made.
It was in the Holy Scriptures that the true servant of the Lord, the man of God, would find defined with clearness and precision the nature of those works the Holy Spirit was pleased to call good.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
17. Man of God The Christian minister. Huther objects that Paul does not here prescribe Scripture as an instrument to use in morally forming others, but in forming one’s self. Very true. But it is for forming one’s self to be a perfect former of others. Yet while addressed to Timothy as pastor in Ephesus, it implies inclusively every man who is zealous unto all good works.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.’
And the result is that the man of God (a description used of the prophets in the Old Testament, and having in mind therefore Spirit inspired men) who fully responds to the Scriptures and what is written in them, will become a complete servant of God, completely furnished to every good work. The Scriptures are basically all that he requires in order to be furnished with the truth. Thus through careful study of the Scriptures the purpose of 2Ti 2:19-21, to be ‘prepared unto every good work’ will have been accomplished. It is not enough just to be purged from false teaching, we must be grounded in the truth. Note here the interesting point that it is not enough just to be Spirit inspired (a man of God). If such a man is to be seen as teaching the truth he must do so according to the Scriptures.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Ti 3:17. That the man of God may be perfect, “That the furniture of the man of God may be complete, and that he may be thoroughly fitted for every good work which his holy calling may require.”
Inferences.Must we not, on the survey of this chapter, in comparison with what we every day behold in life, cry out, “Verily, these are the last days?” They are assuredly times of difficulty and peril. Self-love, pride, ingratitude, treachery, intemperance, insolence, the contempt of all authority, human and divine, each, all of these characters may too plainly declare it: but none with more striking evidence than the excessive love of pleasure, on which so many are doting to destruction, while every consideration, both of religion and of prudence, falls at the shrine of this favourite idol. Men are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, more than lovers of their families, yea, though self-interest be in many instances so scandalously pursued, yet more than lovers of themselves; and when they have sacrificed every thing else to their gain, they sacrifice even that gain to luxury. And would to God there were none such, even among those that retain the form of godliness, which so many indeed have scornfully cast off. But O! how vain the form, where the power of it is thus denied! And how peculiarly scandalous are these characters in those who call themselves teachers of religion! Yet to such they are here originally applied; and their race is not yet extinct.
Blessed be God, there are those yet remaining who are the happy reverse of these; ministers, who can appeal to the consciences of men, as to their doctrine, their conversation, their resolution, their fidelity, their gentleness, their charity, and their patience. Happy are they, how ill soever they may be treated in the world! Happy would they be, though exposed to all the terrors of persecution which the apostles and their first followers endured! but we are all warned to prepare for some degree of it; and indeed who can wonder if, amid so many evils, they who will not go on with the multitude, should sometimes be rudely pressed by them; and it may be, in some instances, cast down and trampled under foot. But be it so; though cast down, they shall not be destroyed: (2Co 4:9.) A little time will balance all. An hour of eternity will more than balance it. Let us guard against the deceits by which so many suffer. Let us guard, above all, against those deceits which men practise upon themselves, and whereby they hurt themselves infinitely more than all their fraud or violence can hurt any who are not accessary to their own undoing.
REFLECTIONS.1st, The apostle apprizes Timothy of the dangerous days which were hastening on. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come, when sad corruptions, creeping into the church, shall make it difficult to preserve a pure conscience. For men shall be lovers of their ownselves, wholly devoted to the pursuits of their worldly honour and interests; covetous, insatiate after filthy lucre; proud, and vain-glorious boasters; blasphemers of God and man; disobedient to parents; unthankful to their benefactors; unholy in heart and conversation; without natural affection, which appears even in brutes; truce breakers, perfidious to the most solemn engagements; false accusers, like devils incarnate, blackening, with every opprobrious calumny, their opponents; incontinent, indulging every bestial appetite; fierce and furious in their tempers; despisers of those that are good, and treating men, far their betters, with contempt; traitors, false to their trusts, betraying their nearest friends; heady, driving furiously in their wicked courses, impatient of controul; high minded, puffed up with a vain conceit of their own superiority; lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; and what is the aggravation of all their other abominations, in making great pretensions to piety, having a form of godliness and affecting rigid attachment to the externals of worship, but denying the power thereof, real enemies to vital religion: from such turn away, and shun them as the plague.
These corruptions began in the Gnostick’s, who in the apostle’s days appeared; and the perilous times advanced to their height, when the Roman pontiffs, after a train of diabolical practices, raised their blasphemous hierarchy, and consecrated their abominations. And to the papal apostacy are all these characters strikingly applicable.
2nd, The apostle proceeds,
1. To point out the artful and pernicious practices of the seducers. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, with every wheedling art, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, imposing upon them with flattering speeches, and gaining them to their party, ever learning of these vain teachers, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, but bewildered in the endless mazes of error. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, setting up their pretended miracles in opposition to his divine commission, so do these also resist the truth of the gospelmen of like corrupt minds as these Egyptian sorcerers, reprobate concerning the faith, rejected and abhorred of God.
2. He foretells that all their efforts should be impotent. But they shall proceed no further than the magicians did, nor be able essentially and finally to deceive the faithful saints of God; for an effectual check shall be given to them, and their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was; and all their lying miracles shall be detected. Note; Error may, for a time, prevail; but truth shall finally be triumphant.
3rdly, Nothing could better serve to guard Timothy against these seducers, than the striking contrast between their conduct and that of the blessed Paul.
1. He reminds him of what he had seen. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, and the uniform tenor of my preaching; my exemplary manner of life, steady purpose to advance God’s glory and the good of men’s souls, unshaken faith, fervent charity, unwearied patience amid the many and grievous persecutions, afflictions which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra: what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. With such an example Timothy should be animated to fidelity, and might surely expect the same supports and deliverances.
2. He informs him that suffering must be more or less every Christian’s lot, and especially in those times. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, of one kind or other, from mockery to martyrdom. There is indeed a godliness in form that the world speaks well of; but to be godly in Christ Jesus, in spirit and temper conformed to him, will ever render us abhorred of a world that lieth in wickedness.
3. He predicts the fatal end of these deceivers. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, hurried on from one excess of wickedness to another, deceiving and being deceived, till, having filled up the measure of their iniquities, they perish with the arch-deceiver in everlasting burnings.
4thly, As he would be exposed to great temptations, the apostle exhorts him to cleave to the Scriptures, as the only infallible guide to truth.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, the pure and unadulterated doctrines of the gospel, which on the most satisfying evidence thou hast believed, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, even from me, divinely commissioned from the great Redeemer: and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, early initiated in these sacred records, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus, who is the sum and substance of the whole, and to whom both the law and the prophets bear witness. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, both the Old and New Testament have the same divine original; and is profitable for doctrine, no doctrine demanding our credence and submission, but what can be clearly proved from thence; for reproof of errors, heresies, and all manner of evil; for correction of whatever is found amiss in the church; for instruction in righteousness, how holiness can be obtained, and how we can be enabled so to walk as to please God: that the man of God, the true believer, may be perfect, throughly instructed in all the mind of God, and furnished unto all good works, whether as a Christian for those of his station, or as a minister for the arduous service in which he is engaged. Note; (1.) Parents should betimes endeavour to lead their children to the Bible. (2.) All the volumes of mere human learning can never teach us so much wisdom as one page, one line of the book of God; after all these labours we must have been left to perish in ignorance; but in the oracles of truth, life and immortality are brought to light, and the poorest and most unlettered saint of God is wiser, in the things which make for his everlasting peace, than the deepest metaphysician, or the most profound philosopher. (3.) All scripture is of divine authority, therefore on God’s testimony to be received with faith. Our wisdom, where any thing mysterious is revealed, is, not to reason, but to believe. (4.) The book of God is the Christian’s great magazine; he can be in no state and condition, but he will there find direction, instruction, reproof, or comfort, exactly suited to his circumstances.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ti 3:17 . declares the purpose which Scripture is to serve.
] (literally, “adapted”) is a . ., equivalent to , Col 1:28 , “perfect;” according to Hofmann: “in suitable condition,” which, however, agrees with the notion of perfection.
] is mostly understood by expositors to denote those entrusted with the office of evangelist, and is referred specially to Timothy. The latter point is clearly wrong, since 2Ti 3:16 is general in sense; the apostle speaks here not of Timothy only, but of every one who is an . . . Even although Timothy is so named in 1Ti 6:11 with reference to his office, it does not follow that here, where the thought is quite general, it is a name for the office; every believing Christian by his relation to God (van Oosterzee: “he who by the Holy Spirit is born of God and is related to God”) may receive the same name.
] a more precise definition of .
. . is also, for the most part, understood to have an official reference. Bengel: genera talium operum enumerantur 2Ti 3:16 ; nam homo Dei debet docere, convincere, corrigere, instituere 2Ti 4:2 . But this is wrong; it is rather to be taken quite generally (Wiesinger, van Oosterzee; de Wette differs). 2Ti 3:16 does not tell for what purpose Scripture may be used with others, but what is its influence on one who occupies himself with it; and though 2Ti 4:2 does deal with Timothy’s official work, that does not prove that . . is only to be limited to this special thought.
] equipped , Luther: “skilled.”
The same word occurs in Act 21:5 , but in another connection (see Meyer on the passage); corresponding to it we find in Luk 6:40 and other passages.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
REFLECTIONS
READER! while the Apostle is thus speaking to the Church, of the perilous times that should come, may we not say with John: Little Children, it is the last time. And as we have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that, it is the last time. But, Reader! who can hear what the beloved Apostle hath added to this solemn scripture, without the most painful concern? They went out from us, but they were not of us! It is distressing enough to be told by the Spirit in prophecy, that the Church shall be assaulted by heresies, in the latter day dispensation; and that we are of those latter ages in which those heresies appear, but to be told, that even in the Churches, where the truth as it is in Jesus is professed, men shall arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them; these are trembling dispensations indeed. But, Reader! do not overlook the security of the faithful. That unction from the Holy One, which all truly regenerated children of God in Christ possess, teacheth all things, and will keep the Lord’s people; and the wicked one shall touch them not. This is our promise. And blessed promise it is, in this present evil day.
And shall not you and I bless God the Spirit both for the information, and the means of security? Do we not behold in this chapter, sufficient marks of character, for discerning the signs of the times, to judge faithful servants of the Lord, from time-pleasers? Where we behold men lovers of their ownselves, proud, boasters, and the like; and a leanness of soul among the people, who are content with the form of godliness, but deny, and are ignorant of the power thereof: and when we contrast such a state, with that which Paul describes of himself, (and which more or less must distinguish all like Paul), whose doctrine and manner of life cannot but beget hatred, evil speaking and persecution; from all Pharisees, and mere nominal Professors of religion; are not the different characters as clearly defined, as if drawn by a sun-beam? Blessed be God the Holy Ghost, for his gracious foretelling of those perilous times; and for his divine teaching of his people to try the spirits, and to discern them. Reader! let us be waiting at wisdom’s gate, in these awful days of heresy. And let us behold and see, how evil men, and seducers, among Pharisees, and mere Professors, wax worse and worse; more wretched, more lean of soul, deceiving men like themselves, not God’s people, and being themselves deceived. And let those holy scriptures of our God, which are profitable for all things to the man of God, be daily in our hand, while God the Spirit is instructing our heart; that we may be found of that happy number, made strong by grace, in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Ver. 17. That the man of God ] The minister, and so consequently the people too, for whose use the minister hath all. This is observed of them, that still the scholar goes one step farther than the teacher.
May be perfect ] ( omnibus numeris absotutus ), with a perfection of parts, able and apt to make use of the Holy Scriptures to all the former purposes, for the behoof or benefit of his hearers. The authority of the Fathers, saith a grave and learned divine, I never urge for necessity of proof (the Scripture is thereto all-sufficient and superabundant), but only either in some singular points to show consent; or, 2. In our controversies against anti-christians, anti-nomists, Neopelagians; or, 3. When some honest passage of sanctification or seasonable opposition to the corruption of the times is falsely charged with novelty, singularity, and too much preciseness. (Mr Bolton’s Four Last Things.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ti 3:17 . : perfectus, completely equipped for his work as a Man of God. would have reference to his performance of it.
: See on 1Ti 6:11 . The Man of God has here a primary reference to the minister of the Gospel.
, . . .: see 2Ti 2:21 ; and, for this use of , 1Pe 3:15 , 2Co 2:16 ; 2Co 10:4 , Eph 4:29 , Heb 5:14 and on , Moulton and Milligan, Expositor , vii., vii. 285.
Cf. the use of , Luk 6:40 , 2Co 13:11 , Heb 13:21 , 1Pe 5:10 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
That = In order that. Greek. hina.
the man of God. See App-49.
God. App-98.
perfect = fitted. Greek. artios. Only here. App-126.
throughly furnished = equipped. See Act 21:5. App-126.
unto. App-104.
all. works = every work.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
2Ti 3:17. may be perfect) in his duty.- , the man of God) 1Ti 6:11, note.- , for every good work) These kinds of such works are enumerated, 2Ti 3:16. For the man of God ought to teach, reprove, correct, train or instruct; comp. 2Ti 4:2.-, thoroughly fitted or perfected [furnished]) by Scripture. He ought , to be thoroughly perfected, then he will be , perfect. To become and to be differ.
—–
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Ti 3:17
that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.-The teachings of Jesus and the apostles, in connection with examples, teachings, and the warnings of the Old Testament Scriptures, are sufficient to make the man of God perfect-perfect him in the knowledge of Gods will as revealed through Jesus Christ. Man should not treat the New Testament requirements in a way he does not find authority for treating them in the Old Testament. As God punished for disobeying, rejecting, turning aside, adding to or going beyond the requirements of the Old Testament, so he will punish for a similar course toward the requirements of the New Testament. As he blessed for faithful and trusting obedience to the Old Testament, so he will bless for faithful requirements of the New Testament.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
perfect
complete. (See Scofield “Mat 5:48”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
the man: Psa 119:98-100, 1Ti 6:11
thoroughly furnished: or, perfected, 2Ti 2:21, Neh 2:18, Act 9:36, 2Co 9:8, Eph 2:10, Tit 2:14, Tit 3:1, Heb 10:24
Reciprocal: Deu 4:8 – General Deu 33:1 – the man Jos 14:6 – the man 2Ch 25:7 – a man of God Neh 12:24 – the man Job 36:4 – perfect Psa 102:18 – This Jer 35:4 – a man Mat 13:52 – scribe Mar 14:6 – a good Act 20:20 – profitable Rom 4:23 – General Rom 12:2 – good Rom 15:4 – whatsoever 2Co 13:9 – even Phi 3:15 – as 1Ti 5:10 – good 2Ti 3:10 – my Jam 1:4 – perfect and
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ti 3:17. Man of God. This phrase is used of the evangelist in 1Ti 6:11, and I wish the reader would turn back and see the comments at that place, for they include a reference to our present passage. Man is from ANTHROPOS, and the universal meaning as given in Thayer’s lexicon is, “A human being, whether male or female.” Any human being, therefore, who has given himself to God may truly take the phrase underscored. It is expected that a servant of God will work for Him, and to do so lie needs the kind of equipment that is adapted to the work that his Master will approve. The inspired scriptures will provide such an equipment, making him perfect which is another word for “complete.” With the word of God, a Christian has the complete outfit necessary in his service for the Lord. The rest of the verse is along the line of emphasis, specifying what Paul means by being perfect. Thoroughly furnished means completely prepared unto all good works. It is evident, then, that if a man attempts or desires to do something in his religious life for which the scriptures do not furnish the authority and instruction, lie is seeking to be active in something that is not a good work.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Ti 3:17. That the man of God. This, in technical language, is the final cause of the inspiration of Scripture
the reason why God has thus made it profitable. The man of God is used here, as before in 1Ti 6:11, as a half official term, as in 1Ki 13:1, 2Ki 6:6; 2Ki 6:9, to indicate the work of Timothy as a prophet and evangelist.
Perfect. In the sense of being complete at all points. The participle thoroughly furnished is in the Greek formed from the same root, so that the effect answers to that of the English, that the man of God may be complete, completely equipped. The explanation which has been given of this verse refers it primarily to the work of Scripture in fitting the minister of Christ, such as was Timothy, for his appointed work. But it is obvious that the work is not limited to this, and that this is the end for which Scripture was given in relation to each individual soul. It is obvious that St. Paul refers chiefly, many would say exclusively, to the Scriptures of the Old Testament; and it may well be believed that he had no thought at the time that this letter of personal counsel and strong emotion would come under the category of the Scripture of which he thus speaks. We need not, however, limit the word to this meaning. Other writings or Scriptures were beginning to be known as such, records of the Gospel history (1Ti 5:18), records of prophetic utterances (Rom 16:26; 2Pe 1:20), some of St. Pauls own Epistles (2Pe 3:16). The fact that the word had gained this wider range explains St. Pauls addition of the qualifying adjective, not every Scripture absolutely, but every God-inspired Scripture, as though giving a test by which that inspiration might be recognised.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
This is the purpose of the Word – the proper preparation of the man of God – preparing him for the GOOD WORKS that His God expects of him.
Good works has fallen into the category of bad words in recent years within many churches. Works are not the in thing for the run of the mill believer – he does that at his job and he comes to church to be fed and nurtured – or so goes the logic of things.
God through Paul says the Word is to prepare the believer for proper living and good works – not in the great bye and bye, but now and right now! All believers should produce good works.
I might add that good works don’t necessarily need to be within the pastors control nor within the church, but some of the good works should benefit the church in some manner.
I might also add that church leadership should get to know their people well enough so that they know if there are good works or not in a persons life. If not there should be encouragement toward them, if there are then encouragement in them would be quite appropriate.
Many a pastor assumes that if a person is not active in the good works they want them active in that they are not doing anything.
The Holy Spirit is capable of leading the individual priest into those areas of works that He wants them in without the pastors intermediary activities. Not to say that the pastor is not to seek works from his people as he feels lead – just that if he is turned down by someone, he should not judge the turn down to be laziness on the part of the parishioner.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
3:17 That the {e} man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(e) The Prophets and expounders of God’s will are properly and distinctly called, men of God.