Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2. the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses ] ‘Of’ in the sense of from as in 2Ti 1:13; ‘ among,’ i.e. ‘in the presence of according to the well-known use of the same preposition in Gal 3:19 ‘(the law) ordained through angels,’ i.e. ‘in the presence of,’ ‘amid the pomp of.’ Cf. Winer iii. 47 i., ‘intervenientibus multis testibus.’ We are most probably to understand the presbyters who assisted at Timothy’s ordination. See 1Ti 4:14; and note the similar form of the statement there ‘amid the pomp of prophesying’ with the similar use of the preposition.
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able ] Lit., ‘who are of such a class that they will be able,’ as 1Ti 1:4, &c. St Clement of Rome, St Paul’s contemporary, thus further defines the rule of this apostolic succession, ad Cor. c. 44. ‘The Apostles appointed the above-named priests and deacons, permanence being afterwards given by them to the office in order that oh the death of the first-appointed other reputed men should succeed to their ministry. Those then who were appointed either directly by the Apostles or in the second generation by other approved heads with the consent of the whole Church we do not think can be rightly ejected from office.’ See Lightfoot’s emended text, p. 136.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And the things which thou hast heard of me among many witnesses – Margin, by. Before, or in the presence of, many witnesses. Perhaps he refers to a solemn charge which he gave him, in the presence of the church, when he was ordained. It is by no means improbable that such a charge was given then to a newly ordained minister, as it is now. On such an occasion, the apostle would be likely to state a summary of Christian doctrine, – (compare the notes at 2Ti 1:13), – and to exhort Timothy to a faithful adherence to it.
The same commit thou to faithful men – In the same way as those things have been committed to you. The reference is undoubtedly to ordination to the ministerial office. Timothy was to see that those only were admitted to the ministry who were qualified to understand the truths of religion, and to communicate them to others. This is a clear warrant for ministers to set apart others to the same sacred office. It does not prove that the people are not at liberty to choose their own pastor, but only that those in the ministry are to set apart others to the same office with themselves. There is, doubtless, to be a succession of ministers in the church; but the true line of the succession is to be found in good men who are qualified to teach, and who have the spirit of Christ, and not merely in those who have been ordained.
Who shall be able to teach others also – On the qualifications of ministers, see the notes at 1Ti 3:2-7.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Ti 2:2
The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses commit to faithful men, able to teach others also.
How the Church is to be continued
I. CARE IS TO BE HAD THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE CONTINUED. Art thou a ruler in Christendom, like Jehosaphat? Send Levites into the dark corners of the land. Rich? Found colleges, relieve the sons of the prophets, and repair the decayed walls of Jerusalem. Hast thou children? Nurse them up in the fear of God, teach them the principles in the holy letters, and, with Hannah, dedicate thy firstborn to the Lord. If thou be poor, yet pray for Jerusalem.
II. By the Word preached the Church is continued.
III. The more witnesses, the greater encouragement to well-doing.
IV. All ministers are to teach the same things. AS there is but one true God, one Saviour, Redeemer, Faith, Love, etc., so but one law, gospel, doctrine, baptism, which is to be preached for their glory and our salvation. Thrash thy corn out of Gods barn, beat it forth of the apostolical rick of the holy letters; bring thy grain into the market of the Church, which prophetical spirits have in former ages set to sale; and it shall feed thee and thine to life eternal, for be thou assured that the soundest testimony is this, that the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
V. Ministers must be faithful. And this faithfulness is in–
1. Doctrine.
2. Life.
Thou hast known, saith Paul to Timotheus, my doctrine, manner of living. To be faithful in doctrine, the matter what, and the manner how, to be delivered are both to be regarded. For matter, it must be what we have received from the Lord. For the manner, a double condition is to be observed. First, that the word of truth be divided aright; each person have his portion, according to his spiritual estate and disposition. And secondly, the doctrine must be intelligible, else how should the people be edified? Now, as faithfulness in doctrine, so in life is required of a minister. What they preach they are to practice, for the vulgar sort be more led by examples than rules, patterns than precepts. Should ministers be faithful? Then let such as have in their power ordination, and induction, lay hands rashly on no man; make choice of faithful, able persons.
VI. Ability to teach is necessary for a minister.
1. Some knowledge of the tongues and arts is necessary. For as the form lieth closely couched in the matter, the kernel in the shell, so doth the truth in the several languages.
2. To be an able man requires a sound memory. For the truth being invented, orderly disposed, is then firmly to be retained.
3. A door of utterance is also necessary. When we have invented, judged, and methodically disposed of Divine truths, then we must clothe them with the garment of apt words.
4. And to omit many; an able minister must have his whole carriage in the delivery of his doctrine, suitable and correspondent to it. His countenance, elevation, pronunciation, gesture, and action, are to vary and be altered as the matter in handling requireth. And let all men make mention of them in their prayers.
VII. The same truth shall be continued unto the end of the world. For Christ received it from the Father, the Holy Ghost from Christ, the apostles from Him, faithful men from them; and so by a successive communication it shall continue for ever. As one sun shall enlighten the world, so one gospel the minds of men, until Jesus returns to judge all the posterity of Adam. (J. Barlow, D. D.)
Able teachers
The apprentice, who has just entered the blacksmiths shop, may wear a leathern apron, and blacken his hands and face, but though he may try to make other boys think he is a blacksmith, everybody knows that it requires years of hard labour to make him an able workman; and even after an apprenticeship, some men are but very poor hands at their trade. So, the having ones name entered as a certified instructor does not certify that a man is an able teacher. Is not goodness higher than arithmetic, and is not virtue nobler than grammar? Is it not a glorious position to be a teacher of little children? A certain philosopher was often talking about the garden in which he studied and recreated, and one day a friend calling to see it, was surprised to find it consisted of only a few square yards. The friend said, Why this is a very small place; it is only a few strides across! The philosopher replied, Small! Ah, you only look at the ground; but if you look up, you will see that it reaches to the sky! So it is with a little child. It may be small; you have power to break its back across your knee, as well as break its heart; but in this little child there is a pathway to the heart of God, and angels walk therein. Lord Beaconsfield said of Greece, Let it be patient; it has a great future; so I say that you must be patient with every child, for it has a great future. Let us be gentle in the teaching of little children. Do you know how barbarous men teach bears to dance? Let me tell you. They play a flute, and put the bear on a hot iron. Do not let us teach children as if they were hears. Children have to be trained. You know how a crooked plant is trained. It is held in its place by a soft band that will not hurt it, until it grows in the right direction. So children should be trained in mind and body, gently yet firmly, to be good and strong. No two children are alike either in body or mind, and individual peculiarities must be studied and accommodated. We should, one and all, become teachers of children by our example, which is far more powerful than precept; and we should take care that our faults do not turn them against the religion we profess. (W. Birch.)
A faithful custodian
The grand battlefield of Drumclog is where the hardy, faithful Covenanters routed the cruel Claverhouse. I have stood upon that battlefield and looked upon a schoolhouse erected there by a Scotchman, though there was not a house to be seen near it, because he wanted the faith and the zeal of his forefathers to dwell in those that might come afterwards. I went, after looking at that field, into the house of a poor weaver. I heard he had a relic of the great fight in his possession, and I thought I should like to purchase it. He unfurled a flag that had been held by his forefathers on the great day of the fight, and on that flag were these words, God and our sworn covenant. I asked him if he would sell the flag. I will never sell the flag, said he, except with my own life. I hold it as an heirloom, and, however poor I may be, I will hand it down to my children; and I hope they will hand it down to their children. The incident reminds us that Christians carry a banner, and are pledged by their covenant relationship to Christ to seek the salvation of sinners, and thus be true to the memory of those who preceded them in the holy warfare. (A. McAulay.)
The undying energy of truth
Sir Bernard Burke thus touchingly writes in his Vicissitudes of Families: In 1850 a pedigree-research caused me to pay a visit to the village of Fyndern, about five miles south-west of Derby. I sought for the ancient hall. Not a stone remained to tell where it had stood! I entered the church. Not a single record of a Finderne was there! I accosted a villager, hoping to glean some stray traditions of the Findernes. Findernes! said he, we have no Findernes here, but we have something that once belonged to them: we have Findernes flowers. Shew them me, I replied, and the old man led me into a field which still retained faint traces of terraces and foundations. There, said he, pointing to a bank of garden flowers grown wild, there are the Findernes flowers, brought by Sir Geoffrey from the Holy Land, and, do what we will, they will never die! So be it with each of us. Should our names perish, may the truths we taught, the virtues we cultivated, the good works we initiated, live on and blossom with undying energy. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Setting others to work
Nasmyth says that when he introduced his great steam-hammer, it not only itself produced marvellous results, but its active rhythmic sound, by some sympathetic agency, quickened the strokes of every hammer, chisel, and file in his workmens hands, and nearly doubled the output of work. And is not ibis true of some noble workers whom we could name? More than half Mr. Moodys power consists in his capacity of setting other people to work by his own earnestness. (W. Fullerton.)
The genius of the true teacher
Speaking of art training, Mr. Ruskin says: Until a man has passed through a course of academy studentship, and can draw in an improved manner with French chalk, and knows foreshortening and perspective, and something of anatomy, we do not think he can possibly be an artist. What is worse, we are very apt to think that we can make him an artist by teaching him anatomy, and how to draw with French chalk; whereas the real gift in him is utterly independent of all such accomplishments. So the highest powers of the teacher or preacher, the power of interpreting the Scriptures with spiritual insight, of moving the hearers to camest worship and decision, may exist with or without the culture of the schools. Learned Pharisees are impotent failures compared with a rough fisherman Peter anointed with the Holy Ghost. Inspiration is more than education. (H. O. Mackey.)
The worth of colleges
The great importance of the work none m our educational institutions for young ministers was never more strikingly emphasised than by the missionary Judson, who said, as he was approaching Madison University, If I had a thousand dollars, do you know what I would do with it? The person asked supposed he would invest it in Foreign Missions. I would put it into such institutions as that, he said, pointing to the college buildings. Planting colleges, and filling them with studious young men, is planting seed corn for the world.
An ignorant preacher
Of the late Bishop Ames the following anecdote is told. While presiding over a certain conference in the West, a member began a tirade against the universities and education, thanking God that he had never been corrupted by contact with a college. After proceeding thus far for a few minutes, the bishop interrupted with the question, Do I understand that the brother thanks God for his ignorance? Well, yes, was the answer; you can put it that way if you want. Well, all I have to say, said the bishop, in his sweetest musical tone–all I have to say is, that the brother has a good deal to thank God for.
College life
He whose spiritual life evaporates under processes of ministerial culture could hardly resist the temptations of any other form of life. (H. Allon, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. The things that thou hast heard of me] Those doctrines which I have preached the most publicly, and which many persons can attest. But he seems to refer here to the doctrines delivered to him when, in the presence of many witnesses, he laid his hands upon him; see 1Ti 6:12. Then the apostle gave him the proper form of sound words which he was to teach; and now he tells him to commit those truths to faithful men in the same way that they were committed to him, that the truth might be preserved in the Church, and holy men appointed successively to preach it. These truths are still continued in the Church, and still there are faithful men who proclaim them. But where is the uninterrupted apostolical succession! Who can tell? Probably it does not exist on the face of the world. All the pretensions to it by certain Churches are as stupid as they are idle and futile. He who appeals to this for his authority as a Christian minister, had best sit down till he has made it out; and this will be by the next Greek kalends.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses; the doctrine of the gospel which thou hast heard from me, confirmed by the testimony of many of the prophets of old, or, which thou heardest from me committed to thy trust, there being many witnesses present, when thou wert ordained. or set apart to thy office.
The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also; commit unto others that shall be set apart for the ministry; but let them be such as have an ability to communicate their knowledge to others, and such as thou shalt judge will be faithful to their trust.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. amongGreek,“through,” that is, with the attestation (literally,”intervention”) of many witnesses, namely, the presbytersand others present at his ordination or consecration (1Ti 4:14;1Ti 6:12).
commitin trust, as adeposit (2Ti 1:14).
faithfulthe qualitymost needed by those having a trust committed to them.
whoGreek,“(persons) such as shall be competent to teach (them to)others also.” Thus the way is prepared for inculcating the dutyof faithful endurance (2Ti2:3-13). Thou shouldest consider as a motive to endurance, thatthou hast not only to keep the deposit for thyself, but to transmitit unimpaired to others, who in their turn shall fulfil the sameoffice. This is so far from supporting oral tradition now thatit rather teaches how precarious a mode of preserving revealed truthit was, depending, as it did, on the trustworthiness of eachindividual in the chain of succession; and how thankful we ought tobe that God Himself has given the written Word, whichis exempt from such risk.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the things that thou hast heard of me,…. Meaning the doctrines of the Gospel, the form of sound words. The Arabic version renders it, “the secrets, or mysteries that thou hast heard of me”; the mysteries of the grace of God, which he had often heard him discourse of, unfold and explain:
among many witnesses; or by them; which some understand of the testimonies out of Moses, and the prophets, with which the apostle confirmed what he delivered; for the doctrines of justification, pardon of sin, c. by Christ, were bore witness to by the prophets though rather the many persons, who, with Timothy, heard the apostle preach, and were and would be sufficient witnesses for Timothy, on occasion, that what he preached and committed to others were the same he had heard and received from the Apostle Paul; unless reference should be had here to the time of imposition of hands upon him, when he received some ministerial gifts, or an increase of them; at which time the apostle might deliver to him the form of doctrine he was to preach, and that in the presence of the presbytery, who joined in the action, and so were witnesses of what was said to him:
the same commit thou to faithful men; who not only have received the grace of God, and are true believers in Christ, but are men of great uprightness and integrity; who having the word of God, will speak it out boldly, and faithfully, and keep back nothing that is profitable, but declare the whole counsel of God, without any mixture or adulteration; for the Gospel being committed to their trust, they would become stewards, and of such it is required that they be faithful; and therefore this is mentioned as a necessary and requisite qualification in them; and not only so, but they must be such
who shall be able or sufficient
to teach others also. No man is sufficient for these things, of himself, but his sufficiency is of God; it is he who makes men able ministers of the word, by giving them gifts suitable for such work; so that they have a furniture in them, a treasure in their earthen vessels, an understanding of the sacred Scriptures, a gift of explaining them, and a faculty of speaking to edification; and so are apt to teach men, to their profit and advantage, The Ethiopic version renders it, “who are fit to teach the foolish”.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
From me (‘ ). As in 1:13. Paul was Timothy’s chief teacher of Christ.
Among many witnesses ( ). Plutarch has in this sense and Field (Ot. Norv.) suggests that it is a legal phrase “supported by many witnesses.” Not mere spectators, but testifiers. See Paul’s use of 1Thess 4:2; 2Cor 2:4; Rom 2:27; Rom 14:20. Paul in 1Co 15:1-8 gives many witnesses of the resurrection of Christ.
Commit thou (). Second aorist middle imperative of (1Ti 1:18) to deposit, same metaphor as in 2Tim 1:12; 2Tim 1:14. “Deposit thou.”
Faithful (). “Trustworthy,” “reliable,” as in 1Ti 1:12 of Paul himself.
Able (). Capable, qualified, as in 1Cor 15:9; 2Cor 2:16; 2Cor 3:5.
Others also ( ). Not necessarily “different,” but “others in addition.” This is the way to pass on the torch of the light of the knowledge of God in Christ. Paul taught Timothy who will teach others who will teach still others, an endless chain of teacher-training and gospel propaganda.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Among many witnesses [ ] . Dia through the medium of, and therefore in the presence of.
Commit [] . As a trust or deposit [] . See on chapter 2Ti 1:12, 14. In Paul only 1Co 10:27.
Faithful [] . Not believing, but trusty, as appears from the context. See on 1Jo 1:9; Rev 1:5; Rev 3:14.
Able [] . In Pastorals only here. Very common in Luke and Acts : a few times in Paul. See on many, Rom 14:23.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses” (kai ha akousas par’ emou dia pollon marturon) “And what things thou hast heard of me along with, through, or in the midst of many witnesses,” perhaps at public ordinations before a presbytery and the church, as he confirmed in the faith, Act 14:22-23; Act 15:41.
2) “The same commit thou to faithful men” (tauta parathou pistois anthropois) “These things commit to faithful men,” men to be trusted, able to teach, to stand for truth, true-to-the-faith men, 2Co 4:1-2; Col 1:23; Rev 2:10.
3) “Who shall be able to teach others also.” (oitines hikanoi esontai kai heterous didaksai) “Who will be competent also to teach others,” the term “hikanoi” means one qualified and capable by knowledge and experience, Tit 1:9.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
2 And which thou hast heard from me. He again shews how earnestly desirous he is to transmit sound doctrine to posterity; and he exhorts Timothy, not only to preserve its shape and features, (as he formerly did,) but likewise to hand it down to godly teachers, that, being widely spread, it may take root in the hearts of many; for he saw that it would quickly perish if it were not soon scattered by the ministry of many persons. And, indeed, we see what Satan did, not long after the death of the Apostles; for, just as if preaching had been buried for some centuries, he brought in innumerable reveries, which, by their monstrous absurdity, surpassed the superstitions of all the heathens. We need not wonder, therefore, if Paul, in order to guard against an evil of such a nature and of such magnitude, earnestly desires that his doctrines shall be committed to all godly ministers, who shall be qualified to teach it. As if he had said, — “See that after my death there may remain a sure attestation of my doctrine; and this will be, if thou not only teach faithfully what thou hast learned from me, but take care that it be more widely published by others; therefore, whomsoever thou shalt see fitted for that work, commit to their trust this treasure.”
Commit to believing men He calls them believing men, not on account of their faith, which is common to all Christians, but on account of their pre-eminence, as possessing a large measure of faith. We might even translate it “ faithful men;” (156) for there are few who sincerely labor to preserve and perpetuate the remembrance of the doctrine intrusted to them. Some are impelled by ambition, and that of various kinds, some by covetousness, some by malice, and others are kept back by the fear of dangers; and therefore extraordinary faithfulness is here demanded.
By many witnesses (157) He does not mean that he produced witnesses in a formal and direct manner (158) in the case of Timothy; but, because some might raise a controversy whether that which Timothy taught had proceeded from Paul, or had been forged by himself, he removes all doubt by this argument, that he did not speak secretly in a corner, but that there were many alive who could testify that Timothy spoke nothing which they had not formerly heard from the mouth of Paul. The doctrine of Timothy would therefore be beyond suspicion, seeing that they had many fellow-disciples, who could bear testimony to it. Hence we learn how greatly a servant of Christ should labor to maintain and defend the purity of doctrine, and not only while he lives, but as long as his care and labor can extend it.
(156) “ Loyaux et digne auxquels on se fie.” — “Faithful and trustworthy.”
(157) “ Entre plusieurs tenmoins, ou, en presence de plusieurs temoins.” — “Among many witnesses, or, in presence of many witnesses.”
(158) “ Il ne vent pas dire qu’il ait appele des tesmoins, comme c’est la coustume es contrats et autres actes solennels.” — “He does not mean that he called witnesses, as is customary in contracts and other solemn acts.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(2) And the things that thou hast heard of me.These things have been often understood as referring to the few great fundamental truths rehearsed by the Apostle, in the presence of the elders of the congregation, on the occasion of Timothys solemn ordination. The things, then, would have been something of the nature of what is contained in a creed or profession of faith. But it is better to give to the things which Timothy had heard of St. Paul, and which he was to deliver to other faithful men in his turn, a much broader reference, and to understand them as comprehending far more than the narrow limits of a profession of faith could possibly contain. The things were, no doubt, the sum of St. Pauls teaching, the general conception of Pauline theology, which Timothy, so long the Apostles intimate and confidential friend and disciple, was to give out to another generation of believers. It was, in fact, the Gospel of St. Lukemy Gospel, as we love to think St. Paul termed that matchless summary of the life and teaching of the Blessed. It was the theology shrined in such Epistles as those once written to the Romans or Ephesians in past years. These things again and again, in crowded congregations, before Jewish and Christian elders, before assemblies composed of idolaters, had Timothy heard that master of his, with his winning, pleading voice, tell out among many witnesses. Those things Timothy, in his turn, the voice of St. Paul the Aged being hushed, was now to commit to others.
Among many witnesses.These, according to the above interpretation, included Pagans and Jews, the rich and poor, the untaught sinners of the Gentiles and the skilled rabbi trained in the schools of Jerusalem and Alexandria.
The same commit thou to faithful men.Not to men merely who were believers in Jesus Christ. This, of course, was intended, but the faithful men here denoted loyal, trusty soulsmen who, under no temptation, would betray the charge committed to them.
Who shall be able to teach others also.Not only must the Christian teachers to whom Timothy is to give the commission of teaching, be trustworthy men, they must also possess knowledge and the power of communicating knowledge to others. Although the divine help was to be prayed for and expected in this and all other sacred works, yet it is noticeable how St. Paul directs that no ordinary human means of securing success must be neglected. St. Pauls last charge in these Pastoral Letters of his, directed that only those shall be selected as teachers of religion whose earthly gifts were such as fitted them for the discharge of their duties. While there is nothing in this passage to support the theory of an authoritative oral teaching, existing from the days of the Apostles, in the Churchthe words of St. Paul here point to the duty of the Christian soldier, not only himself to keep unchanged and safe the treasure of the Catholic faith as taught by the Apostle, but to hand down the same unimpaired and safe to other hands.
The great Christian truths were never allowed to be recklessly handled. There was a school, so to speak, of Christian theology in the time of St. Paul. His dying charge directed his best beloved disciple to make careful provision for the choice and training of teachers in the congregation. Men able as well as willing, gifted as well as zealous, should be the objects of his choice.
Some have imagined that these directions respecting the handing down the lamp of Christian truth to others were given to Timothy with a view to his leaving Ephesusthe appointed scene of his laboursfor Rome, to join the imprisoned Apostle (2Ti. 4:9), in which event men able as well as devoted should be left in this great centre to carry on the work of Timothy and of St. Paul. But it is far better to understand St. Pauls charge as given to Timothy, a representative leader of the Church of Christ, and to understand the Apostles words as addressed to the Church of all times. The runners in the Christian race must take good care before they fall out of the course that their torches, still burning, be handed on to the athletes who take their place.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. Not only must Timothy be strong for the gospel, but he must plan for its future permanence.
Heard among witnesses The Greek aorist requires not hast heard, but heardst, that is, heard on a particular occasion, namely, at his ordination. 2Ti 1:6; and 1Ti 4:14. The Greek is, through many witnesses, referring, perhaps, to the elders present at the laying on of hands, through whom, as testifiers, Paul’s charge was confirmed unto Timothy.
This verse commends successionalism as a method of continuing faith and piety in the Church; a successionalism authenticated by ordination. But the succession and the ordination are a means, and not an end. The end is the transmission of a true doctrine and a genuine piety. Where the ordination would transmit a false doctrine and a spurious piety the ordination loses its power. The ordination is as truly tested by the faith and piety, as the faith and piety by the ordination.
The verse also indicates that a genuine tradition, handed down from apostolic authority, has a valid authority. Only, first, its genuineness is to be completely proved; and, second, it must appear that the tradition was intended by the apostolic authority to be a law for the Church. But as complex doctrinal traditions, orally transmitted, are liable to corruption, we have the written word as the sure ultimate test. This is recorded tradition, and where the text is well verified, this becomes the safe criterion of doctrine. It is notable, that, though Paul claims apostolic authority in delivering sure Christian truth, he claims not, nor seems to realize, that his own written words were to be the future Scripture of the Church. By the mind of the Church it was, that when the spoken words of the apostles began to fade from memory, the written word was placed in the position of Scripture authority.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And the things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.’
And in the course of this he is to train Bible teachers for the future. Paul has given Timothy solid training in the traditions of the Gospel, and he has testified to him of his own experience of seeing the resurrected Christ, and of what the Lord had said and done. Furthermore, Timothy had also heard it in front of ‘many witnesses’, many of whom, if not all, would have been eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus. The church laid great stress on the unique Apostolic witness – Joh 15:27; Act 1:8; Act 1:22; Act 2:32; Act 3:15; Act 5:32; Act 10:39; Act 10:41; Act 13:31; 1Pe 5:1, for they had testified of both Jesus’ life and resurrection as eyewitnesses and would have confirmed what Paul had been saying (compare 1Co 15:3-10). Later Paul was specifically incorporated among these ‘witnesses’ by the risen Jesus Himself (Act 26:10). Thus at the time when Acts was written, possibly not long before Luke was called on to attend on Paul in his prison (2Ti 4:11), the term ‘witnesses’ held this special meaning (it was, of course, occasionally used otherwise, but not of witnesses to the Lord Jesus). To be a witness in this sense was no small thing. It is apparent from this how careful the early church were to preserve the true tradition, and to ensure that it was based on eyewitness testimony. Paul is thus not talking here just about his own teaching. He is speaking of the teaching of the whole Apostolate, as backed up by those who along with them had literally been disciples of Jesus, and had been witnesses to His life, death and resurrection.
We should note that there would really have been no point in the mention of ‘many witnesses’ here had Paul not felt that it greatly added to the authority of what he, as an Apostle, was saying, and for such ‘witnesses’ to provide such an addition to his authority it required men who would be seen as in some way ‘Apostolic’ and knowledgeable and certainly independent of his own teaching. Witnesses whom he had himself taught would hardly have been seen as greatly adding weight to his words. We should note in this regard that Paul had had great respect for the fact that, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, the Apostles were, through the Holy Spirit of truth (Joh 14:26; Joh 15:26; Joh 16:13), to be seen as the final source of doctrine, for he had deliberately gone up to Jerusalem in order to confirm that what he taught agreed with them (Gal 2:2). And he had probably taken Timothy with him. This last fact of presenting what he believed and taught before the Apostles also condemns the suggestion that the early church were not interested in statements of faith, for a statement of faith was certainly present at that meeting, and it confirms that they (or certainly Paul), had suitably formulated their doctrines. It would be pedantic to suggest otherwise.
So Timothy is to seek out ‘faithful men’, men of unfeigned faith (2Ti 1:5), and hand over the true tradition to them, so that they too may in their turn pass it on to others without alteration, as being the teaching of the Apostles. Here was provision for the continuation of the church and its solid Apostolic teaching until the Lord comes. Note that it is not a question of them being ‘bishops’, but of being men of faith and trustworthy. The Apostolic tradition was to be passed on by passing on the ‘whole truth’ (which has now become the New Testament), through men of faith. It was not something that could be subsequently altered and expanded on, it was to be passed on complete as it was. This was in fact how the early church saw it for in the end the canon of Scripture was finalised on the basis of what they at least thought were Apostolic writings
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Ti 2:2. And the things that thou hast heard of me The apostles alone had the whole scheme of the Christian revelation from our Lord Jesus Christ. The prophets, evangelists, and elders, of the Christian church, as well as other Christians, learned it from the apostles; who desired and ordered that there should be a succession of men to teach it.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ti 2:2 . While 2Ti 2:3 corresponds with the first verse, 2Ti 2:2 seems to contain a thought foreign to this connection. But as the contest to which Paul is exhorting Timothy, consists substantially in the undaunted preaching of the pure gospel and in the rejection of all heresy, it was natural for him to exhort Timothy to see that others were armed with the word for which he was to strive. The true warrior must care also for his companions in the fight.
] (comp. 2Ti 1:13 : ). These words belong immediately to ; Heydenreich is wrong in supplying or . According to Clemens Alexandrinus, Hypotyp. i. 7, Oecumenius, Grotius, and others, is equivalent to , for which there is as little justification as for the opinion that the other apostles are meant. The preposition is explained by Winer, p. 354 [E. T. p. 473]: “intervenientibus multis testibus, with intervention, i.e. here in presence of many witnesses” (so, too, the more recent expositors). Right; but is not equivalent to (1Ti 6:12 ). intimates that the witnesses were present to confirm the apostle’s word, or, as Wiesinger says, “that their presence was an integral element of that act to which the apostle is alluding.”
According to Matthies, van Oosterzee, Hofmann, the apostle is thinking here of his public discourses on doctrine; but the whole character of the expression, particularly also the otherwise superfluous addition of , make it more probable that the words refer to a definite fact, the fact spoken of in 1Ti 4:14 ; 2Ti 1:6 (Wiesinger). In that case, the are the presbyters and other members of the church who were present at Timothy’s ordination. Mack rightly directs attention to 1Ti 4:14 ; but he is wrong in explaining . by “in consequence of many testimonies.”
] Heydenreich: “this doctrine commit to faithful keeping and further communication as a legacy, as a precious jewel” (comp. Herod, ix. 45: ); but the expression does not refer so much to the whole of evangelic doctrine as to the instructions given to Timothy for the discharge of his office.
] not “believing,” but “faithful, trustworthy” men.
] Heydenreich thinks that this denotes a second quality of those to be instructed by Timothy, a quality in addition to their “honest sense,” viz. their capacity for teaching; but , which, as contrasted with the simple relative pronoun, refers to a subject undefined, but in various ways definable (see Ellendt, Lex. Soph. II. p. 387), points back to , so that the meaning is: “who as such,” etc. The future does not stand in the same sense as the present, but denotes their capacity as one depending on the tradition to be imparted to them (“as the consequence of the ,” Wiesinger). The before ; is not to be overlooked; “others too,” i.e. “others in turn.” Who are the ? According to the common presupposition, with which van Oosterzee also agrees, the are the church, or more generally the hearers of the preaching of the gospel. But in this view the , which does not belong to (Hofmann), but to , is inexplicable; it is more probable that Paul means other (de Wette, Wiesinger). Paul gathered round him pupils to whom he gave instructions in regard to their office; they, too, are to do the same; those chosen by them the same in their turn, etc., that in the church there may abide a stock of apostolic men who will see to the propagation of pure doctrine.
The words show that there is no thought of a secret doctrine; nor is he speaking of the regular employment of teachers who, in the absence of Timothy, are to take his place in the church at Ephesus, “ne sine episcopo vaga oberret ecclesia” (Heinrichs).
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Ver. 2. Commit them to faithful men ] No talent is given us for private and proper use, but that we be trading and transmitting it also to others. Synesius speaks of some, who having a treasure of abilities in them, yet would as soon part with their hearts as with their meditations, &c., the canker of whose great skill shall be a witness against them.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ti 2:2 . St. Paul is here contemplating an apostolical succession in respect of teaching rather than of administration. It is natural that in the circumstances of the primitive Church the building up of converts in the faith should have occupied a larger place in the Christian consciousness than the functions of an official ministry; but the historical continuity of the ministry of order is of course involved in the direction here. St. Paul would have been surprised if any other conclusion had been drawn from his words. In any case, the Providence of God sees further than do His servants.
: See note on 2Ti 1:13 .
: not per multos testes (Vulg.), but coram multis testibus (Tert. de Praescript . 25). The usual Greek for “in the presence of witnesses” is ; but is quoted from Plutarch (see Field, in loc. ).
The is that of accompanying circumstances. The reference is to a solemn traditio of the essentials of the faith on the occasion of Timothy’s ordination, rather than his baptism. The former reference seems clear from the parallel drawn between St. Paul’s committal of the faith to Timothy and Timothy’s committal of it to others. On the other hand, a comparison of 1Ti 6:12 favours the view that this refers to a formal public instruction at baptism. Reasons have been already suggested against the identification of the laying-on of hands of 1Ti 4:14 with that of 2Ti 1:6 . Otherwise it would be natural to suppose that the many witnesses were the members of the presbytery who were joined with St. Paul in the ordination of Timothy. But there is no reason why the reference should be thus restricted. The action was a public one, “in the face of the Church”. So Chrys., “Thou hast not heard in secret, nor apart, but in the presence of many, with all openness of speech”. The view of Clem. Alex. ( Hypot . vii. ed. Potter, ii. p. 1015) that the mean testimonies from the Law and the Prophets is only a curiosity of exegesis.
: See note on 1Ti 1:8 .
: trustworthy , carries on the figure of the faith as a deposit. It is possible, as Bengel suggests, that the injunctions in 2Ti 2:14-21 have reference to these ministers.
: qualified . See reff. , in Tit 1:9 , expresses capability as proved by experience.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
of. App-104.
among = by means of. App-104. 2Ti 2:1.
the same = these. faithful. App-160.
men. App-123.
who = such as.
able competent. See 2Co 2:16 (sufficient).
others. App-124. No reference to bishops and ecclesiastical organizations. All these have failed.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
2Ti 2:2. , by) before, 1Ti 6:12.-, commit) before thou comest thence to me.-, to faithful men) This is to be the distinguishing grace to be sought for in those to whom thou committest this trust or deposit. [This is treated of in 2Ti 2:14-21.-V. g.]-, shall be) after thy departure.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Ti 2:2
And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses,-The things heard were the fundamental truths of the gospel. Timothy had frequently listened to Paul preaching to the many to whom he had proclaimed the gospel.
the same commit thou to faithful men,-Not to men merely believers in Jesus Christ, but the faithful men here denotes loyal, trustworthy men, who, under no temptation, would betray the charge committed to them, but who, with ability, would teach it to others.
who shall be able to teach others also.-[Not only must the teachers of the doctrine of Christ to whom Timothy was given the commission of teaching be trustworthy men, they must also possess knowledge and the ability to communicate the knowledge to others. Although the divine help was to be prayed for and expected in this and all other sacred works, yet it is noticeable how Paul directs that no ordinary human means of securing success must be neglected. Pauls last charge in these Epistles directed that only those shall be selected as teachers of the truth as revealed through the inspired men of God whose abilities were such as fitted them for the discharge of their duties. The words of Paul here point to the duty of the teacher, not only himself to keep unchanged and safe the oracles of God as taught by the apostles, but to hand down the same unimpaired and safe to other hands.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
the things: 2Ti 1:13, 2Ti 3:10, 2Ti 3:14
among: or, by
many: 1Ti 4:14, 1Ti 6:12
the same: 2Ti 1:14, 1Ti 1:18, 1Ti 5:22
faithful: Num 12:7, 1Sa 2:35, Neh 7:2, Psa 101:6, Pro 13:17, Jer 23:28, Mat 24:25, Luk 12:42, Luk 16:10-12, 1Co 4:2, Col 1:7, 1Ti 1:12, Heb 2:17, Heb 3:2, Heb 3:3, Rev 2:10-13
who: 2Ti 2:24, 2Ti 2:25, Ezr 7:10, Ezr 7:25, Mal 2:7, Mat 13:52, 1Ti 3:2-9, 1Ti 4:6, Tit 1:5-9
Reciprocal: Lev 14:42 – General Lev 21:24 – Aaron 2Ki 22:7 – they dealt faithfully 1Ch 15:16 – chief Pro 15:7 – lips Eze 44:15 – the sons Mat 24:45 – is Joh 15:16 – ordained Joh 20:21 – as Act 13:2 – Separate Act 13:3 – General Act 14:23 – they had Rom 12:7 – or he 1Co 4:17 – faithful Col 4:17 – the ministry 1Th 2:4 – to be 1Ti 1:11 – which Tit 1:9 – fast Heb 13:9 – it is 2Pe 1:15 – I will
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ti 2:2. Timothy was not an inspired man, but had to receive instructions from Paul or others who were inspired. The witnesses evidently included those referred to in 1Ti 4:14 1Ti 6:12. It is true also that the truths about the divinity and authority of Jesus that Paul had declared to Timothy, had been attested by many who could speak from personal knowledge. With such an array of basic support, Timothy should be fully persuaded of their genuineness, and of their right to be transmitted to others. Hence Paul instructs him to commit them to faithful or trustworthy men, not to men of ambition for prominence but perhaps lacking in sincere interest. These faithful men thus equipped with the truths coming to them from Paul through Timothy, would be able to teach others in the principles of the Gospel.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Ti 2:2. The things that thou hast heard. Probably the same as the sound words of 2Ti 1:18.
Among many witnesses. Better with or through, the presence of the witnesses, presbyters and others, being thought of as a condition of the act referred to. This, as the right rendering, which thou heardest, implies, was a charge as to the substance of the Christian faith delivered when Timothy was appointed by the laying on of hands to his special work.
Commit thou. The idea of the trust or deposit is continued. There is to be a perpetuation of the trust, and each mans work for the time being is to choose faithful successors, who in their turn shall teach what they have learnt to others.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
A second charge given to Timothy, is to take special care that the doctrine of the gospel, and the precepts of holy living, which he had heard St. Paul deliver, in the presence of many witnesses, should be handed down and transmitted to men of great fidelity and ability, whom he was to ordain and impower to teach it unto others.
Where note, 1. A direction given to the guides and governors of the church, how they ought to manage themselves in the ordination of the ministerial offices: This office is to be committed unto faithful able men, many may be useful in the church, that cannot be excellent, but he that is unfaithful, is only fit to make atheists.
Note, 2. That such as have the gospel deposited with them, may and ought to deposit it with others, and they with others, to the end of the world, thereby to prevent all innovations and diversity of opinions in matters of religion: When thou hast heard, commit to faithful men.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
ARGUMENT 2
THE TRANSMISSION OF THE DIVINE ORACLES
Here is all you can find in the Bible on the boasted apostolical and ecclesiastical succession.
2. Whatsoever things you have heard with me through many witnesses, commit these to faithful people, who shall also be competent to teach others. We all have these same inspired oracles, transmitted from sire to son through successive generations. The great mistake of the age is in not going to the inspired originals, and drinking in the same identical words which Jesus, Paul, and Peter preached. Neglect of the originals is among the sad phenomena of the current apostasy. A metropolitan pastor is not longer required to be mighty in the Scriptures. Good Lord, succeed me by a thousand exegetes of the inspired Word more able than I have ever been! This is the great rallying-point of the holiness movement; back to the inspired oracles all along the line.
4,5. The lawful fight of the Christian soldier, to fight with all the power of soul, mind, and body, armed only with the Lords panoply.
7-9. According to my gospel, in which I suffer affliction as an evildoer, even unto bonds. Evildoer, kakourgos, a very strong word; from kakos, evil, and ergao, to work. Hence, it means a doer of evil. This would not apply to Paul in his first imprisonment, for simple disharmony with the Jewish institutions, which was not at all criminal in Roman law. Hence, the word is certainly an argument in favor of the conclusion of the critics that he was arrested on the charge of burning Rome, which was a high crime.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 2
To faithful men; as ministers of the gospel.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
This passage was the theme verse of a couple of the Bible schools that I attended in the past – a wonderful goal to be sure.
This is also the thought of two other great passages. Mat 28:18-20 and Eph 4:11 ff. Both mention the training of those that are won to the Lord.
Another text that relates is found in 1Pe 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
I was recently in a Bible study and this passage was considered and I was vividly reminded of my own salvation experience and the time that followed. The pastor that led me to the Lord made no attempt to follow up on the new convert. I was dumped back into the world with no clue as to what the Christian life was all about. I knew I needed something – I desired the milk of the Word, but had no one to feed me. I read the Bible but it had little meaning to me.
I was told by some believers that I ran across that what I was doing was great, but none took me under their wing to nurture.
I knocked around the world for about six years – part of which was being a typical sailor – not growing at all. What a waste of time spiritually.
We might also observe the context of this verse. It is in the context of the grace that Paul and his coworkers were showing to others, it was the grace that Timothy was to become strong in – yes, Timothy was to teach doctrine to others – he was to make disciples – but he was to teach others to become strong in the grace that is in the Lord.
Let us take a look at this word grace and some of the features that we might want to take upon ourselves for our own benefit, and to teach others.
“that which affords joy” is a trait that we certainly need in our present society. Our world is deep in despair due to humanism taking away hope – if I am all important and I don’t become all I want to be then what hope is there for me? On the other hand if God loves me and has a purpose for my life then I can have hope for a better day.
“pleasure” is something we can always give to others if we put ourselves aside so that we can minister. Just the simple activity of asking how they are doing, how their week went, and how their health is. I suggest this for those that are GENUINELY interested in the person.
I must warn against the seminary training where the student is trained to ask questions – not to gain information necessarily but simply to make conversation and make the person feel good.
We were invited to a seminary students house for lunch years ago. When we arrived, the football game was on quite loudly – the man would mute the television between plays and ask a question. If I failed to finish my answer it had to wait till the next play was over – or at times was never finished because he spit out another question before I had a chance to finish.
He didn’t get the hint when I started finishing my answer I was in the middle of and then answering the one he interrupted me to ask. His lack of interest was shown when he asked me the same question three times before we went to eat.
“delight” is what a family has when they get a fantastic deal on a great car. We were given a car by my father – when we showed it off to one of our friends, the wife, said, “Oh, but it is a Ford!” Such grace she was not showing it would seem.
As we interact with others, we ought to be delighted with their good fortune. At times this is difficult – when you are in hard times and someone gets a break it is hard to be joyful for them at times, but that should be the response.
“sweetness” “charm” “loveliness” – what attributes for a believer to have!
“grace of speech” might indicate we are to be at least civil when speaking to others. Really, since grace is described by all the words above, might we substitute a word and say sweetness of speech, or loveliness of speech. Kind of rubs the wrong way if you are a gossip, doesn’t it?
“good will” is the desiring of good for the other – being kindly attuned too. There are believers that are easy to get along with and there are believers that are totally difficult to get along with. I seem to attract the latter most of the time – good will is not what I always feel yet that is what the Lord would have us increase in.
I think the idea is clear, so I will simply list the other ways the word is used and allow you to consider them individually on your own.
We are to increase in:
“loving-kindness”
“favour”
“strengthens”
“increases them in Christian faith”
“knowledge”
“affection”
“kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues”
“Benefit”
“a gift of grace”
“bounty”
Suffice it to say we are to attempt in our lives to increase in the grace we show others – the grace that comes from the Lord Jesus!
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among {a} many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
(a) When many were there, who can bear witness of these things.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Just as Paul had passed the torch of ministry on to Timothy, so now Timothy should do so to other men who gave evidence that they too would be faithful. These should in turn instruct others who would follow them.
"Faithfulness negatively consists in their not losing, neglecting, ignoring, or falsifying (like the false teachers mentioned in this letter) what Paul has said, and positively consists of their ’handling accurately the word of truth’ (2Ti 2:15).
"Since the task committed to these faithful ones is that of teaching others also, it is certain that they are the same group of whom Paul wrote in 1 Timothy, the presbyters who ’work hard in word and teaching’ (1Ti 5:17), and also in Titus, the presbyters/overseers who are ’holding fast the faithful word that is in accordance with the teaching’ so that they are ’able both to exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict’ (Tit 1:9)." [Note: Knight, p. 391.]
This discipleship process involved instruction in the truths of the faith and companionship in ministry. The reference to "witnesses" would have reminded Timothy of Paul’s bold preaching on many occasions. It would have encouraged him to renew his commitment to Paul’s life-changing gospel and to Paul personally.
"This is the true apostolic succession of the ministry: not an uninterrupted line of hands laid on which extends back to the apostles themselves so that all ordinations which are not in that line are null and void; but a succession of true apostolic doctrine, the deposit of what we still hear from Paul in his writings, this held by us in faithful hearts with competency to teach others the same things. The apostle did not evidently expect the future teachers of the church to produce new or different teaching." [Note: Richard C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon, pp. 778-79.]