Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine ] The ms. authority on the whole favours the aorist, which suits also the aorists of 2Ti 3:14 and does not assert, as the perfect would, the certainty of Timothy’s settled continuance in ‘following.’ The perfect may have come in from 1Ti 4:6, where it is more appropriate in connexion with the present participle ‘being continuously nourished.’ On the meaning of the word see note there: thou didst closely follow.
my doctrine; manner of life ] Again, teaching; cf. 1Ti 1:10. ‘Manner of life’ is a word occurring here only in N.T., a substantive derived from the verb used above ‘led’ 2Ti 3:6 and Rom 8:14, which shews how conduct is the natural derived sense; cf. Gifford’s note ‘all who are moved and guided by the Spirit and follow His guidance.’ The word is classical in the general sense of ‘guidance,’ ‘course,’ ‘training’; and occurs Ar. Eth. N. x. vii. 3, as here.
purpose ] In 2Ti 1:9, and wherever else it is used in St Paul’s epistles, refers to God’s purpose and plan of salvation. It occurs four times in N.T. to render’ the shew -bread.’ But in Act 11:23 it is used of Barnabas who ‘exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord,’ and this is exactly the force here.
faith ] In the same general and usual sense as in 2Ti 2:22; 1Ti 6:11, where ‘love’ and ‘brave patience’ also occur; for this last see also note on 2Ti 2:10.
longsuffering ] Occurs with ‘brave patience’ or ‘endurance’ in Col 1:11, where Lightfoot distinguishes thus: ‘While “endurance” is the temper which does not easily succumb under suffering, “long-suffering” is the self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong. The one is opposed to cowardice or despondency, the other to wrath or revenge (Pro 15:18).’ In 1Ti 6:11 this ‘endurance’ is coupled with ‘meekness of heart’ which is rather the opposite of ‘rudeness,’ ‘harshness.’ See 2Ti 2:25, and note.
charity ] As throughout N.T., love.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
10 17. The appeal for pure life and doctrine in view both of St Paul’s own past and the evil future
The connexion is: ‘You were trained to a life the opposite of all this, in learning to copy me, in learning to rest all upon the Scriptures; see that you live the life.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But thou hast fully known my doctrine … – Margin, been a diligent follower of. The margin is more in accordance with the usual meaning of the Greek word, which means, properly, to accompany side by side; to follow closely; to trace out; to examine Luk 1:3, and to conform to. The meaning here, however, seems to be, that Timothy had an opportunity to follow out; i. e., to examine closely the manner of life of the apostle Paul. He had been so long his companion, that he had had the fullest opportunity of knowing how he had lived and taught, and how he had borne persecutions. The object of this reference to his own life and sufferings is evidently to encourage Timothy to bear persecutions and trials in the same manner; compare 2Ti 3:14. He saw, in the events which began already to develope themselves, that trials must be expected; he knew that all who would live holy lives must suffer persecution; and hence, he sought to prepare the mind of Timothy for the proper endurance of trials, by a reference to his own case. The word doctrine, here, refers to his teaching, or manner of giving instruction. It does not refer, as the word now does, to the opinions which he held; see the notes at 1Ti 4:16. In regard to the opportunities which Timothy had for knowing the manner of Pauls life, see the introduction to the Epistle, and Paley, Hor. Paul., in loc. Timothy had been the companion of Paul during a considerable portion of the time after his conversion. The persecutions referred to here 2Ti 3:11 are those which occurred in the vicinity of Timothys native place, and which he would have had a particular opportunity of being acquainted with. This circumstance, and the fact that Paul did not refer to other persecutions in more remote places, is one of the undesigned coincidences, of which Paley has made so much in his incomparable little work – Horae Paulinae.
Manner of life – Literally, leading, guidance; then, the method in which one is led – his manner of life; compare the notes at 1Th 2:1.
Purpose – Plans, or designs.
Faith – Perhaps fidelity, or faithfulness.
Long-suffering – With the evil passions of others, and their efforts to injure him. See the word explained in the notes at 1Co 13:4.
Charity – see the notes at 1 Cor. 13.
Patience – A calm temper, which suffers evils without murmuring or discontent. Webster.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Ti 3:10-11
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life.
Apostolic imitation
1. Doctrine.
2. Conversation.
3. Purpose.
4. Faith.
5. Long-suffering.
6. Love.
7. Patience.
8. Persecutions.
9. Afflictions. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Precedents better than precepts
Now since we are more easily led by precedents than by precepts, the apostle propounds his own example for our imitation, wherein we have the lively pattern and portraiture of a faithful pastor, whose office it is not only to preach sound doctrine, but also to practise what he preacheth in his own life, that so he may be able to speak from the heart to the hearts of his people, and may not bring his food as birds do to their young ones–in their beaks, not in their breasts. (T. Hall, B. D.)
The example of superiors powerful
In that Paul propounds his own example for Timothy to consider and follow. That the pious example of the godly must be imitated by us. Younger ministers especially must observe the doctrine and conversation, the pious ways and walking of the elder and graver ministers, and must follow them. Aged Paul propounds his virtues to young Timothy for imitation. Many young men praise the gravity, solidity, wisdom, industry, mortification, and self-denial of ancient ministers, but they do not follow them. They deal by them as the world doth by honesty, they praise it, but they never practise it. As Gideon said to his soldiers (Jdg 7:17), Look upon me, and do likewise; so you that are young and unsettled, rash, and conceited, look upon the doctrine, discipline, hair, habit, ways and works of the holy, and the grave; follow them now you are young, and then you will be good long. Great is the power of the example of superiors. (T. Hall, B. D.)
A copy to write by
God hath set them before us as our copy to write by, and our pattern to live by, and we must answer not only for sinning against the light of the word, but against the light of good example also. It will be one day said, You had such and such to go before you in paths of piety, and yet you would not follow. The faithful are called witnesses (Heb 12:1; Rev 12:1-17.). Now if we walk contrary to their light they will witness against us, as Noah and Lot did against the sinners of their age; but if we walk answerable to their light they will witness for us. Their practice may comfort and confirm us in Gods way; they declare the possibility of obtaining such a grace, and make it thereby the more easy, when we have seen it done before us. If a man have a torch to light him in a dark and dangerous path, how glad is he: the godly shine like lights in the midst of a crooked generation (Php 2:15-16), their life is a commentary on the Scripture. Now since the nature of man is apter to be guided by example then precept, therefore God hath prepared abundance of glorious examples for our imitation, and thus the saints that are now at rest and triumphant in glory, their lives are to be our looking-glasses to dress ourselves by, our compass to sail by, and our pillar of a cloud to walk by. (T. Hall, B. D.)
We must come up to the best patterns
We can have no excuse in these days of light if we come not up to the best patterns, because we have more of the spirit, more light, and more clear manifestation of God than they had. (T. Hall, B. D.)
The best patterns defective
The saints have had their failings, and the best have a great deal of the old Adam in them. They are pillars of cloud for us to walk by, but this cloud hath its dark part, which if we follow we shall fall as they did. There are four sorts of actions which the Scripture tells us were done by saints. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Both doctrines and graces must be good
Our Saviour by the truth of His doctrine proved Himself to be sent of God (Joh 7:16-18; Joh 12:49-50). Paul commands Timothy to keep the pattern of wholesome words (2Ti 2:13), and Titus must be careful in appointing ministers for the Church, to choose such as hold the faithful word (Tit 1:7; Tit 1:9). Moral virtues may be found with a false faith; let not those apples of Sodom deceive you, for as there may be good doctrine where the life is bad, so there may be false doctrine where the life is seemingly good. Look, therefore, in the first place to the doctrine, and in the second place to the virtues which seem to commend it. So doth Paul here; first he tells you his doctrine was sound, and now he comes to declare his graces, and how he lived. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Patience in ministers
A little patience will not do, for we have no little enemies to oppose us–it must be all patience and all strength. This also is a virtue very requisite for a minister, who hath to do with all sorts of men; some are dull, some froward, some weak, some wayward; so that without patience there is no good to be done. It is for pusillanimous spirits to be always murmuring, complaining, and seeking revenge. The weakest creatures are most vindictive. This is an ornament of great worth, not only in the sight of man, but also of God (1Pe 3:4). Without it we are unfit for duty, as the troubled sea unfit for voyage. Without it we double and increase our burthens; like a wild bull in a net, or the untamed heifer, we may gall our necks, but never break the yoke. Without patience no grace is perfect, faith hath but half its strength, and hope is feeble (Jam 1:4). By our patience we please God, displease the devil, rejoice the angels, and many times melt and convert our enemies. By this means we heap coals of conversion or coals of confusion upon their heads (Rom 12:20). This will keep us good in a bad condition, so that a man enjoys himself when he hath nothing else; and though he have nothing, yet is as one that possesseth all things. The consideration of this made Tertullian to cry, Farewell all, so I may but get patience. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Christian consistency
Paul did not pull down by his living what he built up by his preaching. (M. Henry.)
Life an eloquent sermon
Of Donnes romantic career it has been said that his life is more poetical than his poetry. We might without exaggeration adapt this epigram to his preaching, and say that his life was a sermon more eloquent than all his sermons. If, then, I were asked to describe in few words the secret of his power as a preacher, I should say that it was the contrition and the thanksgiving of the penitent acting upon the sensibility of the poet. (Bp. Lightfoot.)
The preaching that tells
There is a legend which tells how a saint once in vision saw a band of Franciscan friars standing round Jesus in heaven. He noticed that the lips of each were crimson. He asked the meaning of this, and to him the Lord said, These are the great preachers of my Cross, for the story of My redeeming love only comes with power over lips that are red with My precious blood. Yes; the preaching that will save preacher and hearers is the preaching that comes from crimson lips. (British Weekly.)
The stimulus of example
The other evening a gentleman told me that he went into the room where his son was taking lessons in singing, and found the tutor urging the boy to sound a certain note. Every time the lad made the attempt, however, he fell short, and his teacher kept saying to him, Higher! higher! but it was all to no purpose until, descending to the tone which the boy was sounding, the musician accompanied him with his own voice, and led him gradually up to that which he desired him to sing; and then he sounded it with ease. (W. M. Taylor, D. D.)
Example is a living law, whose sway
Men more than all the written laws obey.
(Old Poet.)
Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other. (Burke.)
The power of a godly life
Whenever I read Scripture, a thousand atheistical thoughts were injected in my soul Being in Mr. T, H.s house, a godly and prudent man, his company did me much good For the universal carnality of professors, with their discouragements, living so short of their principles, did much help forward my atheism, as it made me think that a saint was but a fancy; but truly I thought mine eyes saw something of a saint and New Testament spirit in him, and was something persuaded, by feeling his holiness, his cheerfulness in God, and his deep reach in spiritual mysteries, that there was a God, and a holiness attainable. (Life of James Fraser of Brea.)
Cassock and character
I like that remark of Whitfields, when some one of a bad character wondered how he could preach without a cassock. Ah, he said, I can preach without a cassock, but I cannot preach without a character. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Pauls path of suffering
The path of suffering of the apostle Paul a revelation–
1. Of the power of sin which pursued him.
2. Of the greater power of faith which sustained him.
3. Of the omnipotence of the Lord who delivered him out of all. (Van Oosterzee.)
Commands should be enforced by example
During the siege of Sebastopol Gordon was one day going the round of the trenches when he heard an angry altercation between a corporal and a sapper. On inquiring the cause, he learnt that the men were instructed to place some gabions on the battery, and that the corporal had ordered the sapper to stand on the parapet, where he would be exposed to the enemys fire, and to place the gabious, while he, perfectly sheltered, handed them up from below. Gordon at once jumped upon the parapet, ordering the corporal to join him, while the sapper handed them the gabions. When the work was done, and done under the fire of the watchful Russian gunners, Gordon turned to the corporal and said, Never order a man to do anything that you are afraid to do yourself.
Wicked men hate the good
All wicked men hate the good, as all wolves do the sheep. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Persecution beneficial
Such shakings make way for Christ (Hag 2:7). The Church, like a quick-set hedge, grows the thicker for cutting, this vine is the better for bleeding, and this torch burns the better for beating. The more Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites the more they increased (Exo 1:12). (T. Hall, B. D.)
Deliverances, to be noted
Not only our dangers, but also our deliverances must be observed and recorded by us. (T. Hall, B. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 10. Thou hast fully known my doctrine] And having long had the opportunity of knowing me, the doctrine I preached, my conduct founded on these doctrines, the object I have in view by my preaching, my fidelity to God and to my trust, my long-suffering with those who walked disorderly, and opposed themselves to the truth, and did what they could to lessen my authority and render it suspected, my love to them and to the world in general, and my patience in all my adversities; thou art capable of judging between me and the false teachers, and canst easily discern the difference between their doctrines, conduct, motives, temper, spirit, &c., and mine.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
But thou hast fully known my doctrine: our translation here seemeth a little strange, for the Greek is: Thou hast diligently followed me in doctrine, that is: Thou wert in my company, thou wert a follower of me, and so must know what doctrine I preached; what
manner of life I lived; what my
purpose, whole scope and design, was; what
faith I taught and professed; what
long-suffering I used, both towards my malicious adversaries and my weaker brethren; what
charity or love I showed towards all men, whether friends or foes; what
patience I showed in bearing injuries.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. fully knownliterally,”fully followed up” and traced; namely, with a view tofollowing me as thy pattern, so far as I follow Christ; the sameGreek as in Lu 1:3,”having had perfect understanding of all things.”His pious mother Eunice and grandmother Lois would recommend him tostudy fully Paul’s Christian course as a pattern. He had notbeen yet the companion of Paul at the time of the apostle’spersecutions in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra (Act 13:50;Act 14:5; Act 14:19),but is first mentioned as such Ac16:1-3. However, he was “a disciple” already, whenintroduced to us in Ac16:1-3; and as Paul calls him “my own son in the faith,”he must have been converted by the apostle previously; perhaps in thevisit to those parts three years before. Hence arose Timothy’sknowledge of Paul’s persecutions, which were the common talk of thechurches in those regions about the time of his conversion. Theincidental allusion to them here forms an undesignedcoincidence between the history and the Epistle, indicatinggenuineness [PALEY, HorPaulin]. A forger of Epistles from the Acts would never alludeto Timothy’s knowledge of persecutions, when that knowledge isnot expressly mentioned in the history, but is only arrived at byindirect inference; also the omission of Derbe here, in theEpistle, is in minute accordance with the fact that in Derbe nopersecution is mentioned in the history, though Derbe andLystra are commonly mentioned together. The reason why hementions his persecutions before Timothy became his companion, andnot those subsequent, was because Timothy was familiar with thelatter as an eye-witness and Paul needed not to remind him of them,but the former Timothy had traced up by seeking theinformation from others, especially as the date and scene of them wasthe date and scene of his own conversion.
doctrine“teaching.”
manner of life“conduct,””behavior.”
purposeThe Greekis elsewhere usually used of God’s “purpose.” Buthere, as in Ac 11:23, ofPaul’s determined “purpose of heart in cleaving unto the Lord.”My set aim, or resolution, in my apostolic function,and in every action is, not my selfish gain, but the glory of God inChrist.
long-sufferingtowardsmy adversaries, and the false teachers; towards brethren in bearingtheir infirmities; towards the unconverted, and the lapsed whenpenitent (2Ti 4:2; 2Co 6:6;Gal 5:22; Eph 4:2;Col 3:12).
charitylove toall men.
patience“endurance”;patient continuance in well-doing amidst adversities (2Ti 3:11;Rom 2:7).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But thou hast fully known my doctrine,…. This, with what follows, is said in opposition to the characters, principles, and practices of the above wicked men, and for the imitation and encouragement of Timothy, and of others, whether ministers or private believers: the apostle calls the doctrine he delivered, “my doctrine”: not because he was the author of it, or that it was a scheme of principles formed and contrived by him; but because it was the doctrine which he had received from God, which was given him to preach, and which he did preach purely and faithfully; otherwise it was the doctrine of Christ, and the same with that which was preached by the rest of the apostles; and which was the doctrine of the Scriptures, and was according to godliness; and as preached by him, was all of a piece, and without any adulteration, or mixture, and was open and manifest, and well known to Timothy, and others; for he used no hidden things of dishonesty, nor did he conceal his principles, or keep back anything that was profitable. And as well known was his
manner of life; both his civil life, how he spent his time, not in ease and idleness, but oftentimes in labour with his own hands; nor did he live in a sensual and voluptuous manner, but frequently was in hunger, and thirst, and nakedness; and likewise his religious life, and conversation, not only in the church, which was spent in the ministry of the word, and ordinances; but in the world, which, by the grace of God, was in simplicity and godly sincerity, in a very just, holy, and unblamable manner: his life was agreeable to his doctrine, and ornamental to his profession: and even the secrets of his mind, his views, his aims and ends in all he did, which are signified by his
purpose, were open and manifest; and which were not to obtain glory and applause from men, nor to gather wealth and riches for himself; but that God might be glorified in the salvation of men; that Christ might be magnified both in his life and death; that his Gospel might be spread, his kingdom be enlarged, and that many souls might be converted and brought to the knowledge of him; and hence he became all things to all, that he might gain some. And as the doctrine of
faith, embraced, professed, and preached by him, was well known, so no less conspicuous was the grace of faith in him, with respect to his interest in God’s everlasting love, in salvation by Jesus Christ, and in eternal glory and happiness; of which be had a full assurance, and which remained constant and firm in him to the end. Unless rather his faithfulness in the discharge of his ministerial work should be here designed, for which he was very remarkable; as also for his
longsuffering both towards those that were without, the open enemies and persecutors of the Gospel, and towards them that were within, the brethren, whose infirmities he bore; and also for the success of the Gospel as the husbandman has long patience, and waits long for the former and latter rain to which is added
charity; which suffers long, and is kind; and may include his love to God, to Christ, and to the souls of men; which was very great, and particularly to his countrymen, the Jews, and also to the Gentiles; and especially to the churches he was more immediately concerned with, and even to all the saints: this is left out in the Alexandrian copy: it follows,
patience; in bearing all indignities, reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions, for the sake of Christ and his Gospel; by which he was not in the least moved, but persevered with, great courage and constancy to the end.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Marks of Perilous Times; Excellence of the Scriptures. | A. D. 66. |
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 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. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Here the apostle, to confirm Timothy in that way wherein he walked,
I. Sets before him his own example, which Timothy had been an eye-witness of, having long attended Paul (v. 10): Thou hast fully known my doctrine. The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ and the apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it; the reason why many sit loose to it is because they do not fully know it. Christ’s apostles had no enemies but those who did not know them, or not know them fully; those who knew them best loved and honoured them the most. Now what is it that Timothy had so fully known in Paul? 1. The doctrine that he preached. Paul kept back nothing from his hearers, but declared to them the whole counsel of God (Acts xx. 27), so that if it were not their own fault they might fully know it. Timothy had a great advantage in being trained up under such a tutor, and being apprised of the doctrine he preached. 2. He had fully known his conversation: Thou hast fully know my doctrine, and manner of life; his manner of life was of a piece with his doctrine, and did not contradict it. He did not pull down by his living what he built up by his preaching. Those ministers are likely to do good, and leave lasting fruits of their labours, whose manner of life agrees with their doctrine; as, on the contrary, those cannot expect to profit the people at all that preach well and live ill. 3. Timothy fully knew what was the great thing that Paul had in view, both in his preaching and in his conversation: “Thou hast known my purpose, what I drive at, how far it is from any worldly, carnal, secular design, and how sincerely I aim at the glory of God and the good of the souls of men.” 4. Timothy fully knew Paul’s good character, which he might gather from his doctrine, manner of life, and purpose; for he gave proofs of his faith (that is, of his integrity and fidelity, or his faith in Christ, his faith concerning another world, by which Paul lived), his long-suffering towards the churches to which he preached and over which he presided, his charity towards all men, and his patience. These were graces that Paul was eminent for, and Timothy knew it. 5. He knew that he had suffered ill for doing well (v. 11): “Thou hast fully known the persecutions and afflictions that came unto me” (he mentions those only which happened to him while Timothy was with him, at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra); “and therefore let it be no surprise to thee if thou suffer hard things, it is no more than I have endured before.” 6. He knew what care God had taken of him: Notwithstanding out of them all the Lord delivered me; as he never failed his cause, so his God never failed him. Thou hast fully known my afflictions. When we know the afflictions of good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, “We will renounce that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;” but when we fully know the afflictions, not only how they suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be animated by them, especially considering that we are told before that we must count upon such things (v. 12): All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution: not always alike; at that time those who professed the faith of Christ were more exposed to persecution than at other times; but at all times, more or less, those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. They must expect to be despised, and that their religion will stand in the way of their preferment; those who will live godly must expect it, especially those who will live godly in Christ Jesus, that is, according to the strict rules of the Christian religion, those who will wear the livery and bear the name of the crucified Redeemer. All who will show their religion in their conversation, who will not only be godly, but live godly, let them expect persecution, especially when they are resolute in it. Observe, (1.) The apostle’s life was very exemplary for three things: for his doctrine, which was according to the will of God; for his life, which was agreeable to his doctrine; and for his persecutions and sufferings. (2.) Though his life was a life of great usefulness, yet it was a life of great sufferings; and none, I believe, came nearer to their great Master for eminent services and great sufferings than Paul: he suffered almost in every place; the Holy Ghost witnessed that bonds and afflictions did abide him, Acts xx. 23. Here he mentions his persecutions and afflictions at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, besides what he suffered elsewhere. (3.) The apostle mentions the Lord’s delivering him out of them all, for Timothy’s and our encouragement under sufferings. (4.) We have the practice and treatment of true Christians: they live godly in Jesus Christ–this is their practice; and they shall suffer persecution–this is the usage they must expect in this world.
II. He warns Timothy of the fatal end of seducers, as a reason why he should stick closely to the truth as it is in Jesus: But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, c., <i>v. 13. Observe, As good men, by the grace of God, grow better and better, so bad men, through the subtlety of Satan and the power of their own corruptions, grow worse and worse. The way of sin is down-hill; for such proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Those who deceive others do but deceive themselves; those who draw others into error run themselves into more and more mistakes, and they will find it so at last, to their cost.
III. He directs him to keep close to a good education, and particularly to what he had learned out of the holy scriptures (2Ti 3:14; 2Ti 3:15): Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. Note, It is not enough to learn that which is good, but we must continue in it, and persevere in it unto the end. Then are we Christ’s disciples indeed, John viii. 31. We should not be any more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, Eph. iv. 14. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines; for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, Heb. xiii. 9. And for this reason we should continue in the things we have learned from the holy scriptures; not that we ought to continue in any errors and mistakes which we may have been led into, in the time of our childhood and youth (for these, upon an impartial enquiry and full conviction, we should forsake); but this makes nothing against our continuing in those things which the holy scriptures plainly assert, and which he that runs may read. If Timothy would adhere to the truth as he had been taught it, this would arm him against the snares and insinuations of seducers. Observe, Timothy must continue in the things which he had learned and had been assured of.
1. It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (Luke i. 4); not only to know what the truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. What we have learned we must labour to be more and more assured of, that, being grounded in the truth, we may be guarded against error, for certainty in religion is of great importance and advantage: Knowing, (1.) “That thou hast had good teachers. Consider of whom thou hast learned them; not of evil men and seducers, but good men, who had themselves experienced the power of the truths they taught thee, and been ready to suffer for them, and thereby would give the fullest evidence of their belief of these truths.” (2.) “Knowing especially the firm foundation upon which thou hast built, namely, that of the scripture (v. 15): That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.“
2. Those who would acquaint themselves with the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the holy scriptures, for these are the summary of divine revelation.
3. It is a great happiness to know the holy scriptures from our childhood; and children should betimes get the knowledge of the scriptures. The age of children is the learning age; and those who would get true learning must get it out of the scriptures.
4. The scriptures we are to know are the holy scriptures; they come from the holy God, were delivered by holy men, contain holy precepts, treat of holy things, and were designed to make us holy and to lead us in the way of holiness to happiness; being called the holy scriptures, they are by this distinguished from profane writings of all sorts, and from those that only treat morality, and common justice and honesty, but do not meddle with holiness. If we would know the holy scriptures, we must read and search them daily, as the noble Bereans did, Acts xvii. 11. They must not lie by us neglected, and seldom or never looked into. Now here observe,
(1.) What is the excellency of the scripture. It is given by inspiration of God (v. 16), and therefore is his word. It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. i. 21. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style,–from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it,–from the harmony of its several parts,–from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it,–from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight,–and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine original: God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will, Heb. ii. 4.
(2.) What use it will be of to us. [1.] It is able to make us wise to salvation; that is, it is a sure guide in our way to eternal life. Note, Those are wise indeed who are wise to salvation. The scriptures are able to make us truly wise, wise for our souls and another world. “To make thee wise to salvation through faith.” Observe, The scriptures will make us wise to salvation, if they be mixed with faith, and not otherwise, Heb. iv. 2. For, if we do not believe their truth and goodness, they will do us no good. [2.] It is profitable to us for all the purposes of the Christian life, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It answers all the ends of divine revelation. It instructs us in that which is true, reproves us for that which is amiss, directs us in that which is good. It is of use to all, for we all need to be instructed, corrected, and reproved: it is of special use to ministers, who are to give instruction, correction, and reproof; and whence can they fetch it better than from the scripture? [3.] That the man of God may be perfect, v. 17. The Christian, the minister, is the man of God. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the scripture. By it we are thoroughly furnished for every good work. There is that in the scripture which suits every case. Whatever duty we have to do, whatever service is required from us, we may find enough in the scriptures to furnish us for it.
(3.) On the whole we here see, [1.] That the scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and purposes: It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction of all errors in judgment and practice, and for instruction in righteousness. [2.] The scripture is a perfect rule of faith and practice, and was designed for the man of God, the minister as well as the Christian who is devoted to God, for it is profitable for doctrine, &c. [3.] If we consult the scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. [4.] There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Didst follow (). First aorist active indicative of , for which see 1Ti 4:6. Some MSS. have perfect active (thou hast followed). Nine associative-instrumental cases here after the verb ( teaching , , Ro 12:7;
conduct , , old word here only in N.T.;
purpose , , Ro 8:28;
faith , , 1Th 3:6;
longsuffering , , Col 1:11;
persecutions , , 2Th 1:4;
sufferings , , 2Co 1:6f.). The two last items belong to verse 11.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Hast fully known [] . Better, thou didst follow. See on 1Ti 4:6. o P.
Manner of life [] . Or conduct. N. T. o. LXX, mostly 2nd and 3rd Macc.. Often in Class., but mostly in a transitive sense, leading, conducting.
Purpose [] . See on Act 11:23; Rom 9:11. In Paul, only of the divine purpose.
Long – suffering, charity, patience. For long – suffering, see on Jas 5:7. For charity rend love, and see on Gal 5:22. For patience, see on 2Pe 1:6; Jas 5:7.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) But thou hast fully known” (su de parekolouthesas) “But thou -hast closely followed, pursued;” Note the verb “follow,” to pursue directionally, to or toward a goal, uses the dative form, as an example, 1Co 11:1.
a) “My doctrine” (mou te didaskalia) “My teaching,” Act 20:18-21.
b) “Manner of life” (te agoge) “My conduct, manner of daily behavior,” Act 26:4-5.
c) “Purpose” (te prothesei) “My Motives, purposes,” 2Ti 1:9; 2Co 1:17-19.
d) “Faith” (te pistei) “My faith, system or body of truth,” Php_1:17.
e) “Longsuffering” (te makrothtimia) “My longsuffering,” Eph 4:2; 1Ti 1:16.
f) “Charity” (te agape) “My love,” of divine affections, Rom 1:14-16.
g) “Patience” (te hupomone) “My endurance,” Php_3:13-14.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10 But thou hast followed (185) In order to urge Timothy, he employs this argument also, that he is not an ignorant and untaught soldier, because Paul carried him through a long course of training. Nor does he speak of doctrine only; for those things which he likewise enumerates add much weight, and he gives to us, in this sentence, a very lively picture of a good teacher, as one who does not, by words only, train and instruct his disciples, but, so to speak, opens his very breast to them, that they may know, that whatever he teaches, he teaches sincerely. This is what is implied in the word purpose He likewise adds other proofs of sincere and unfeigned affection, such as faith, mildness, love, patience Such were the early instructions which had been imparted to Timothy in the school of Paul. Yet he does not merely bring to remembrance what he had learned from him, but bears testimony to his former life, that in this manner he may urge him to perseverance; for he praises him as an imitator of his own virtues; as if he had said, “Thou hast been long accustomed to follow my instructions; I ask nothing more than that thou shouldst go on as thou hast begun.” It is his wish, however; that the example of his “faith, love, and patience” should be constantly before the eyes of Timothy; and for that reason he dwells chiefly on his persecutions, which were best known to him.
(185) “Having spoken of the troubles which were to befall the Church, and having exhorted Timothy to be firm, so as not to shrink from them, the Apostle adds, that now, for a long time, he must have been prepared for all this, because he had been taught in a good school. ‘Thou hast known intimately,’ like one who had followed him step by step; for such is the import of the word which Paul uses: ‘Thou hast known well the course which I have pursued.’” — Fr. Ser.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2Ti. 3:10. But thou hast fully known.R.V. didst follow. The mental process of investigation and the moral process of imitating the good seem to blend in this expression, as the words following indicate.
2Ti. 3:11. What persecutions I endured.The old man lives over again the life of hardship and glorifies his Deliverer.
2Ti. 3:13. Seducers.R.V. impostors. There is a reference to incantation by howling, and then to the practice of magic generally, and thence to deception and imposture generally (Ellicott). Shall wax worse and worse.Shall make advance toward the worse. In 2Ti. 3:9 the apostle says they shall not advance further without exposure; here he seems to say that after exposure they do not mind to what lengths they go. The Nemesis of deception is self-deception.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.2Ti. 3:10-13
Characteristics of a Genuine Teacher.
I. The genuine teacher is known by the character of his doctrine and the integrity of his life (2Ti. 3:10).In contrast with the false teachers the apostle appeals to his own teaching and manner of life. Both were well known and had been tested in trying circumstances. The genuine teacher is not actuated by selfish motives, but by a desire to spread the truth and promote the glory of Christ, and the purity of his aim is evident in the Christian spirit with which he treats his opponents and vilifiers.
II. The genuine teacher is known by his sufferings for the truth.
1. Suffering for the truth is the lot of the faithful (2Ti. 3:11-12). Christianity condemns all other religions and claims to be the only religion; it enjoins precepts directly contrary to the instincts of the natural man, and it predicts that persecutions are sure to overtake its most ardent followers. But it promises help in suffering and a future reward of unspeakable glory. A man must be truly in earnest who embraces Christianity with all its conditions and consequences.
2. From all suffering for the truth God graciously delivers. But out of them all the Lord delivered me (2Ti. 3:11). If Paul was delivered from trials, unparalleled in their number and severity, the most oppressed servant of Christ need not despair. With this example before us we need not fear whatever persecution and suffering may be entailed in a faithful propagation of the truth.
III. The genuine teacher is known by contrast with the wicked and deceptive charlatanry of false teachers.But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2Ti. 3:13). Magical arts were practised at Ephesus; but these were abandoned by all who embraced Christ. The false teachers did not hesitate to use the tricks of the conjuror to deceive the unwary; and as they became more reckless in their methods and more wicked in their lives, they ended by being themselves deceived. As Bengel remarks, He who has once begun to deceive others is the less easily able to recover himself from error, and the more easily embraces in turn the errors of others. There is the widest contrast between the showy and tricky charlatanry of false teachers, and the sedate straightforwardness and calmly fervent zeal of the gospel preacher.
Lessons.
1. The truth forms the character of its advocate.
2. Christianity teaches us how to endure and conquer suffering.
3. The genuine teacher is a living witness for the truth.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2Ti. 3:10-11. Personal Integrity
I. Is founded on belief in the truth (2Ti. 3:10).
II. Is manifested in the life (2Ti. 3:10).
III. Is seen in the carrying out of a definite purpose (2Ti. 3:10).
IV. Is exemplified in the virtues of the Christian character (2Ti. 3:10).
V. Is tested and strengthened by suffering (2Ti. 3:11).
VI. Recognises the special help of God in affliction (2Ti. 3:11).
2Ti. 3:12. The Persecution of Goodness.
I. The text characterises the morality of believers.They live godly.
1. The believer complies with the will of God.
2. Presents his services as an offering to God.
3. Aims at the glory of God.
4. Seeks the enjoyment of God.
II. The text declares the origin of the morality of the believer.In Christ Jesus.
1. Implies union with Christ.
2. Christ frees from condemnation and punishment.
3. Christ furnishes motives to obedience.
III. The text declares the consequence of the morality of the believer.Shall suffer persecution.
1. The world hates godliness.
2. The world is reproved by godliness.Stewart.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
2.
WITHSTAND THE APOSTASY 2Ti. 3:10-17
Text 3:1017
10 But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, 11 persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all, the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and imposters shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, which is in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
Thought Questions 3:1017
173.
2Ti. 3:10-11 are given as a contrast to something. What is it?
174.
In what sense had Timothy followed Paul?
175.
What is the difference between conduct and purpose?
176.
Show the distinction between longsuffering and patience.
177.
Give two examples from the life of Paul to illustrate two of the qualities here mentioned.
178.
Why does Paul refer to the persecutions and trials at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra?
179.
What general principle is shown from those specific examples?
180.
If we are not suffering persecutions, is it an indication that we are not living a godly life?
181.
Specify just how the Lord delivered Paul from some of his persecutions. Sometimes he was not delivered. Why?
182.
Why give the promise of 2Ti. 3:13?
183.
What is meant by the use of the term, abide, as in 2Ti. 3:14?
184.
Timothy was to trust what he had learned because of those from whom he had been taught. Explain.
185.
In what way could the Old Testament Scriptures make Timothy wise unto salvation?
186.
Is Paul saying that every Scripture is inspired of God; or that only those which are inspired are profitable?
187.
Define in your own words: reproof, correction, instruction, and show how the Scriptures fulfill these purposes.
188.
If the Scriptures will furnish us unto every good work, why use uninspired literature ?
Paraphrase 3:1017
10 But what I have done for detecting and opposing deceivers thou knowest, who hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose in preaching, fortitude in danger, meekness under provocation, love to mankind, patience under sufferings.
11 Persecutions and sufferings, such as befell me in Antioch (Act. 13:50), in Iconium, (Act. 14:2; Act. 14:5-6), in Lystra, where I was stoned and left as dead (Act. 14:19-20): Such persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord Jesus delivered me.
12 I do not complain of my sufferings, as if I was the only persecuted servant of Christ. All, indeed, who wish to live godly in the Christian Church, shall be persecuted in this age.
13 Now the wicked teachers and sorcerers, of whom I speak, who by false miracles seduce the people, will for a while wax worse and worse, deceiving others, and being deceived themselves, till they are stopped.
14 But, instead of acting like these wicked teachers, continue. thou in the belief of the things which thou hast learned, and with which thou has been instructed, knowing from whom thou hast learned themeven from me, an inspired apostle;
15 And that from thy childhood thou hast known the sacred Scriptures, which having foretold the doctrine, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Christ, exactly as they have come to pass, are able to make thee wise to salvation, by confirming thee in the faith which hath Christ Jesus for its object.
16 I am calumniated as contradicting Moses and the prophets, but I believe, that the whole sacred Scripture is divinely inspired, and is profitable for teaching the doctrines of the Gospel, for confuting those who err therefrom, for correcting those who sin, for instructing all in righteousness;
17 That the Christian minister, by the light derived from the Jewish revelation, may be perfect in the knowledge of the things he is appointed to teach, and thoroughly fitted for discharging every part of the good work he is engaged in.
Comment 3:1017
2Ti. 3:10. In contrast to the evil workers, is Gods faithful servant Timothy. Paul, in this section, wishes to offer encouragement in the face of very difficult times; this is accomplished for Timothy by a reference to Timothys conversion. Paul says, in effect: You are not like these false teachers, for you have followed not in error, but in truth. Such truth was heard and observed through my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience. We shall discuss each of the qualities in order, as they relate to Paul in his association with Timothy: (1) teachingThe message of Paul was accepted by Timothy for what it was in truththe Word of God. Timothy followed it in the sense that he made it a part of his life. The teachings of Paul, like those of the Old Testament Scriptures, were to Timothy Gods light on his pathway of life. They not only gave him direction in life, but illumination on the way. (2) conductThis refers to manner of life, or general demeanor. What was Pauls manner of life? He said, For me, to live is Christ (Php. 1:21). The same dedication to the will of God, the same surrender of all the powers of body and mind as found in our Lord, were also found in Paul. Timothy was attracted by, and to, such a conduct. Paul is now saying, Stay with it! (3) purposePauls Masters passion was to preach the Gospel. To this purpose, Christ had called and commissioned him, and to this vision he was never disobedient. What greater purpose could Timothy have? (4) faithThe faith here mentioned could be equated with faithfulness, but it probably refers to Pauls belief or trust in Gods revelation. This confidence, if held by Timothy, would fortify him against error and sin. (5) longsufferingPaul indeed suffered long at the hands of Gentiles, as well as his own nation. If Timothy is so to suffer, he will know how to conduct himself. (6) lovePauls love was the kind he described in I Corinthians, the 13th chapter. The selfless devotion of the apostle stands out on every page of the record of his life. (7) patienceThis word could also be translated, steadfastness. Without the power to endure, other qualities lose their fruit before it is ripe. In due season we shall reap, if we faint not, seemed to be the hallmark of Pauls work.
2Ti. 3:11. (8) persecutionsThe particular opposition was that which was endured on the first missionary journey in the home town of Timothy. Timothy knew of the efforts of the evil one to defeat Pauls work. The details of such efforts are not known to us, but they were to Timothy. A reading of Acts, chapters 13 and 14, will help in our understanding. (9) sufferingsWas Timothy present at any of the five beatings of the Jews? Did Timothy hear from the lips of the apostle the particular details of the perils in rivers, or perils among robbers? What were the perils in the city, as contrasted with the perils in the wilderness?
The things which befell Paul in Lystra and Iconium, as well as in Antioch, were of particular knowledge to Timothy. What tender scenes of Pauls devotion were in the memory of this beloved child in the faith? Was Timothy one of those who stood around to see Paul stoned? The fearful scene in Lystra, when Paul was stoned and left for dead, the young disciple had probably himself witnessed (Harvey).
This recital of suffering is all given for a purpose: Timothy was about to face similar difficulty. When he called to heart and mind the sufferings of his beloved father in the faith, most especially his suffering in the early days of Timothys Christian life, he would be strengthened to also rejoice in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness (Rom. 5:3).
In what sense could Paul say, and out of them all, the Lord delivered me? He was not delivered from beatings, for he was beaten; he was not delivered from jail, for he was thrown into jail. Paul is not saying, God will deliver us from suffering, but he is saying, He will give us the strength to endure it, We are not delivered from such suffering, but out of them. He has never forsaken His own,
2Ti. 3:12. Out of Pauls personal experience comes this general principle. The Christian is at war with the spirit of this present age. We can expect opposition if we are aggressively living for Christ. We cannot hope to live a holy life, except by vital union with Christ Jesus. But as we can be certain of the strength received by fellowship with Christ, so we can expect the hatred. misunderstanding, and persecution of the world. If we continue in a comfortable life with little or no opposition, we should re-evaluate our efforts to live for Him. If we have so adapted ourselves to the spirit of this present age of materialism and sensuality that we suffer no opposition, then we are no better than Lot in Sodom; indeed, we are worse!
2Ti. 3:13. As the godly increase in their efforts to live for Christ, so do evil men increase in their efforts to live for Satan. The evil men and imposters could quite as literally be called evil men and sorcerers, or magicians. Sin is never static. This verse describes the effects of sin and error in the heart of the sinner or errorist. Such men make great and rapid progress in the direction of evil; they advance in the direction of the worse. This is the natural tendency of evil. It has within it the power of Satanic life. It will grow from bad to worse if given any encouragement. But sinners have within themselves their own punishment. Living in an element of deceit, they come to be themselves deceived. Deception always involves self-deception (De-Wette). This is the inexorable law of our moral being: he who perverts the truth, in the very act destroys his own power to see the truth, and opens his soul to the influx of error (Harvey).
2Ti. 3:14. The only safeguard against error is to be actively engaged in the promotion of the truth. Timothy need have no fear of being deceived while he abides in the teaching of the revealed truth. Timothy did more than to mentally assent to the truthfulness of Pauls message; he learned in such a manner as to be able to teach others; but not only so, he was fully persuaded within. Timothy obtained conviction from his learning. Until one is ready to commit his life to the teachings, he does not have the conviction necessary to labor as he should. Such conviction possessed Timothy; he was fully assured.
The source of such conviction is ultimately the Sacred Oracles; but they are communicated through persons. There is disagreement as to what person, or persons, are meant in 2Ti. 3:14 b. Some would relate the expression of whom thou hast learned them to Paul, but others refer it to Timothys mother and grandmother. It does seem like the latter opinion fits the context better.
2Ti. 3:15. Here is the true source of Timothys steadfastness. How young was Timothy when he began his study of the Sacred Writings? The Word, a babe refers to the earliest years of childhood. The Jewish children were taught the Scriptures by memorizing them as soon as they could speak. Rabbi Judah says: The boy of five years of age ought to apply to the study of the Sacred Scriptures (Harvey). Timothy learned his ABCs from the Old Testament. This was not without instruction as to their meaning and application to life. Reasons for accepting the Sacred Writings for what they claim to be, are abundant within the writings themselves. Timothy first believed the writings were from God, and then he found within them the blessed boon of salvation through the promised Messiah. When Paul came to Lystra to point out the fulfillment of all promises in Jesus of Nazareth, Timothy found salvationthe end of the law.
2Ti. 3:16. Here is the objective fact drawn from Timothys experience. Here is a principle for all men of all time and circumstance.
Which translation shall we accept? Should this verse read: (1) Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable, or (2) Every Scripture is inspired of God and profitable. We like the expression of Lenski on this question: The one is just as correct as the other, as far as the Greek is concerned; and the meaning is exactly the same save for the insignificant shifting of the capula. (Ibid. p. 810.)
What does Paul say of the Scripture? (The Old Testament Scriptures, in particular.) He says five specific things: (1) It is inspired, or God breathed. (2) It is profitable for teaching. (3) It is profitable for reproof or rebuke of sin. (4) It is profitable for correction of sin and error. (5) It is profitable for instruction or discipline in righteousness. We shall give, in order, a brief discussion of each of these five points.
(1) Every Scripture is God breathed. The expression, Scripture, is used more than fifty times in the New Testament, in either the singular or plural form, to refer to the Old Testament as received and used by the Jews in the days of the Apostles, How shall we understand the use of the word, every? We refer it to every portion of the Scripture as being inspired.
(2) It is profitable for teaching. The important element in teaching, is content, The Scriptures provide God breathed information to the teacher. He has the joy and awesome privilege of enlightening the mind and heart concerning what God has spoken.
(3) It is profitable for reproof. Once the Scriptures are accepted as Gods Word, then we can be corrected thereby. All that is wrong can be removed. A conscience is developed and conviction stirred.
(4) It is profitable for correction. This is not repetitious of the preceding. Reproof refers to conscience and conviction; correction refers to information and alteration. The Scriptures furnish the divine norm, or standard, whereby we can measure our lives and teaching.
(5) It is profitable for instruction. The word, instruction, is also translated discipline. For training, Scripture trains, or educates, by guiding and inspiring the soul in holiness and right living. It is the manual of spiritual education (Harvey).
2Ti. 3:17. After considering the accomplishments of the inspired Scriptures, this verse seems a rather inevitable conclusion.
The Scriptures accomplish two glorious ends: (1) They equip the Christian in every area of life, What are the words of men when compared to the heaven-sent Word of God? When the teacher has taught himself in all the four areas specified in 2Ti. 3:16, he is indeed complete. The Scriptures provide the means for creating the whole man. Psychologically and philosophically, the Scriptures give a coherence to life nothing else can provide.
(2) Once the man of God is one, or is a whole man, then he can use what has made him whole to accomplish this same wholeness in others.
Fact Questions 3:1017
125.
When, where, and how did Timothy follow Paul, as indicated in 2Ti. 3:10?
126.
Of the nine particulars in 2Ti. 3:9-10, define four of them.
127.
What was the purpose in the record of Pauls suffering, as given here?
128.
In what sense had God delivered Paul from his persecutions?
129.
Some people in our day are worse off than Lot in Sodom. Who are they?
130.
Explain the expression that sinners have within themselves their own punishment.
131.
What is the only safeguard against error?
132.
Timothy did something more than to merely assent to the truth. What was it?
133.
What were the immediate and ultimate sources of Timothys conviction?
134.
How young Was Timothy when he began to learn of the Old Testament? Wasnt this too young? Many say the Old Testament is too difficult to understand.
135.
In what sense did the Old Testament make Timothy wise unto salvation?
136.
Explain in your own words the fourfold profitableness of the inspired Word.
137.
Do you believe a secular education equips one for living, in a way the Scriptures do not? Explain and discuss.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(10) But thou hast fully known my doctrine.Literally, But thou wert a follower of my doctrine; thou followedst as a disciple, and thus hast fully known. The Greek word translated fully known (see 1Ti. 4:6) denotes a diligently tracing out step by step. See Luk. 1:3, where the same word is rendered, in the English version: having had perfect understanding, having traced up to their source all the events relating to the foundation of Christianity. Here St. Paul recalls to Timothys mind what had been hisSt. Paulslife, and words, and works. No one knew the history of this life like Timothy, the pupil and the friend, who had been long trained to assist in carrying on his teachers work after St. Paul was removed. And this appeal to Timothys recollection of the past has two distinct purposes: (1) It was to contrast that life of St. Pauls, with which the disciple was so well acquainted, with the lives of those false men, of whom Timothy was warned so earnestly, who were poisoning the stream of Christianity at Ephesus; and (2) the memory of the master was to serve as a spur to the disciple, the heroic faith of the old man was to act as an incentive to the young teacher to suffer bravely in his turn.
With this pattern of steady faith and heroic work before his eyes, Timothy would never be able to endure the wretched mock Christianity these new teachers were labouring to introduce into the communities of the believers of Asia; he would at once separate himself and his from these evil influences.
My doctrine.Or, teaching, in which the leading of a pure self-denying life was inseparably bound up with a belief in the great Christian doctrines. This hast thou, my pupil from boyhood, known in all its details. Thou hast known how I taught others.
Manner of life.And also how I lived myself: my ways which be in Christ, as he once before phrased it (1Co. 4:17), my conduct.
Purpose.My purposefrom which you know I never swervedof remaining true to the Gospel of my Lord and to my great lifes mission to the Gentiles. (See Act. 2:23, where the word is used in respect to others purpose.)
Faith.Possibly, trust in God, but better, St. Pauls faith or belief in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.
Longsuffering.Towards his many bitter adversaries, especially those among his own countrymen. In spite of all that long, unwearied, sleepless persecution, which he, the former Pharisee leader, endured at the hands of the Jews, he loved Israel to the end, with a love intense as it was changeless, loved them even to be willing for their sake to give up his eternal hopes. (See Rom. 9:3.)
Charity.My love, which (in his own sunny words) beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all thingsthe love which never faileth. (See 1 Corinthians 13)
Patience.That characteristic virtue of St. Paul, that brave patience which hopefully endured opposition to his favourite schemes, which cheerfully bore the most painful suffering when it came as a consequence of work in his Masters cause. This concluding word led naturally on to the brief catalogue of persecutions of the next verse.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10-17. To the above terrific delineation St. Paul now draws a contrastive picture for and of Timothy himself in that approaching future. Taking the suffering and heroic Paul as his pattern, 10-12, in contrast with these seducers, 13, and in full accordance with his childhood’s training in the Scriptures, 14, 15, which are the inspired guide of his life, 15, 16, he will find himself fully fitted for every demand, for every good work.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2. But as Timothy knows the trueness and purity of Paul, 2Ti 3:10-13.
10. But Contrastive; introducing a picture antithetic to the above gloomy portraiture.
Thou Greek, emphatic, both by insertion and position; in antithesis to the errorists above described.
Hast fully known With thorough study and acquaintance as of a pattern and lesson. Timothy’s acquaintance with Paul’s example as an eyewitness commenced at Lystra, but the report of his previous endurances at Antioch and Iconium, Acts xiv, must have been perfectly known to him at the time. Lystra The apostle stops his enumeration in precise accordance with the history in Act 14:20-21, where see notes.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But YOU are familiar with my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patient endurance,’
Note the emphatic ‘you’. Paul knows that Timothy is not like these false teachers, if for no other reason than because he is familiar with Paul’s life and ministry. He knows what the genuine article is like. He is familiar with what Paul teaches, he knows how he behaves, he knows what his fixed purpose is, he knows the quality of his faith, he knows how longsuffering he is, he knows the love with which he is filled, love for God and love for the elect (compare 2Ti 2:10), and he knows his patient endurance and fortitude. All this should make absolutely clear to Timothy the difference between him and the false teachers, between the true and the false.
These are not the boasts of a man seeking to boost his own ego, but the words of a man under sentence of death who has reviewed his life and knows what he is, and who is reminding Timothy of those happy days when as a young man he had first come into contact with him (Paul) and had been moved by observing his life and what he saw of him to a new dedication. Meeting Paul and seeing what he was and what he had experienced had changed his life, and Paul now says, remember Timothy, for what convinced you then is still equally true today. So go back to your foundations.
‘Are familiar with.’ The verb originally meant ‘to follow up, trace out’ but came to mean ‘are cognisant of, are familiar with’ as used for example in the papyri.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Paul’s Example of Perseverance Amidst Hardships In 2Ti 3:10-12 Paul gives himself as an example of a faithful servant of God who has endured hardships.
2Ti 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2Ti 3:10
2Ti 3:11 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.
2Ti 3:11
Psa 34:18, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2Ti 3:12
Psa 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Joh 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Act 14:22, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Php 1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”
1Pe 5:9, “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures
The Special Lessons of Paul’s Afflictions.
v. 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
v. 11. 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.
v. 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
v. 13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. The apostle here, by way of contrast to the preceding paragraph, describes the manner of conduct which should characterize all true servants of the Lord: But thou hast carefully followed my doctrine, manner of living, aim, faith, steadfastness, love, patience. Paul commends Timothy for choosing him as an example after which he might model his own life. He had made Paul his type, and he had conformed his life to that type, having thus been approved in the foremost virtues of a Christian teacher. He had preached the Christian doctrine just as it had been transmitted to him by Paul, knowing this doctrine to be the Word of God. He had followed Paul’s manner of living, copying the tact which the great apostle showed in the various situations that confronted him. He had made use of Paul’s example also in his aims and purposes, in the clear-cut manner in which he brought out the object of his office. For that reason he also made use of proper faithfulness, which is the external manifestation of the faith of the heart. With this there was combined long-suffering or steadfastness in working, even where the Lord does not bless the work with immediate visible success. The exercise of this virtue naturally demands a rich fund of love, both toward Christ on the basis of His wonderful redemption and toward one’s neighbors near and far, as people that are included in the salvation of the Lord. And this love, in turn, teaches the right patience, even in the midst of suffering and tribulation, which is always associated with the preaching of the Gospel. With respect to all these virtues Timothy had conformed his conduct to that of his teacher, having followed the example of Paul. This recital reminds the apostle of several occasions upon which he was strongly in need of a number of these virtues: (Thou hast followed) the persecutions, the sufferings, all that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra, what persecutions I endured; and out of them all the Lord delivered me. It seems that the sufferings of the early years of Paul’s ministry, of his first missionary journey, made an exceptionally deep impression upon him. It was in and near the home of Timothy that these afflictions and tribulations had come upon him, Act 13:45-52; Act 14:1-19. The greatness and intensity of these early sufferings had made an ineffaceable impression upon his memory; he would always think of Antioch, of Iconium, of Lystra as the cities in which he had been taught steadfastness, patience, long-suffering. It is not for the sake of his own praise that Paul makes mention of all these matters, but rather for the sake of voicing his praise and thanksgiving to God, who had delivered him so wonderfully, tearing him out of the midst of all these dangers. See 1Co 10:13. The thought that is implied is this: Timothy had had evidence enough that the Lord had never forsaken His apostle, even in the midst of the greatest perils; therefore he should not hesitate for even one moment to continue as the Lord’s minister. This comforting thought is brought out directly in the next verse: Yes, and all that want to live piously in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. That is a general truth, which finds its application at all times. In case he should be called upon to bear his measure of tribulation, Timothy was to remember that his was not an unusual, a singular experience. All men that are really disciples, followers of Christ, and are eager to live a life of godliness in Christ, through the power which He imparts, all believers that give evidence of their faith in Christ in a life that accords with the will of God, must bear also the cross of Christ. Their life affording such a strong contrast to that of the unbelievers, the latter naturally feel that they suffer by the comparison, and resent the implication in a corresponding manner. So they give evidence of their disapproval, of their hatred, in various persecutions, in making life as miserable as possible for the Christians. This fact was prophesied by Christ, Joh 16:1-4, and therefore His disciples expect nothing else. They take their cross upon themselves daily and follow Him. At the same time the enemies of Christ persist in their godless behavior: But evil men and seducers make continual progress in evil, deceiving and being deceived. By the exposure of their wickedness, of which the apostle spoke in v. 9, the wickedness is not removed from the world. Such men will rather continue with all the greater energy their attempt to lead others astray. Whenever they find a Christian that is weak in faith, they try to seduce him into misbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice. But by this persistence in their wickedness the enemies of Christ prepare for themselves the greater damnation. In the same measure that they make progress in all vices and continually devise new methods of leading people astray, they themselves sink down into perdition. It is their own fault if they find themselves, in the end, suffering the punishment of hell. Thus also the judgment that will eventually strike wicked men is a source of comfort to the believers.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
2Ti 3:10. But thou hast fully known Having in the preceding verses described the apostates of the last days, and shewn how much the wicked Judaizers made way for that apostacy, the apostle here, by way of opposition, proposes his own example and doctrine, that Timothy might observe and follow them: to incite him to which, he appeals to his many and great sufferings, as proofs of his sincerity; and he not only intimates that Timothy had been instructed by one who had sufficient attestations to his apostolic character, but that the true Christian revelation was agreeable to the scriptures of the Old Testament, with which Timothy had been acquainted from his infancy, and which might still be profitably read, if carefully compared with, and made subservient to the true Christian revelation. In this view the study of them would not lead him aside, as it did the Judaizers, but would help to make him a proper and perfect instructor of mankind in the Christian religion.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ti 3:10-11 . As a contrast to the heresy, the apostle now describes Timothy’s former conduct, for the purpose of inciting him to show a like fidelity still.
] The verb denotes neither that he was an actual witness (Chrysostom: ; so, too, Theophylact, Oecumenius, Erasmus, and others; this exposition is unsuitable, since these events, 2Ti 3:11 , in the apostle’s life had taken place before Timothy’s conversion), nor even that the knowledge was gained through others (Luther: “thou hast come to know”). means “follow,” either theoretically, as in Luk 1:3 (“of intellectual following after, by which the knowledge of a thing is gained,” Meyer on the passage), or practically, as in 1Ti 4:6 . Here it can only have the latter meaning. Here, however, as in 1Ti 4:6 , it is not equivalent to imitari, follow as a pattern (de Wette), for that does not agree with (2Ti 3:11 ), but the apostle’s , . . . are regarded as guides by which Timothy is to steer his course through life (so also van Oosterzee, Hofmann, Otto [50] ). Wiesinger explains it: “thou hast let thyself be moved by my . . . to join thyself to me.” But this explanation unjustifiably limits the to “the act by which Timothy first joined himself to the apostle;” further, this notion of joining himself is imported; and finally, it would seem superfluous to enumerate the particular points if they are only to be understood as motives for Timothy’s joining himself to the apostle.
The aorist says that Timothy followed the apostle before; there is no indication whether he did so later. This earlier period was, of course, the time when he was the apostle’s . The perfect would have meant that Timothy continued to do so.
] comp. 1Ti 4:6 .
] With this and the following words is to be supplied. Mack wrongly says that is not to be supplied, and that and the terms following do not refer to Paul, but to Timothy: “thou hast followed my doctrine in behaviour,” etc. Apart from the unnatural construction, this view is decidedly opposed by 2Ti 3:11 , for it is quite untenable to suppose that Timothy in the places named suffered persecution just as Paul did.
( . .) in classic Greek is both transitive, “the guidance,” and intransitive, “mode of life,” ratio vivendi. The latter meaning (see Est 2:20 ) should here be retained; the word cannot of itself mean guidance of the church , as some interpret it. Luther says well: “my manner.”
] cf. Act 11:23 , “the purpose on which the mode of life is founded.”
] not “fidelity in office,” nor “conscientiousness,” but “faith.”
. . . ] The difference between and is, that the former is applied to one who is not irritated, the latter to one who is not discouraged. 2Ti 3:11 . , ] The transition to these is formed by . The idea of is expanded by adding . The apostle is thinking specially of his persecutions, and his reason is that Timothy shrank to a certain extent from suffering; comp. 2Ti 1:6-8 .
( )] is distinguished from the relative , inasmuch as it points to the nature of the ; would have limited to what the apostle had to endure in Antioch, etc.; but indicates that he means by all sufferings of the same nature as those endured in Antioch, etc. This is the case also with farther on. The sufferings endured in Antioch, etc., are mentioned because they took place at the time when Timothy was adopted by Paul as his colleague.
In the next words: , the verb is emphatic; it was important, when directing Timothy to the example given him, to remind him that the persecutions had been borne undauntedly and then that the Lord had granted rescue from them all; hence he continues: . Erasmus, Flatt, Mack, Heydenreich unnecessarily take the sentence: , as a touching appeal; Hofmann, both this sentence and the preceding one: . . . This would only be an unsuitable interruption of the quiet train of thought. [51]
denotes persevering, stedfast endurance, 1Co 10:13 ; 1Pe 2:17 .
. . .] Chrysostom: , , . He mentions his sufferings, and his rescue from them, that he may encourage Timothy to be ready to suffer for Christ’s sake. It is to be observed that refers not only to rescue from bodily danger, but also to rescue from the danger of being unfaithful to his calling, so that out of his sufferings he had issued without hurt to body or soul ; comp. 2Ti 4:17 .
[50] Otto: “ is to be taken in its most literal sense, not comprobari, amplecti, or even imitari, but follow after . Timothy of his own accord not only followed after his doctrine, but also his sufferings; for that these lay in the path of an apostle was shown clearly enough by events in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. Hence, however, he is not to be surprised if he finds on his way the very thing he had willingly followed after.” Hofmann explains it: “Timothy as scholar followed that in which Paul had preceded him as teacher, so that Christianity taught him what Christianity was.”
[51] Hofmann maintains that if the sentences beginning with and were to be relative sentences, the apostle would have written: , , , ; but this would make too wide a separation between the cognate ideas and , and the second sentence: . . ., would be only a weak appendage. The objection, that the relative sentence with is quite superfluous, is quite removed if the emphasis be placed on . Nor can it be said that “ is unskilfully introduced,” since this introduction was necessary, if the apostle wished to express his thought in a relative clause.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
VII
Warm praise of Timothy on account of his better disposition, and incitement to continue therein
2Ti 3:10-17
10But thou hast fully known7[followed] my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium,8 at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will [desire to] live godly9 [piously] in Christ Jesus shall [will] suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.10 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; [,] 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation 16through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,11 and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,12 for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [,] 17That the man of God may be perfect [complete], thoroughly furnished unto [for] all good works [every good work].
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
2Ti 3:10. But thou, &c., . But thou; with these words the Apostle returns to Timothy, not to praise him unnecessarily, but to appeal to Timothy himself, as to a witness, that his teacher and friend had walked an entirely different path from that of those false teachers. The recurrence to the example furnished him by the Apostle (2Ti 3:10-13) serves to introduce also the exhortation to enduring fidelity (2Ti 3:14-17).Thou hast fully known my doctrine, (after A. C. F. G.; Tischendorf has, after D. E. I. K., and others, , as in 1Ti 4:6); either, thou hast attended to my doctrine, &c., as an eye-witness (or in thought), or, Thou hast followed my doctrine, &c., as if it were a pattern. The latter most probably. The Apostles , &c., are regarded as the leaders by which Timothy allowed himself to be directed in the course of his lifeguiding stars, as it were, which he followed; (Huther).Manner of life, (comp. Est 2:20); general designation of the rule of conduct pursued by Paul, the ratio vivendi et agendi (Luther: My way).Purpose, (comp. Act 11:23); the decided resolution of the heart to remain true to the high calling of his life.Faith, long-suffering, charity, patience. There is nothing incongruous in the thought that Timothy also had suffered for the cause of Christ, but under this suffering, true to the example of Paul, had been as little discouraged as to allow himself to be allured into resistance. The mention of the gives the Apostle occasion for a still more definite communication respecting the circumstances in which this Christian virtue had particularly served his turn.
2Ti 3:11. Persecutions, afflictions, &c. (comp. 2Co 11:24-28; Col 1:24, and other places).Which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra (comp. Act 13:50; Act 14:19). The question has been asked, why the Apostle selected just these pages from the journal of the history of his sufferings. The reason is obvious. In those regions Timothy was known from childhood; there had he first met the Apostle; there had he received the first impression of his word and work; and perhaps the lofty spirit of Pauls faith, which he evinced under these persecutions, had co-operated in the conversion of Timothy. Besides this also, before all, towards the end of his course, the recollection of the first deeds and sufferings of the servant of Christ came forcibly into the foreground.What persecutions I endured, ; no exclamation (Erasmus, Flatt, Mack, Heydenreich), but a simple relative proposition in proof of his , but at the same time a transition to the humble glorifying of God.But out of (them) all the Lord delivered me (comp. 2Ti 4:17-18). Calvin: Consolatio, qu temperat afflictionum acerbitatem, quod scil. prosperum finem habent. Ergo perinde hoc valet, ac si dixisset: expertus es, deum mihi nunquam defuisse, ita non est, quod dubites, meo exemplo ipsum sequi.
2Ti 3:12. yea, and all suffer persecution. Just as the Apostle desires to avoid the appearance even of regarding his persecutions for the cause of the Lord as anything entirely exceptional, on account of which he might be not a little proud, he adds the observation, to what has already been said, that in the kingdom of God, on the contrary, the rule is of force for all, to enter into glory through suffering, and that therefore Timothy also, if he desired it even, would not be able to avoid this suffering, unless he wished wholly to deny his calling. Although it is not improbable that he utters this prophecy of distress especially in view of the approaching (comp. 2Ti 3:13), his word need not be at all restricted thereto. He proclaims persecution for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus. used here, with emphasis, of the governing determination to follow after godliness in spite of all hindrances. The words have the sense, all who resolve, who are discreet therein, to live piously, &c. (see Winer, Gramm., p. 541). The Christian life is represented here designedly as a life of godliness, with a side glance at the immoral life and endeavor of the false teachers. But that no other godliness than that which springs forth from the roots of a living faith is here under consideration, is sufficiently clear from the additional clause, in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:13. But evil men and seducers, &c. Once again the Apostle comes back to what has been said, 2Ti 3:1-9, as well to refer to one of the immediate causes of the predicted persecutions, 2Ti 3:12, as also to remove from Timothy the possible misconception that he would be able to disarm wholly the enemies of the truth by a godly walk and endurance.Evil men and seducers, ; here no species of the general genus , but a more specific designation of these latter, in proof that he speaks expressly of those bad men whom he had described before, and, 2Ti 3:8, had compared with Egyptian magicians. (Upon these Got generally, see Lechler, Acts, p. 103.) It is a very flat explanation to translate the word, without farther signification, only in the sense of deceivers.Shall wax worse and worse (see upon 2Ti 2:16; 2Ti 3:9).Deceiving and being deceived, ; occupied continually in deceiving, and in error. He who leads others in the way of error, remains himself, by no possibility, in the right way.
2Ti 3:14. But continue thou, &c. Here also, as in 2Ti 3:10, is Timothy placed, in a complimentary way, over against the false teachers, but at the same time is warned emphatically to continue to walk in the way already struck upon.But continue thou in the things, = , (comp. Joh 8:31; Mat 24:13).Which thou hast learned and hast been assured of. The last word is added, because, without this subjective conviction of the heart, it would not have been possible for Timothy to hold out in the things he had learned, amid so many persecutions. = confirmo, ; to convince any one of anything, to furnish him with authentic knowledge (the Vulgate incorrectly: qu tibi credita sunt; and Luther: And to thee is entrusted). The Apostle will simply state that the thing learned was the possession of Timothy not objectively only, but subjectively also. Still one, but one touching (intime) recollection, he now adds: Knowing of whom thou hast learned them; in other words, Thou knowest that thou hast not learned the truth from an unknown and suspicious quarter, but from a quarter which deserves thy highest confidence. If the Recepta, , be the genuine reading, then we must not, with some interpreters, think of Christ, but of Paul exclusively, as the teacher of Timothy (comp. 2Ti 3:10). If, on the other hand, with Tischendorf and others, we adopt the reading in the plural, , according to the rule, lectio difficilior prferenda, then this reminder is related to 2Ti 1:5, and recalls to the memory of Timothy the religious instruction of Lois and Eunice, the benefit of which he had received so early, and the power and value of which it was impossible for him now to mistake. In no event, in the meanwhile, are we to think here of the (2Ti 2:2).
2Ti 3:15. And that from a child, &c. A second motive, which runs parallel with the first, and concludes with an encomium upon Holy Scripture itself (2Ti 3:16-17). That, ; not to be understood in the sense of because (Vulg., Luther), but to be conjoined with ; which particle is used to denote not merely knowledge, but also reflection; (De Wette).From a child up, (comp. 2Ti 1:5).Thou hast known the holy Scriptures. [The word , sacred, is to be distinguished from , holy, sancta. The former word, , expresses the reverence with which these writings were regarded. It bespeaks the sacredness of the Scriptures in the general esteem and veneration of the Jewish and Christian churches; and as separated from all common writings. Cf. Horat., A. P. 2Tim 397: Secernere sacra profanis; Wordsworth, in loco.E. H.] The Holy Scriptures here are exclusively those of the Old Testament, not at all these of the New Testament (upon an alleged citation of Luke in 1Ti 5:18, see upon this place). As memoranda of the especial revelation of God to His chosen people, they are called elsewhere, , , &c Upon their division at that time, amongst the Jews, see upon Luk 24:44.Which are able to make thee wise unto salvation., used in a somewhat different sense in 2Pe 1:16 also, is here not to be understood of elementary, mere foundation-laying instruction, but of practical knowledge, penetrating ever deeper and deeper. must not be construed as Prteritum (Bengel: qu poterant), but as Prsens. It signifies not only what the Holy Scriptures did in the youth of Timothy, but also what they are able to accomplish continuously. To make wise unto salvation, , is to make so wise that one becomes actually, for ones self, a partaker of the Messianic . The Holy Scriptures of the Old Covenant do this indeed, not in a magical-mechanical, but in an ethical-psychological way; and therefore Paul adds, through faith which is in Christ Jesus; i.e., by means of faith, if indeed the faith in Christ Jesus be in thee. The Apostle names an indispensably necessary subjective condition for the right use of the Old Testament, through the absence of which, it is much to be feared that the use of it will not leave behind the wished-for fruit. Not every one can be made wise unto salvation by the writings of the Old Covenant, but only every one who believes in Christ. Faith in Christ is, as it were, a torch, by the light of which we can first read aright and understand the dim colonnades and mysterious inscriptions in the ancient venerable temple of the Old Covenant. [Observe that the Apostle doth not say that these Scriptures were of themselves sufficient to make Timothy wise to salvation, but only that with faith in Christ Jesus they were sufficient for that end; Whitby, in loco. Or may not the due appreciation of the Scriptures collectively be more safely relied on as the result and consequence of the belief in Christ ? S. T. Coleridge.Das Ansehen der heiligen Schrift kann nicht den Glauben an Christum begrnden, vielmehr muss dieser schon vorausgesetzt werden um der heiligen Schrift ein besonderes Ansehen einzurumen; Schleiermacher, Glaubenslehre, 128.The two foregoing extracts refer to Canonical Scripture as we recognize it. Do we receive the Holy Scripture first, as authority in matters to be believed, and therefore Christ? Or do we receive Chrst first, and therefore the Scriptures? The question is not, whether we must know anything of Scripture, whether we must receive any of its statements, whether we must accept its witness for Christ prior or subsequent to faith in Him; but it is, whether we shall receive it as coming, in some special sense, from God, as bearing His mark, as vested with some authority, prior or subsequent to faith in our Lord. Commonly, the order now insisted upon by preachers and apologists for the gospel is, the Holy Scriptures first, and therefore Christ. I believe in the reversal of this order, and maintain, Christ first, and therefore the Scriptures; Sermon on the Order in Things to be Believed.E. H.]
2Ti 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. [Every portion of Scripture, being inspired (i.e., because it is inspired), is also profitable; Wordsworth on the place.] Although the article is wanting here, nevertheless, by virtue of the connection, it is not to be doubted a moment that the Apostle is speaking decidedly and exclusively of the of the Old Covenant, as of a well-completed whole. All Scripture is to be taken in the same sense as (Eph 2:21), the whole building; (Eph 3:15), the whole race; (1Pe 1:15), the whole conversation. In no case can the absence of the article in a word so frequently used as surprise us, since it is employed, in fact, almost as a proper name. The Apostle speaks also of the collection of the Old Testament Scriptures, without excepting any portion either directly or indirectly, although he will not have attributed, naturally, to all the books of this collection an equal value. Had he wished to say only: Each Scripture which is given by God is useful also (De Wette), he would not only have written something very vague and of little importance, but also he would have lost sight of the whole distinction between sacred and profane Scripture, which in this place, least of all, could have been his purpose.Given by inspiration of God, ; first attribute of Scripture, whereupon further, in a breath, the other praise follows, ,… Luther incorrectly: All Scripture, given by God, is useful, &c.; Bengel, better: . est pars, non subjecti, sed prdicati quam enim scripturam dicit Paulus, per se patet. It is just as arbitrary to leave out , as it is to translate it here by also (Heinrichs). That an inspired composition was also useful, was intelligible of itself indeed; but it is evidently here the design of the Apostle to give his witness to Scripture by a general commendation, and to direct the attention of Timothy to it for (in view of) the time when Paul would no longer be here. Etiam post Pauli obitum Timotheus eo magis ad Scripturam alligatur. Non ad sese unum Paulus adstringit Timotheum, sed eum quamlibet adultum in fide filium Scripturas jubet adhibere. Hoc perpendere, debent, qui doctoribus suis, quorum discipline semel innutriti erant, ita se addicunt, ut extra eorum circulum nihil e scriptura deinceps oblatum admittant; Bengel.Given by inspiration of God, ; to be taken, like , and others, in a passive sense (see Winer, p. 88) = diviniter inspirata, breathed through and inspired by God; so that the Divine Spirit makes up its principle (comp. 2Pe 1:21). For the behoof, further, of the right conception of the matter, the passages of the classical writers, where they make mention of the divine afflatus, are to be compared; e.g., the known word of Cicero, Nemo vir magnus sine aliquo afflatu divino unquam fuit. De Nat. Deo, ii. 66, &c., quoted by De Wette upon this place.And is profitable for doctrine, ; for theoretical instruction in everything in the sphere of religion, which without it would remain unknown to us.For reproof, (or ) (comp. Tit 2:15; 1Ti 5:20); for the reproving conviction of all that is unholy and ungodly in man.For correction, ( .) = emendatio; strictly, the placing right again.For instruction, , ad institutionem (comp. Tit 2:12). The Holy Scripture of the Old Testament remains the instruction-book for the new man in Christ Jesus.In righteousness, (sc, ) ; a more precise exhibition of the sphere of life in which the just-named moves, namely, that of unfeigned godliness.
2Ti 3:17. That the man of God, &c.; statement not of the aim of Scripture in general, but of the design of the just-named instruction, which indeed is secured only through the Scripture. The man of God (1Ti 6:11); a special description of Timothy (see the place) here, of the Christian generally, as of a man who is born of God through the Holy Ghost, and is affiliated with God. For every Christian who makes the prescribed use of the Scripture, aims at the instruction it imparts, there is the same high goal.Perfect, ( .) = (Col 1:28); strictly, fitting.Thoroughly furnished unto all good works (comp. Eph 2:10); in other words: Aptus ad omne bonum opus peragendum. Usually the word is construed here in an official relation (Bengel: Genera talium operum enumerantur 2Ti 3:16); but there is nevertheless no reason for confining the meaning of the Apostle in such narrow limits. He wishes to say, in a wholly general manner, what instruction by the Scripture will secure for every believer, continuous, growing, inward capacity and readiness for the accomplishment of everything pleasing to the Lord.
DOCTRINAL AND ETHICAL
1. Paul, also in this portion of his communication to Timothy, himself an example of a true and conscientious pastor. Ars artium est regimen animarum. Saying of Gregory the Great in his cura pastoralis.
2. It is an inestimable privilege, when one feels free, as Paul, to refer not only to his word, but also to his example. This can he only, who, with the same fidelity as the great Apostle, knows how to surrender himself to the principle, that with the preacher even everything must preach.
3. The history of the sufferings and of the deliverance of Paul, is in many respects typical for subsequent ministers of the word.
4. The education of Timothy is a convincing proof of the blessing of family devotion to God Church and school must be inwardly united, if they will work upon the heart for faith and conversion. There is no more effectual agency for the unchristianizing of a State, than the banishment of the Holy Scriptures from the schools, in consideration of in differentists, deists, and Jews, as is the case now, e, g., in Holland [and likely to become the case in the United States. A very serious matter for the Christian people of this country. We are organized under a Constitution which guarantees liberty of conscience. There are some millions of our citizens who are conscientiously opposed to the use of the Bible in the public schools. The Constitution was framed by Protestants; but the unforeseen character of the immigration has demanded, and demands now, an utterly unforeseen application of our organic laws. Positive Christianity cannot therefore be taught in the public schools of the country, under the sanction of the Constitution.E. H.]
5. There was a time when the Old Testament was placed unhesitatingly side by side with the New, and the theologian confirmed religious truths promiscuously by a number of citations from both, as the jurist appealed to the Corpus Juris. Through the influence of the Schleiermacher-theology, on the other hand, an undervaluation of the Old Testament has come up, which likewise has brought no blessing upon the Church. For the development of modern theology, much will depend upon the relation in which it will place itself to the Scriptures of the Old Covenant. The Apostle gives us here (2Ti 3:15) a valuable hint for the right decision, which is as far removed from an undervaluation, as from an overestimate of it.
6. Upon this statement of the Apostle (2Ti 3:15-17) is founded the churchly doctrine of the perspicuitas ct sufficientia sacr Scriptur. What is said here actually of the Old Testament, can be affirmed with far higher propriety of the New; and the Roman Catholic prohibition of the Bible has difficulty in maintaining itself against such convincing testimonies (comp. Joh 5:39; Luk 16:31, and other places). It is worthy of remark, that Paul, in view of death, has likewise given such a testimony concerning Scripture. Certainly it is proof that he, the Apostle of liberty, bowed unqualifiedly and humbly before the well-understood authority of the word of God. It is as if he foresaw the whole calamity which departure from the words of Scripture would one day bring upon the Church of the Lord. A faithful and honest adherence to Scripture is the best Palladium for the Church against rationalism, mysticism, and Romanism.
7. The dogma of the inspiration of Scripture belongs also to those which urgently demand a new treatment and development. [John Sterling, according to the late Archdeacon Hare, grew to regard an intelligent theory of inspiration, and of the relation of the Bible to the faith which it conveys, as the most pressing want of our Church. That it is a most pressing one, is indeed certain; and such it has long been acknowledged to be by those who meditate on theology. (Hare, Mem., p. 130.). This is only one voice; but the echoes of it are audible in every quarter. It may be doubted if the subject admit of reduction to dogmatic form. What the authority of the sacred Scripture is, may be readily stated; what its inspiration is, will inevitably be stated under a variety of formscertainly until men will, by common consent, observe the difference between inspiration and an infallible intelligence in the person inspired. I look, therefore, to an intelligent theory rather than to a satisfactory setting forth, under new forms, of the dogma of inspiration.E. H.] While the notion of a purely mechanical inspiration, according to which the sacred writers were nothing more than scrib et actuarii Spiritus Sancti, simply without volition, has been properly relinquished as untenable, very little has as yet been done, comparatively, for the development of the conception of Scripture as an organic whole, by which as well the divine as the human side must be distinctly set forth. An article by Richard Rothe, Zur Dogmatik, in the Theologische Studien und Kritiken, 1859 [and published in book form, Zur Dogmatik, 1863], contains valuable hints. Our passage has always been regarded correctly, in this respect, as classical, since what the Apostle here says of the Old Testament is still more emphatically true of the New. We must nevertheless acknowledge that this passage alone is not sufficient to found a theory of inspiration upon, since the relation of human activity to the disposing power of the Spirit of God in the composition of Holy Scripture is not stated in words, and the question, whether we must consider here an inspiration of words, or of things, remains wholly unanswered. A correct theory of inspiration will not rest upon this or the other passage of Scripture, but can truly and vitally result only from a consideration of the object which is the product of Divine inspiration. The Baconian observationmethod (induction) carries us farther here, than the atomistic procedure of those who, in their critical zeal, cut up Scripture into a number of pieces, but who, amid this, have no eye for the complete unity of Scripture, and who do not observe the forest, in their preference for particular trees. One can consult farther, upon this disputed point, the dogmatic writings of Twesten, Martensen, Nitzsch, Lange, and others, and also particularly what always remains a significant work, even when one cannot follow in all respects the views of the author: Gaussen, Theopneustie ou inspiration plenire des saintes critures, as well as also the weighty letters of Fred. de Rougemont, Christ et ses Tmoins, Paris, 1856, 2 vols. Furthermore, the sterling French productions of P. Jalaguyer, Merle dAubign, not to mention others of late years. Among the ablest advocates for the authority and inspiration of Holy Writ against modern unbelief in the Dutch Reformed Church, the name of Isaac da Costa (1860) deserves always to be held in honor. We need also here the non nova, sed nove of Vincentius of Lirins.
8. The quadruplex usus of the Sacred Scripture of the Old Covenant, is confirmed by the Apostles own example, who, in his writings, often, employs the Old Testament for all these different ends. For doctrine, he makes use, e.g., of the history of Abraham (Gen 15:6), in the discussion of the doctrine of justification, Romans 4. For reproof, as often as he puts to shame his opponents by citations from the Old Testament, e.g., Romans 9-11. For correction, e.g., 1Co 10:1-10. For instruction (comp. Heb 12:7), Rom 15:4. Amongst all the Apostles, no one deserves in a higher degree than Paul the honorable title of a doctor biblicus. The manner and way in which he has considered, employed, and quoted the Old Testament, alone would deserve to constitute the subject-matter of a special inquiry.
9. Holy Scripture is the treasury and armory of the Christian Church. It meets every need of the children of God. Each irresolute, struggling Christian, powerless in doubt, must lay the blame upon himself if he do not employ this source of strength and of life; Heubner.
HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL
Timothy a pattern of true devotion: (1) To the example of Paul; (2) to the words of Holy Scripture.Well for the teacher who has a disciple like Timothy, but well also for the scholar who has a leader like Paul.The path of suffering of the Apostle Paul a revelation: (1) Of the power of sin which pursued him; (2) of the greater power of faith which sustained him; (3) of the omnipotence of the Lord who delivered him out of all.The way of suffering the way of glory for every disciple of Christ: (1) An old way; (2) a difficult way; (3) a safe way; (4) a blessed way.Fanaticism and intentional deception are usually most closely connected in false teachers.Hold fast that which thou hast learned (text for confirmation address).The overestimation and the undervaluation of the Old Testament are both condemned by Paul.The blessings of a God-fearing education.The value, the authority, and the right use of Holy Scripture.The bread of life, by means of which the new man shall grow up.The effect of the word of truth a convincing proof of its heavenly origin.The entire pericope (2Ti 3:14-17) pre-eminently adapted for discourses at Bible-celebrations or Reformation-sermons.The value of the Sacred Scripture especially for the evangelical Church.
Starke: Cramer: If there be many corrupting and evil babblers, there are notwithstanding, here and there, also truthful and good teachers.Let the former go, follow the latter.Wilt thou be pious, and have good days only? Thou errest. Consider ! So it has been good for no saint; here do battle, there rest.Hedinger: If one be persecuted, he must not therefore conclude at once that he is a hypocrite or godless.To have been led away, does not exculpate, yet has the seducer the greater sin, although both are ruined.Osiander: He who will teach others rightly, and will himself live rightly, must beforehand learn rightly.Langii Op.: Let each Christian consider that, by virtue of his baptis mal covenant, he must be a man of God, who does not live unto himself, nor unto the world, but with denial of self and of the world, unto God.The perfection of a Christian shows itself amid the imperfection therein, that he apply sincerely and continually the received divine power of grace not only for one and for another, but for all good works (Heb 13:21).
Heubner: Are we able to bear witness before God, that we, for Christs sake, would suffer persecution? then have we in so far forth abundant consolation (Mat 5:11).There is no standing still in evil.Is there a more melancholy spectacle than a man who ever sinks deeper and deeper?An actual conviction, not a more outwardly received opinion, alone gives courage in preaching.It is especially the mothers duty to make the children acquainted with the Bible.The Bible should be the proper storehouse for the clergy.Lisco: As the walk, so the reward.Search the Scripture.Of the power of the Divine word.The word of God an indispensable teacher, a severe ruler, and a genuine helper to salvation.Tholuck: Seven remarkable sermons upon Holy Scripture, as means of grace, according to the leading of this text, in the fourth volume of his Sermons, 1843, pp. 48139.Van Oosterzee, Sermon on 2Ti 3:14-17. Upon the value and right use of Holy Writ: (1) Its value (2Ti 3:16-17); (a) Its origin; (b) its uses; (c) its power; (2) its use (2Ti 3:14-15; (a) Search the Scriptures early; (b) use them believingly; (c) remain true to them always.
Tholuck: A Book that has had such a past as the Bible, will have also a future.
Footnotes:
[7]2Ti 3:10.[See the exposition. Lachmann reads, ; so likewise the Cod. Sin. Wordsworth agrees with Tischendorf, and reads , perf.E. H.]
[8]2Ti 3:11.[The spelling here in the Cod. Sin. is peculiar: ,.E. H.]
[9]2Ti 3:12.[Cod. Sin., , instead of the usual order; so also A., Orig.E. H.]
[10]2Ti 3:14.With A. C. F. G., and others, , instead of , must be read. Also Lachmann, Tischendorf, Cod. Sin.
[11]2Ti 3:16.[Vulg., Omnis Scriptura divinitus inspirata utilis est, &c. Murdocks Syriac-English Version: Al scripture that was written by the Spirit is profitable, &c. Origen once (quoted by Huther), , . Bishop Pearson: All scripture was given, &c. (Creed, Am. ed., p. 490). Wordsworths critical note upon this passage is simply amazing. See the place, vol. ii., p. 477. He renders: Every portion of Scripture being inspired (i.e., because it is inspired), is also profitable, and makes it apply not only to the Old Testament, but also to all the books of the New Testament, which were written before A. D. 67.The following, by the late Henry Nelson Coleridge, who edited Samuel Taylor Coleridges Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit, may interest the reader (pp. 96, 97): The English version is: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable, &c. And in this rendering of the original, the English is countenanced by the established version of the Dutch Reformed Church: Alle de Schrift ist van Godt ingeven, en de is mittigh, &c. And by Diodati: Tutta la Scrittura divinamente inspirata, ed util, &c. And by Beza: Tota Scriptura divinitus est inspirata, et utilis, &c.The other rendering is supported by the Vulgate: Omnis Scriptura, divinitus inspirata, utilis est ad, &c. By Luther: Denn alle Schrift, von Gott eingegeben, ist ntze zur, &c. And by Calmet: Toute lEcriture, qui est inspire de Dieu, est utile, &c. And by the common Spanish translation: Toda Escritura, divinamente inspirada, es util para ensear, &c. This is also the rendering of the Syriac (Peach.), and the Arabic version, and is followed by Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and most of the Fathers. See the note in Griesbach. Tertullian represents the sense thus: Legimus, Omnen Scripturam, dificatione habitem, divinitus inspirari, De Habit. Mal., c. 3. Origen has it several times, , , and once as in the received text.E. H.]
[12]2Ti 3:16.[Lachmann reads , after A. C. G., instead of ; so, too, Sin. The meaning is the same.E. H.]
Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange
DISCOURSE: 2254
CHARACTER OF ST. PAUL
2Ti 3:10. Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience.
IN every age of the world there have been persons adverse to the truth of God, and actively engaged in frustrating his designs for the salvation of men. In the days of Moses, Jannes and Jambres sought to harden the heart of Pharaoh: and in the apostolic age, many seducers arose to draw away from the faith those who had embraced the Gospel of Christ. Against their influence St. Paul guards his son Timothy: and that this young minister might be the better able to distinguish them, the Apostle reminds him of all that he had heard and seen in him.
The word which, in the text, is translated, thou hast fully known, is in the margin translated, thou hast been a diligent follower of. And from this little diversity of construction, I shall take occasion to propose to you the character of the Apostle, for your investigation, that you may fully know it; and for your imitation, that you may diligently follow it.
I propose it, then,
I.
For your investigation
Take notice, then, what was,
1.
His doctrine
[This was uniformly an exhibition of the Lord Jesus Christ, as crucified for the sins of men, and as effecting thereby our reconciliation with God On this subject he maintained the utmost jealousy; suffering nothing, either in himself or others, to obscure it. When St. Peter himself had, by undue concessions, endangered the purity of this doctrine, St. Paul reproved him before the whole Church [Note: Gal 2:14.]. And, if an angel from heaven had attempted to establish any doctrine in opposition to this, he was prepared to denounce him as accursed [Note: Gal 1:8-9.]. All that he preached, either led to this doctrine, or arose out of it; for he had determined to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified.]
2.
His spirit
[This was in perfect accordance with the doctrine which he preached. The whole manner of his life was regulated by it; and marked a determined purpose to live only for the Saviour in whom he believed, and to put forth all his powers for the propagation of the Gospel of Christ. In the discharge of this duty he had shewn the utmost fidelity [Note: This is here the import of the word translated faith.]; concealing nothing that could be profitable to his hearers, but boldly declaring to them the whole counsel of God. He knew that, in every place, bonds and afflictions awaited him: but none of these things could move him: neither counted he his life dear to him, if only he might discharge, to the satisfaction of his own conscience, the high office which had been committed to him. This was his uniform course of life, from the first moment of his conversion: and all who knew him could bear witness to it.]
3.
His conduct
[His zeal for God was duly blended with love to men. He bore with all, however weak, however ignorant, however perverse, they were: nor could the most cruel treatment divert him from his purpose. In the midst of all the injuries he sustained, he still prosecuted his labours of love with all imaginable long-suffering, and charity, and patience; becoming all things to all men, if by any means he might save some; and accounting it rather a matter of self-congratulation than of grief, if he should be called to pour forth his blood as a libation upon the sacrifice and service of his peoples faith [Note: Php 2:17.]. O that men would study this character, and seek to have it embodied in their own experience! For this end]
I will propose it,
II.
For your imitation
St. Paul himself says, Be ye followers of me, as I am of Christ. And so would I say to you, as in my text, Be diligent followers of him in the above respects.
1.
Embrace his principles
[It is observable, that the Apostle himself takes for granted that every true Christian will resemble him in his views of divine truth: for, having spoken of the sufferings which he had been called to endure, he adds, Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. The living godly in Christ Jesus marks at once his doctrine and his manner of life. A life of faith on the Son of God is that which characterizes every Christian under heaven. Yet it is not the faith alone which so distinguishes him, but its operation on the heart and life: it is the living godly in Christ Jesus. The faith and practice must go together. If separated, they are of no value: faith is of no value, if not productive of works; and works are of no value, if not proceeding from faith. I wish this to be clearly and fully understood. In truth, there is not a person in the universe who can act up to this high standard, unless he live under the influence of faith. Nothing but a sense of redeeming love can constrain any man to such an entire surrender of his soul to God. But, on the other hand, no man who truly believes in Christ will ever stop short of it. Be ye, therefore, followers of Paul in this respect.]
2.
Expect his trials
[We are ready to think, that sufferings for righteousness sake were the portion of the Apostles only, or of the primitive Christians: but they are, and will inevitably be, the portion of all believers; as St. Paul tells us in the words which we have just cited; All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Persons may be ever so wise, and ever so prudent, and ever so blameless in the whole of their conversation; but they never can escape persecution of some kind. They may not, indeed, be called to endure the sufferings inflicted on St. Paul: through the tender mercy of our God, that measure of persecution is now prevented by the laws, which afford protection to all classes of the community: but hatred, and contempt, and obloquy, will attach to all who resemble our blessed Lord, and to all who tread in the steps of the Apostle Paul. It is in vain for any one to hope that he shall be a follower of Christ without having a cross to bear: for, if men called the Master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they those of his household. In this respect, therefore, as well as in his religious sentiments and feelings, every one of you must prepare to resemble this bright pattern of all that was great and good.]
3.
Maintain his conduct
[Imitate his zeal for God: and let it be seen that you live only for God. Let your whole manner of life be consistent. Let your determined purpose be manifest: let it be evident to all, that you have but one wish, one desire. And let nothing under heaven cause you to turn aside, even for a moment, from the path of duty. Be steadfast, and immoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. At the same time, imitate his love to man. Whatever treatment you meet with in the world, be long-suffering and loving towards all; and let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. In all this, let your conduct be so uniform, that you may appeal to those who have the nearest access to you, and opportunities of observing you at all times, that this is the constant tenour of your way. It is an easy matter to be Christians in public: but, to preserve a perfect consistency in the whole of your deportment in private, requires an unintermitted watchfulness, and a measure of grace that is possessed by few. But, indeed, I must say, that it is by such fruits alone that the goodness of the tree can be discerned. May God enable all of us so to walk, that we may be able to make our appeal, both to God and man, without fear and contradiction; and to the praise of that God who hath wrought all our good works within us!]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
I beg the Reader to notice, what a blessed relief the Holy Ghost here proposeth to Timothy, from the melancholy statement, the preceding verses had given, in the example of his faithful servant the Apostle. The single character of Paul, was enough to bear down an whole host of heretics, and to remove from Timothy’s mind, all concern for the apostacy of such characters. And the same holds equally good now. For what in fact are all the heresies of the present generation, but all springing out of one and the same deadly stock, in the fall of man. They vary in their branches, in shape and form; but their bearings are all one and the same. They appear differently to our dim sighted view, in order to deceive more artfully; but they all arise from that original apostacy. The glorious Truths, on which the very being of the gospel depends, are so little regarded by the generality of Professors, that they are seldom heard; and when heard, for the most part, by the great mass of the people, disbelieved and called in question. Men shrink from insisting upon the distinguishing features of our holy faith. The people love to have their wine mingled with water. And too often in compliment to the itching ears of such men, the blessed doctrines, which are the life of the soul, are kept in the back ground.
That such is the case, is evident from the stillness and quiet, into which the bulk is fallen. Paul saith in this account of himself to Timothy, that he had fully known his doctrine, manner of life, long sufferings, persecutions, afflictions, and the like. And all these he opposeth, to the character of those who had a form, but not the power of godliness. The Apostle would have escaped these persecutions, had he temporized with such men. But because he simply preached Christ in the electing love of God the Father, the betrothing and redeeming love of God the Son, and the regenerating love of God the Spirit, what persecutions, saith the Apostle, I endured. But Reader, was it ever known, in any age of the Church, that a preacher was persecuted for complimenting mens goodness at the expence of God’s truth? Did ever the Pharisee take offence at exhortations delivered to the people, while he thought, however needful to others, he wanted them not himself. All that know not the plague of their own heart, will relish no doctrines, which tend to bring upon a level, the whole Adam-race, in the present fallen state; and bitterness enough will manifest itself from all of that complexion, to the Preacher that cries down the perfection of the creature, and exalts only the Savior. So equally sure is it now, in the present day, as it was in Paul’s day, that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
Ver. 10. But thou hast fully known ] . Or, thou hast exactly trod in my track, followed my footsteps; as Irenaeus did Polycarp’s, as Paraeus did Ursin’s; whence Paulus Melissus,
” – Sacra docente Pareo,
Vividus Ursini spiritus ora movet.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
10 17 .] Contrast, by way of reminding and exhortation, of the education, knowledge, and life of Timotheus with the character just drawn of the opponents . But thou followedst (ref. not, as Chrys., Thl., c., al., , for some of the undermentioned occurred before the conversion of Timotheus, and of many of them this could not be properly said, but ‘followedst as thy pattern:’ ‘it was my example in all these things which was set before thee as thy guide thou wert a follower of me, as I of Christ.’ So Calvin (‘laudat tanquam suarum virtutum imitatorem, ac si diceret, jam pridem assuefactus es ad mea instituta, perge modo qua cpisti’), Aret., De W., Huther, Wiesinger, all. The aorist is both less obvious and more appropriate than the perfect : this was the example set before him, and the reminiscence, joined to the exhortation of 2Ti 3:14 , bears something of reproach with it, which is quite in accordance with what we have reason to infer from the general tone of the Epistle. Whereas the perfect would imply that the example had been really ever before him, and followed up to the present moment: and so would weaken the necessity of the exhortation) my teaching, conduct (reff.: and add 2Ma 4:16 ; 2Ma 6:8 ; 2Ma 11:24 ; , Thdrt. All these words are dependent on , not to be taken (Mack) as applying to Timotheus, ‘Thou followedst my teaching in thy conduct, &c.,’ which would introduce an unnatural accumulation of encomia on him, and would besides assume that he had been persecuted (cf. ), which there is no reason to suppose), purpose (ref. , Chrys. Ellic. remarks, that in all other passages in St. Paul’s Epistles, is used with reference to God), faith ( , Thdrt.), long-suffering ( , Thdrt.: or perhaps, as Chrys., , his patience in respect of the false teachers and the troubles of the time), love ( , Chrys.), endurance ( , Thdrt.), persecutions (‘to these furnished the note of transition.’ Huth.), sufferings (not only was I persecuted, but the persecution issued in infliction of suffering), such (sufferings) as befell me in Antioch (of Pisidia), in Iconium, in Lystra (why should these be especially enumerated? Thdrt. assigns as a reason, . , . And so Chrys., and many both ancient and modern. It may be so, doubtless: and this reason, though rejected by De W., Huther, Wiesinger, al., seems much better to suit the context and probability, than the other, given by Huther, al., that these persecutions were the first which befell the Apostle in his missionary work among the heathen. It is objected to it, that during the former of these persecutions Timotheus was not with St. Paul. But the answer to that is easy. At the time of his conversion, they were recent, and the talk of the churches in those parts: and thus, especially with our rendering, and the aor. sense of , would be naturally mentioned, as being those sufferings of the Apostle which first excited the young convert’s attention to make them his own pattern of what he too must suffer for the Gospel’s sake. Baur and De Wette regard the exact correspondence with the Acts (Act 13:50 ; Act 14:5 ; Act 14:19 ; Act 16:3 ) as a suspicious circumstance. Wiesinger well asks, would they have regarded a discrepancy from the Acts as a mark of genuineness?); what persecutions (there is a zeugmatic construction here understand, ‘thou sawest; in proposing to thyself a pattern thou hadst before thee ’ (I cannot see how, as Ellic. asserts, this rendering vitiates the construction. Doubtless his rendering, ‘ such, persecutions as ,’ is legitimate, but it seems to me feeble after the preceding .) Heydenr., Mack, al, understand these words as an exclamation: . ! I need hardly observe that such an exclamation would be wholly alien from the character and style of the Apostle) I underwent, and out of all the Lord delivered me ( (both clauses of the sentence) , ( ) . Chrys.).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Ti 3:10-17 . I am not really uneasy about your steadfastness. You joined me as a disciple from spiritual and moral inducements only. The persecutions you saw me endure you knew to be typical of the conditions of a life of godliness. Stand in the old paths. Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures on which your growing mind was fed is never out of date as an equipment for the man of God.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
: See note on 1Ti 1:10 .
: conduct (R.V.). The A.V., manner of life has perhaps reference to guiding principles of conduct rather than to the external expression of them, which is meant here.
: For in this sense of human purpose see reff. Here it means what St. Paul had set before himself as the aim of his life. In Rom 8:28 ; Rom 9:11 , Eph 1:11 ; Eph 3:11 , 2Ti 1:9 the word is used of God’s eternal purpose for man.
: See on 1Ti 6:11 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2Ti 3:10-17
10Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2Ti 3:10-11 2Ti 3:10 is a contrast to the lives and priorities of the false teachers. Paul lists the things that Timothy shares with him in ministry:
1. Paul’s Apostolic teaching (cf. 1Ti 4:6)
2. Paul’s lifestyle
3. Paul’s purpose
4. Paul’s faith (cf. 1Ti 6:11)
5. Paul’s patience
6. Paul’s love (cf. 1Ti 6:11)
7. Paul’s perseverance (cf. 1Ti 6:11)
8. Paul’s persecutions
9. Paul’s sufferings (cf. 1Co 4:10-13; 2Co 4:7-11; 2Co 6:3-10; 2Co 11:23-28)
All of the verbs in 2Ti 3:10-11 are aorist. Paul was reflecting on his missionary journeys and how the Lord had delivered him in every circumstance. He passes this encouragement on to Timothy by way of a reminder.
2Ti 3:11 “Antioch, Iconium and Lystra” From Acts 13, 14 we know that this was the area of Timothy’s home.
2Ti 3:12 This is a shocking verse to modern western believers. Our culture has been spared many of the persecutions related to Christianity. But with the lack of persecution has also come a lack of power and godliness! Jesus was perfected by the things He suffered (cf. Heb 5:8). The things God uses to develop His children into Christlikeness are the very things modern westerners flee from! The health, wealth, and prosperity movement characterizes our spoiled, pampered culture.
Notice the text says “all”! Persecution is normal for God’s children seeking to live for Him in a fallen world; yes, normal (cf. Mat 5:10-12; Joh 15:18-21; Joh 16:1-2; Joh 17:14; Act 14:22; Rom 5:3-4; Rom 8:17; 2Co 4:16-18; Php 1:29; 2Ti 1:8; 2Ti 2:3; 2Ti 3:12; 1Th 3:3; Jas 1:2-4; 1Pe 4:12-19)!
We are not to seek persecution, but we must live ready! If we die daily (cf. 2Co 5:14-15; Gal 2:20; 1Jn 3:16) for the cause of Christ, then physical death does not intimidate us anymore!
2Ti 3:13 “evil men and imposters” These false teachers were charlatans like the false magicians (cf. 2Ti 3:8).
“will proceed” This is the same verb as in 2Ti 2:16.
“deceiving” This is a present active participle. They led others astray as they are led themselves by evil.
“and being deceived” This is a present passive participle. Those trapped by sin, self, and Satan tend to trap others!
2Ti 3:14 “continue in the things you have learned” This is a contrast to 2Ti 3:13 and continues the encouragement from 2Ti 3:10-12. This is a present active imperative (cf. 2Ti 2:13; Tit 1:9).
2Ti 3:15 “from childhood” This shows Timothy’s religious training at home (cf. 2Ti 1:5). It is uncertain whether this refers to Judaism or Christianity.
the sacred writings” This could include more than just the OT, but 2Ti 3:16 shows us that the OT is what is meant here.
“which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation” This shows the primary purpose of Scripture is mankind’s redemption. It also shows us the mechanism of redemption which is mankind’s faith response to God’s Messiah. This is the essence of Apostolic preaching (kerygma). However, 2Ti 3:17 shows that Scripture (which in this text must refer to the OT because the NT was not yet complete or in circulation) has another subsequent purpose equipping the saints for lifestyle Christlikeness. Paul often used the OT to encourage believers to live godly lives. The OT does not function for “justification” (cf. Galatians 3), but it does function for “sanctification.” See Special Topic at 1Ti 1:8.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH
2Ti 3:16 “All Scripture” There is no article. It could be translated “every Scripture” (NET Bible), but this may imply to some that they are isolated truths (propositions). The plague of modern Bible study is the “proof-text” method of interpretation which destroys the literary context and the intent of the inspired author.
“is inspired by God” This is literally “God-exhaled.” The how is not stated, but the who and the why are very specific! In 2Pe 1:21 the Spirit is the focus of inspiration, but here it is the Father. Both are active in this area!
This is such an important truth that I wold like to add my comments from 2Pe 1:20-21 (see www.freebiblecommentary.org .
1Pe 1:20 “Scripture” This is one of several verses in the NT that speak of God’s self-revelation in OT and NT writings (i.e., Scripture).
1. Mat 5:17-19
2. 1Co 2:9-13
3. 1Th 2:13
4. 2Ti 3:16
5. 1Pe 1:23-25
6. 2Pe 1:20-21
7. 2Pe 3:15-16
The essence of all of these is that Scripture is from God and of God, not human in origin. God inspired the writers (cf. 2Pe 1:20-21) and their writings (cf. 2Ti 3:16).
“a matter of one’s own interpretation” This phrase surely expresses the existing tension caused by the false teachers in the churches. It is possible that they were quoting Scripture and then putting their own spin on it (which is also common today).
In context it is difficult to know whether this phrase refers to (1) the OT writers or (2) the contemporary false teachers. If the first option, it speaks to the theological concept of inspiration (cf. 2Ti 3:16). The following verse seems to confirm this interpretation. If the second option, it speaks of the theological concept of illumination (i.e., that the Spirit guides believers in interpreting the Bible).
It must be stated that the evangelical concept of “the priesthood of the believer ” is usually understood as the Spirit-given ability to interpret the Bible for oneself. However, biblically, the phrase refers to the church as the agent of accomplishing the Great Commission, cf. 1Pe 2:5; 1Pe 2:9; Rev 1:6. Notice in the OT (cf. Exo 19:6) and the NT the phrase “the priesthood of believers” is plural (i.e., corporate), not individual.
1Pe 1:21 “men moved by the Holy Spirit” This is literally “carried,” which is a present passive participle. This adds emphasis to the truth that the Bible is God’s message, not a human message! It is true that the Bible is in human words, but humans were uniquely guided by the Spirit. The Bible is not exhaustive truth, for no human can comprehend that level of reality, but it is trustworthy, adequate truth about God, about sin, about salvation, about godly living, and about eternity.
The exact method of inspiration varies.
1. theophanies
2. Urim and Thummin/lots
3. dreams
4. visions
5. trances
6. angels
7. symbolic acts
8. special events and interpretations
The questions remain (1) does God give the content and the human author the form or (2) does God give both?”
“is profitable for. . .” God’s word (Scripture) is characterized by two terms:
1. God-breathed
2. profitable
a. for (pros) teaching
(1) positive, 2Pe 3:10; 1Ti 5:17
(2) negative, 2 Pet. 4:3
b. for (pros) rebuking
c. for (pros) correction
d. for (pros) training (child discipline, cf. Heb 12:5; Heb 12:7-8; Heb 12:11) in righteousness
e. that (hina) the man of God may be adequate, 2Pe 3:17
f. equipped for (pros) every good work, 2Pe 3:17
This term “Scripture” always refers to the OT. The OT functions in “sanctification” but not “justification” (cf. Galatians 3). Salvation (justification) is in Christ through faith (cf. 2Pe 1:14).
These two verses are the twin aspects of the Great commission.
1. make disciples (Mat 28:19)
2. teach them (Mat 28:20)
They must go together! Maturity (Christlikeness) is the goal!
“in righteousness” See Special Topic at Tit 2:12.
2Ti 3:17 “so that” This is a purpose clause (i.e., hina) which should be translated “in order that.”
“adequate” This term is found only here in the NT. It means “complete, capable, proficient, or entirely suited.”
“equipped” “Adequate” (artios) and “equipped” (exartizo) are cognate verbs used for equipping something for an assigned task (cf. Eph 4:12). It speaks of gifted, functioning maturity (i.e., Christlikeness) which is brought by the Spirit through the Scripture (2Ti 3:16). Salvation is brought about by the work of Christ and a faith/trust human response (cf. 2Ti 3:15).
“for every good work” What God calls us to (cf. Eph 2:10), He equips us for (cf. 2Ti 2:21)!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
hast, &c. = didst follow up. See 1Ti 4:6.
manner of life. Greek agoge. Only here.
purpose. See 2Ti 1:9.
charity. See 2Ti 2:22,
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
10-17.] Contrast, by way of reminding and exhortation, of the education, knowledge, and life of Timotheus with the character just drawn of the opponents. But thou followedst (ref. not, as Chrys., Thl., c., al., ,-for some of the undermentioned occurred before the conversion of Timotheus, and of many of them this could not be properly said,-but followedst as thy pattern: it was my example in all these things which was set before thee as thy guide-thou wert a follower of me, as I of Christ. So Calvin (laudat tanquam suarum virtutum imitatorem, ac si diceret, jam pridem assuefactus es ad mea instituta, perge modo qua cpisti), Aret., De W., Huther, Wiesinger, all. The aorist is both less obvious and more appropriate than the perfect: this was the example set before him, and the reminiscence, joined to the exhortation of 2Ti 3:14, bears something of reproach with it, which is quite in accordance with what we have reason to infer from the general tone of the Epistle. Whereas the perfect would imply that the example had been really ever before him, and followed up to the present moment: and so would weaken the necessity of the exhortation) my teaching, conduct (reff.: and add 2Ma 4:16; 2Ma 6:8; 2Ma 11:24; , Thdrt. All these words are dependent on , not to be taken (Mack) as applying to Timotheus, Thou followedst my teaching in thy conduct, &c., which would introduce an unnatural accumulation of encomia on him, and would besides assume that he had been persecuted (cf. ), which there is no reason to suppose), purpose (ref. , Chrys. Ellic. remarks, that in all other passages in St. Pauls Epistles, is used with reference to God), faith ( , Thdrt.), long-suffering ( , Thdrt.: or perhaps, as Chrys., ,-his patience in respect of the false teachers and the troubles of the time), love ( , Chrys.), endurance ( , Thdrt.), persecutions (to these furnished the note of transition. Huth.), sufferings (not only was I persecuted, but the persecution issued in infliction of suffering), such (sufferings) as befell me in Antioch (of Pisidia), in Iconium, in Lystra (why should these be especially enumerated? Thdrt. assigns as a reason, . , . And so Chrys., and many both ancient and modern. It may be so, doubtless: and this reason, though rejected by De W., Huther, Wiesinger, al., seems much better to suit the context and probability, than the other, given by Huther, al., that these persecutions were the first which befell the Apostle in his missionary work among the heathen. It is objected to it, that during the former of these persecutions Timotheus was not with St. Paul. But the answer to that is easy. At the time of his conversion, they were recent, and the talk of the churches in those parts: and thus, especially with our rendering, and the aor. sense of , would be naturally mentioned, as being those sufferings of the Apostle which first excited the young converts attention to make them his own pattern of what he too must suffer for the Gospels sake. Baur and De Wette regard the exact correspondence with the Acts (Act 13:50; Act 14:5; Act 14:19; Act 16:3) as a suspicious circumstance. Wiesinger well asks, would they have regarded a discrepancy from the Acts as a mark of genuineness?); what persecutions (there is a zeugmatic construction here-understand, thou sawest; in proposing to thyself a pattern thou hadst before thee (I cannot see how, as Ellic. asserts, this rendering vitiates the construction. Doubtless his rendering, such, persecutions as, is legitimate, but it seems to me feeble after the preceding .) Heydenr., Mack, al, understand these words as an exclamation: . ! I need hardly observe that such an exclamation would be wholly alien from the character and style of the Apostle) I underwent, and out of all the Lord delivered me ( (both clauses of the sentence) , () . Chrys.).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Ti 3:10. , but thou) An antithesis: so again after new descriptions of evils, 2Ti 3:14, ch. 2Ti 4:5.-, thou hast followed out) [fully followed up, traced out and known]. Timothy became the companion of Paul after the persecutions mentioned in this place, Act 13:50; Act 14:5; Act 14:19; Act 16:3. This is therefore a well chosen word to employ here, as in Luk 1:3. So Antiochus concerning his son: I am persuaded that he, understanding my mind (, following up my mode of thinking); 2Ma 9:27.- ) , mode of life, Fr. conduite.- , purpose) His purpose for the future follows close after his (present) mode of life; comp. Act 11:23, note; and long-suffering follows close after faith, as in Heb 6:12 : patience follows close after love, as in 2Th 3:5.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Ti 3:10
But thou didst follow my teaching,-Timothy followed the instruction given by Paul with full sympathy and approval. The reference is to Timothys conversion of which the teaching, life, and sufferings of Paul were the means through which it was brought about. No other man knew the history of Pauls life like Timothy, who had been carefully trained to assist in carrying on the Lords work after Paul should be removed. This earnest appeal to Timothys recollection of the past was for two distinct purposes: (1) it was to contrast the life of Paul, with which Timothy was so well acquainted, with the lives of the false teachers who were engaged in the destructive work in the Ephesian church; and (2) his memory of Paul and his devoted and self-sacrificing service of the Lord to stir Timothy to greater zeal in faithfulness in service to the Lord regardless of the cost of suffering and persecution in contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints. (Jud 1:3.)
conduct,-Timothy had modeled his life after that of Pauls in teaching, fidelity to God, his long-suffering and bearing opposition, and his love and patience under all the suffering brought upon him.
purpose,-This refers to Pauls steadfast purpose to devote himself without reserve to the ministry of the gospel, to which the Lord had called him.
faith,-In the sense of fidelity to God; but probably to be taken in the usual sense of trust in Gods word as an actuating principle of life taking God at his word.
longsuffering,-Long-suffering toward his many bitter adversaries, especially toward those of his own countrymen. In spite of all that unwearied, sleepless persecution which he endured at the hands of the Jews, he loved Israel to the end with a love as intense as it was changeless.
love,-It was with eager efforts that he ever sought to realize the wonderful grace of love by resisting temptations to any course of conduct that would hinder it and by using every opportunity to further it.
patience,-Paul bore patiently all things that came upon him. It is among the chief virtues and describes one who has been tested and who cannot be swerved from his course by any opposition or suffering. Jesus forewarned his disciples that they would have much to endure and had strengthened them by the promise that he who endured to the end would be saved. (Mat 10:22.)
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Hold Fast to Inspired Scripture
2Ti 3:10-17
The world does not love Christ or Christians any better than of old; and all who are minded to live godly lives will come inevitably to the cross in one form or another. To be without persecution should put us in serious doubt as to whether we are right. The spirit of the gospel is in absolute disagreement with the spirit of the world. But, whatever the losses and trials, let the children of God abide in the things which they have learned, and walk in blameless purity and consistency. The conduct, purpose, and patience of this great and holy Apostle gleam in front of us for our inspiration and guidance; and his experience will be ours-that there is no sorrow out of which we shall not be delivered, when we have learned the lesson it was sent to teach.
In the stern experiences of human life there is no stay that is comparable to the Holy Scriptures. The infinite variety of Scripture adapts itself to different states of the soul. Whatever our need, we can find its solace and remedy here. Thus we may live a complete life, finding in the Bible an equipment for all our emergencies. In this armory is every weapon for offense and defense; in this pharmacopoeia is a medicine and antidote for every wound.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
Chapter 7 The Authority of the Holy Scriptures
2Ti 3:10-17
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 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. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, (vv. 10-17)
In contrast to the false teaching and evil practices of many in the last days, we now have the example of Paul himself set forth under nine heads, after which he stresses the importance of cleaving to the Holy Scripture as our security against error.
First we read, But thou hast fully known my doctrine. Paul was preeminently a teacher. He was also an evangelist, but his great gift was that of teaching, unfolding the truth that God had revealed to him for the blessing of others.
Second, inasmuch as Timothy had been associated with Paul for a number of years-ever since the early days when he first began to witness for Christ-the Apostle writes to him, Thou hast fully known my manner of life. It is a pitiable thing when ones behavior is not in accordance with his doctrine. You have heard of the preacher who preached, Do as I say, but not as I do. That is a poor testimony. We cannot lift men higher than ourselves. If one is not living for God, is not walking with Christ, then he cannot be a real blessing to other people.
In writing to the Thessalonians, Paul said, long years before he wrote 2 Timothy, Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost (1Th 1:5-6). Paul and his companions lived such lives that they gave power to their message.
Third, we read, Thou hast fully known my purpose. It is most important that we have a purpose and stand by it when that purpose is not to magnify oneself but rather in all things that Christ might be magnified.
Fourth, Thou hast fully known my faith-not the faith that saves but that faith which enables one to lay hold upon God day by day and triumph over all circumstances.
Fifth: Longsuffering-enduring all things for Christs names sake and the gospel. Coupled with that is charity, the sixth in order. This word has come to mean almsgiving, but that is only a very small part of its meaning. The original word translated charity is not simply almsgiving, though that may be included, but it is unselfish love and compassion for men everywhere, thus enabling one to rise above jealousy, envy, covetousness, and every unholy tendency. We are to love even our enemies, no matter how they treat us.
Seventh: Thou hast fully known my patience. It takes a lot of patience to go on in the work of the Lord. So many things try and exercise ones heart. But if we recognize the fact that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28), we can patiently endure even the most distressing experiences.
Eighth and ninth, the Apostle adds, Persecutions, afflictions, which he had to suffer for Christs sake. Timothy knew a great deal about them. He knew what Paul had gone through at the beginning in Antioch, in Iconium, in Derbe, and in Lystra, where Timothy lived as a lad. It was at Lystra that Paul, having performed a great miracle, had difficulty to keep the people from worshiping him and Barnabas, his companion, as gods. Later these same people were stirred up by unbelieving Jews and tried to kill Paul. They thought they had done so and dragged his body outside the city gate, leaving it there as refuse. However, as the disciples gathered about him in great distress and were about to make arrangements to bury him, he opened his eyes and indicated there was no need of a funeral for the present.
Timothy was familiar with all these things, but Paul could say, Out of them all the Lord delivered me.
You and I sometimes think we suffer if people cross our wishes, if they find fault with our motives. But I am sure it could be said of most of us, as Paul said to the Hebrew Christians, Ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin (Heb 12:4). Many Christians in other lands have been called upon to suffer excruciatingly, to suffer in ways we have never known. Unto us it is given not only to believe on Him but also to suffer for His sake.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. If to some extent we are not the objects of the worlds hatred, if we do not have the disapproval of those who despise Christianity, if we are not evil spoken of as were the prophets of God of old, then we may very well raise the question as to whether we are living godly lives or not. Persecution is inevitable for those who are faithful to God in a world like this, where evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. The world is ripening for judgment. It goes on and on in rebellion against God and His Christ, and its doom cannot be delayed much longer.
I know some people have the idea that the whole world is to be converted and all men brought to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by the preaching of the gospel. But Scripture gives no hint of anything of the kind. In fact, we find it teaches the very opposite. Our Lord said, As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Mat 24:37). The world was not converted in the days of Noah. The mass of men were given over to violence and corruption. And the Lord Jesus Christ put the question, When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luk 18:8). The nearer we get to the end, the higher is the rising tide of rebellion against God.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. Paul was thinking of Timothys instruction in his home, as well as that which he had received from Paul and others of his companions who had been fellow laborers in the gospel. In those early days there was no such thing as a Bible Institute or a Theological Seminary where young men, who wanted to give themselves wholly to the work of the Lord, could go in order to be trained for Christian service. The custom was for an experienced servant of Christ to take one or more young men with him and instruct them in Scripture and train them in the work of the Lord. This was Timothys case. He had gone forth with Paul, had heard him preach the truth of the gospel, and had learned from him that which he had gotten direct from God Himself through divine revelation.
Then Timothy had his Bible, and he was responsible to read it. Paul says, From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures. It is a wonderful thing to know the Holy Scripture from childhood. Many of us can thank God that we first learned to reverence and love the Bible in our own homes. How we should praise Him for godly parents who loved this Book and who implanted in our hearts a reverence for its teachings. Timothy had this privilege. If any of you parents do not give this privilege to your children, you are robbing them of something they will never be able to get anywhere else. Do not depend upon sending your children to others to teach them; do not depend upon the Sunday school or the church service to do this for them. These, of course, are important, but you should supplement this work by instruction in the home.
Timothy was well furnished. He knew the Word of God from a child. It was not, however, the New Testament which the Apostle had in mind. That had not been written when Timothy was a child. Do not neglect the Old Testament. Many Christians do. Many give very little time to the Old Testament, and the result is that they have a very imperfect understanding of the New Testament, for the roots of the New Testament go deep down into the Old Testament. Timothy knew the Hebrew Scriptures. He was familiar with the prophecies concerning the coming of Messiah, so that when the Lord Jesus was presented to him, he was prepared to believe in Him. From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Simply knowing Scripture will not produce salvation. One may know the Bible, one may be able to quote many Scripture passages, but that in itself does not save. But the Bible reveals Christ, and when one believes in Him, he is saved. That is what happened in Timothys case, and thank God, in the experience of millions more.
Note how fully Scripture meets every need for the believer as he goes through this scene. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. Originally this term scripture was applied specifically to the Old Testament. Later the books of the New Testament were likewise so designated. In the last chapter of his Second Epistle the apostle Peter adds Pauls letters to the other Scripture passages.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God-that is, it is divinely breathed. The men who wrote the Bible did not write their own thoughts. They wrote as guided by and directed by the Holy Spirit. We read, No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2Pe 1:20-21). Whether it be the historical books of the Bible; or the poetical books, like the Psalms; or the wisdom literature, like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; or the Gospels and the Epistles of the New Testament, the writers of all these books wrote not simply their own thoughts, but they wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit of God. As we turn to any page of this Book we may know that God is speaking to us. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. One might not think there is much that is profitable or instructive in some parts of the Word, such as the genealogies, for instance, but all are of value, whether we realize it or not.
Scripture is profitable for four things: for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. First, it is profitable for doctrine. The only authoritative book on divine teaching is this blessed volume. Men have written thousands of books to try to explain the Bible, but the Bible itself is the only authority. No matter what teaching may be set forth, if it is not found in the Bible then we are not to accept it. We are to test everything by what is written here.
Second, Scripture is profitable for reproof. It is profitable to show where we are wrong in our lives and in our thoughts.
Third, it is profitable for correction. It shows how to get right.
In the fourth place, it is profitable for instruction in righteousness. After I have taken the right path, it shows me what Gods will is for me. Therefore, we shall never reach the place where we can be independent of the Word of God. Sometimes just one verse will change ones whole viewpoint. We need to read and ponder every word in dependence on the Holy Spirit that He may open our understanding to the truth.
As we learn from Scripture, we shall find that it is all-sufficient to so guide and direct that the man of God may be perfect [or mature], throughly furnished unto all good works.
In the light of this passage we may be sure that nothing is esteemed by God as a good work if it is contrary to the Word of God. When we stand at the judgment seat of Christ, it will not be a question of what we thought about this or that, but what God said. The standard is His Word, not our understanding of it. But we should seek to understand it as the Spirit of God opens it up to us in order that we may walk in obedience to it. If any turn aside from the Word, they will be held responsible for disobedience. The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the basis of instruction and guidance for the Spirit-led believer. God grant that we may be subject to that blessed Word.
Fuente: Commentaries on the New Testament and Prophets
thou hast fully known: or, thou hast been a diligent follower of, Luk 1:3, Phi 2:22, 1Ti 4:6,*Gr.
my: 2Ti 3:16, 2Ti 3:17, 2Ti 4:3, Act 2:42, Rom 16:17, Eph 4:14, 1Ti 1:3, 1Ti 4:12, 1Ti 4:13, Tit 2:7, Heb 13:9, 2Jo 1:9, 2Jo 1:10
manner: Act 20:18, Act 26:4, 1Th 1:5, 2Pe 3:11
purpose: Dan 1:8, Act 11:23, 2Co 1:17
faith: 2Ti 2:22, 2Co 6:4-10, 1Ti 4:12, 1Ti 6:11, 2Pe 1:5-7
Reciprocal: Rom 12:12 – patient 1Co 4:17 – my ways 1Co 13:4 – suffereth 1Co 14:6 – doctrine 2Co 6:6 – knowledge 1Th 2:10 – how 1Th 3:7 – in all 1Ti 4:10 – therefore 2Ti 1:12 – the which 2Ti 4:2 – all 2Ti 4:5 – endure 3Jo 1:11 – follow
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ti 3:10. Hast fully known all comes from PARAKOLOUTHEO which Thayer defines as follows: “To follow faithfully, namely, a standard or rule, to conform one’s self to.” Robinson defines it, “To follow, to conform unto.” I have consulted four translations which also render the word according to these lexicon definitions. So that Timothy not only learned the truth from his father in the Gospel, but he imitated the example of faithfulness that was shown amidst various trials. Doctrine refers to the teaching, and manner of life is the putting of that teaching into practice. (See 1Ti 4:16.) Purpose. Timothy had heard and seen enough from Paul to learn his sincere motive in life; that it harmonized with his conduct. It also was a practical demonstration of his faith which was according to the Gospel. Longsuffering means a submissive spirit under persecutions, and patience denotes that submission to his lot was enduring or followed with perseverance. Charity in this passage means sincere interest in the welfare of others.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Ti 3:10. Thou hast followed. Better, thou didst follow. The pronoun is emphatic, and the tense points to a definite time, probably that of Timothys early discipleship, which St. Paul had in his memory. It half suggests, too, what the English perfect almost excludes, that the apostle was looking on what he speaks of as belonging to a vanished past. It had been. Was the present like it?
Doctrine. Teaching in its widest sense.
Purpose. Here only used by St. Paul of himself, elsewhere of the Divine purpose.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
A special mean is here propounded, how Timothy and his successors may be preserved from the seduction of false teachers, namely, by setting before themselves the example of the great apostle St. Paul; we are more easily led by precedents than by precepts; therefore the apostle propounds his own example as a pattern; Thou hast fully known my doctrine, my manner of life and conversation, my purpose to adhere to, my faith in Christ, my long-suffering and patience in undergoing persecution for him at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, and how God was graciously pleased to deliver me out of all.
Learn hence, 1. That younger ministers ought especially to observe the doctrine and conversation of the elder, the pious way and walking of the graver ministers, and must follow them. Aged Paul propounds his virtues to young Timothy for imitation; Thou hast fully known my doctrine and manner of life; my doctrine to be sound and sincere, my life to be holy and unblameable.
Learn, 2. That it is both lawful and laudable, at sometimes, and upon some occasions, to mention both the graces which God hath wrought in us, and also the sufferings and persecutions which we endure and undergo for him; Thou knowest what persecutions I endured at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra.
Learn, 3. That always opposition, and often persecution, attends the preaching of the gospel wherever it goes. St. Paul went to Antioch, from Antioch to Iconium, from Iconium to Lystra, preaching the gospel; but pesecution followed him hard at the heels wherever he went. But observe how the goodness of God accompanied him too; Out of them all the Lord delivered me; not only our dangers, but our deliverances also, must be recorded and observed.
Observe, farther, How the apostle argues, from his own persecutions in particular, to all the godly’s persecutions in general; Yea, and all that will live godlily in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution;
Mark, Not this or that godly man, but all, every one without exception; the better the men, the sooner persecuted; the devil shoots his arrow at the whitest and fairest mark.
Again, all that will, he doth not say, All that wish well to godliness, but All that will ,all that are absolutely resolved so to do.
And farther, if he will live, if he can or will keep his godliness in his heart, and not discover it in his life, he may escape hatred and persecution: but if he will live religiously, let him look for persecution.
Observe, farther, It is said, He that will live godlily, and not civilly, but living godlily, exposes to the world’s scorn and hatred; In a word, his godliness in Christ Jesus, that is, such godliness as is exerted in the virtue, strength, and power of Christ Jesus particularly.
Godliness in Christ Jesus is real and true godliness; ’tis exact godliness, ’tis an active godliness, ’tis a prevailing godliness, it is a world condemning godliness; such godliness cannot escape the world’s hatred.
Learn, That all those that shew forth the power of religion in an holy conversation, must certainly look for persecution.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Power to Confront the Coming Apostasy Paul’s life stood in contrast to the lives of the false teachers and should have served as an example to Timothy and others around him. His teaching was sound and in accord with the truth ( Php 1:21 ). His goal was to reach heaven, so he remained faithful in keeping the Lord’s will ( Php 3:12-14 ; 2Ti 4:6-8 ). He was patient with those who he instructed, ever striving to help them reach the goal ( 1Th 5:14 ). He had a true love for the Lord, his saints and the lost, as was manifest in the things he endured to preach. He remained steadfast in the fight against the devil. All who have read the New Testament will be aware of the persecution and suffering endured because he preached the gospel ( 2Co 11:23-27 ). It is apparent that the places and events mentioned by Paul were those Timothy had witnessed firsthand in Act 13:1-52 ; Act 14:1-28 . Significantly, Paul says Timothy knew the Lord had delivered him out of every bad situation ( 2Ti 3:10-11 ).
The forces of Satan are going to oppose the forces of God ( Joh 15:19 ; Mat 10:22 ; Act 14:22 ). If we claim to be trying to live a life with God’s character being displayed in it and are not being persecuted, then we need to ask ourselves whose side we are really on. Spiritually sick men, like a malignant growth, tend to get worse as the days pass. Guthrie says the meaning here is that they have set a goal to be evil and are making great progress toward their goal. They trick others and themselves into believing they are not really evil ( 2Ti 3:12-13 ).
To avoid the downward slide into evil, Paul urged Timothy to abide in the things he had been taught. Timothy already had experienced things that would assure him of the truthfulness of the instructions he received. He had learned these truths from his grandmother, mother, Paul and, most of all, scripture (1:5; 3:10). It would not be good to follow grandmother, mother or Paul if they did not point one to the scriptures. However, Timothy had been taught from the inspired writings of the Old Testament from the time he was a child (compare Deu 6:6-9 ; Deu 11:19 ).
Wisdom, or the ability to apply knowledge, is only available from God and he has placed it in his word. The Old Testament points one to Jesus as God’s anointed and the one through whom salvation comes ( 2Ti 3:14-15 ; 2Co 5:17-21 ).
Paul used the word for “scripture” which simply means writing, or, in this case, recorded divine truth. It would include all of the Old Testament books and the fifteen or so New Testament books which had already been written (see 2Pe 3:15-16 ). These holy writings are the God breathed out word, or the actual words of God. They are useful in showing God’s teaching, correcting of mistakes, restoring us to a right relationship with God and teaching us how to continue to do the things God wants us to do. Guthrie says the word hina, at the start of verse 17, means Paul is going to give the ultimate purpose of the things he had just written. He went on to say the word artios, which is translated perfect, “describes a man perfectly adapted for his task.” The word for throughly furnished is another way of expressing the same idea and forcefully underscores the intent of sacred writings, which is to prepare a man to do every good work ( 2Ti 3:16-17 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
2Ti 3:10-13. But thou hast a better pattern to follow; for thou hast fully known my doctrine In all the branches of it; manner of life My conduct toward God, his people, and all men; purpose The end and design of my ministry, namely, the glory of God in the salvation of men, and not any honour, interest, or advantage of my own; faith My fidelity in the discharge of my duty; long-suffering When treated in the most injurious manner; charity Or love rather, to all men, saints or sinners, not excepting even mine enemies and persecutors; patience Under great and long-continued trials; persecutions From Jews and Gentiles; afflictions , sufferings; at Antioch In Pisidia; at Iconium, at Lystra See the margin; what persecutions I endured Timothy being a native of Lystra, and Pauls disciple and companion when the apostle was stoned in that city, and dragged out of the streets as one dead, he may have been present on that occasion, and even one of those who stood round him when he revived, Act 14:20. But out of them all the Lord delivered me And therefore be not thou discouraged if thou meetest with similar trials; yea, and all that will live godly That will conduct themselves by the strict rules of piety prescribed in the gospel of Christ, not turning aside to the right hand or the left, and having the Spirit of Christ, without which we are not his; shall suffer persecution More or less: there is no exception. Therefore count the cost, reader. Art thou resolved to live godly in Christ Jesus, out of whom there is no godliness? Hence we infer, that either the apostle was mistaken in making this assertion, or those who think they are religious, and are not persecuted in some shape or other, deceive themselves. But evil men and seducers Though they may escape persecution, are yet in a more wretched state, for they provoke God to give them up to the lusts of their own hearts, and so shall wax worse and worse More corrupt in heart and life, and more obstinate in their opposition to the gospel and its faithful ministers; deceiving and being deceived He who has once begun to deceive others, is both the less likely to recover from his own errors, and the more ready to embrace the errors of other men.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
(b) 2Ti 3:10-17. Timothys Safeguards.Grave as these dangers are, however, Timothy has a double safeguard. (a) His present difficult task does not take him by surprise. When, at Lystra (Act 16:3), he accepted the missionary commission, he understood clearly, through his intimate knowledge of Pauls experience, all that it involvedboth the type of teaching, conduct, and character required, and the inevitable hardship entailed. (He knew, too, Gods power of deliverance.) This suffering for Christ is an essential condition of discipleship (Mat 16:24, Act 14:22), and therefore Timothy must himself have anticipated it (2Ti 3:10-12). (b) He has the further safeguard of Divine instruction. While evil men grow worse, Timothy will gain strength from loyalty to past convictions. And these convictions rest on firm foundations: (a) the authoritative character of his Christian teachers, and (b) his lifelong knowledge of the OT, able, through faith in Christ, to bestow all wisdom necessary to salvation. For every inspired passage is of service to yield him instruction, reproof, correction, and discipline. Fortified by such experiences he will prove sufficient for every task imposed by his office (2Ti 3:13-17).
2Ti 3:11. These specific sufferings are named as being fresh in Timothys mind when he undertook missionary responsibilities.
2Ti 3:13. impostors: literally wizards, a reminiscence of 2Ti 3:8 rather than a proof that the errorists practised magic.
2Ti 3:14. whom: plural (mg.). Some authorities read the singular, implying Paul alone.
2Ti 3:15. babe: according to Jewish custom (Edersheim, Jewish Social Life, p. 117).the sacred writings: best authorities omit the. AV is inexact here.unto salvation: the only inspiration Scripture itself claims is spiritual (cf. 2Ti 3:16).
2Ti 3:16. In each change RV is preferable to AV. The words assume inspiration: their aim is to indicate its uses.
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them all the Lord delivered
We have a series of personal items then two items that were without Paul. Is he giving us to lists of qualities, or just including the persecutions and afflictions as just a part of who he is? The later seems to be quite consistent.
Now a word from our sponsors, so to speak, Paul has laid out the false prophets, now he wants the people to understand where the truth is coming from.
Paul sets about listing his qualifications to be heard as one with authority.
Doctrine: This is the normal term for teaching, doctrine, or that which is taught. Paul reminds the reader of his teaching – teaching that is based on the revelation of God via the Old Testament as well as personal revelation in the wilderness from Christ Himself.
Now, personally that is enough to lead me to want to listen intently to what he has to offer, yet he continues on with other marks of his authority.
Manner of life: One of the clearest of passages to show that our life before the world and before the church is of utmost importance. Paul called upon this as a basis for others to listen to him, how can we think we should be any different?
If you have questions about how to live your life, go to the epistles and see if you can find out how Paul lived his. He mentions we are to use him as an example. We are also to use Christ as our example – what question can remain in our minds as to how to live, if we look at these two as our example for life?
The question might come to mind – if you were trying to gather support for something you were telling someone, could you call upon your life before them as an example? If not, then possibly you need to seek some changes in your life.
In essence, whether you call yourself as an example when teaching or preaching, you are being examined as such. We are automatically using our life as backing for what we say. If people see our life lacking, then they will also see our teaching and preaching as lacking.
Purpose: What was Pauls purpose? He was always about the preaching of the coming kingdom and bringing people into a proper relationship to Christ. In the final chapter of Acts in the final days of his life, he is still preaching the kingdom (Act 28:30-31 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.)
Faith: By faith Paul walked across Asia and Europe, in and out of prison preaching and setting up churches. What a testimony to his faith are the churches he planted.
We may not plant many churches, but we can certainly walk by faith and see what God can do. If we dont step out in faith to do the small things for Him there is no way that He will do great things with us.
It is our steps of faith that allow God to use us. It is the lack of steps of faith that limit our usefulness to Him.
What is really sad is that as we step out for Him, He provides the way and means for anything He requests – we dont have to do anything – only take the step in faith and He does the rest and yet many do not take that first step for Him.
Longsuffering: I assume that he references his suffering physically primarily – the ship wreck, the beatings, the jailings etc. However there is also the longsuffering for the churches/believers mentally. He took all he was involved with seriously and all this was also a burden to be dealt with.
A brief look at the book of Colossians will show that he was burdened for the people and that he was praying for them. If he was concerned for the Colossians, you can be sure the other churches were on his mind as well.
Charity: The love he had for the people and churches are most likely exhibited in the longsuffering mentioned above. It is the Greek word agape or self-sacrificing love. This is clear in his life – he was willing to suffer for those he reached with the Gospel, indeed, he also suffered for those that rejected his message. He suffered so he could spread the Gospel to all that he found.
Another point of application – suffer for all, both lost and saved if you are going to use Paul as your example.
Patience: This term can be translated steadfastness as well as patient. His steadfastness in ministry is quite plain in the New Testament.
His patience with believers is also evident in his writings. He put up with their following of false teaching and patiently reminded them of good doctrine. He sent workers to the churches to help them straighten out problems that they were having. He could have blasted them, but he taught them as he found their problems.
Persecutions: He endured persecutions at the cities listed, we wont go into that but a quick look at a concordance will give you further information. He suffered all these things and the people knew of what he had been through. His persecution and afflictions are due to his doctrine and his work – part of who he was at that point in his life. This was one of his credentials – he was the real thing – he was withstanding the Devils wiles for the Lords sake.
Verse eleven ends with the following I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me. He not only endured all that was sent his way, but he realized it was the Lord that delivered him. Thus it must be today when we fall into less than nice times – allow God to deliver you rather than to take things into your own hands.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
3:10 {4} But thou hast {b} fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
(4) So that we are not deceived by such hypocrites, we must set before us the virtues of the holy servants of God, and we must not be afraid of persecution which they suffered willingly, and which always follows true godliness. But we must especially hold fast the doctrine of the apostles, the sum of which is this, that we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus.
(b) You thoroughly know not only what I taught and did, but also how I thought and was inclined.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Timothy’s past character and conduct stood in stark contrast to that of the false teachers. He had fully followed Paul’s ministry (teaching, conduct, and purpose) and his life (faith, patience, love, and perseverance). The fact that God had delivered Paul from all his persecutions would have encouraged Timothy to continue following the apostle’s example.
"The Lord ever rescues his people, frequently from death, sometimes by means of death. Either way, nothing ever separates them from his love (Rom 8:38-39)." [Note: William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, p. 293.]