King James Version
2 Timothy 2
26 verses with commentary
Be Strong in Grace
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.</strong> The conjunction "therefore" connects this exhortation to chapter 1's themes—Timothy must respond to desertion and opposition by finding strength in grace. "My son" (<em>teknon mou</em>, τέκνον μου) reinforces their intimate relationship and Paul's fatherly authority. The command "be strong" (<em>endynamou</em>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**II.**
(1) **Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.**—St. Paul, after the reference to the faithless Asiatics and the true loyal Onesiphorus, with which he interrupted his exhortation, turns again to Timothy. Thou therefore (*oun*)*, *my son, considering what has taken place, be strong. It is as though he said, Imitate the one loyal follower, and make up to me for...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. The oldest manuscripts read, "FOR ye are all," &c. Ye have no reason for fear, or for being taken by surprise, by the coming of the day of the Lord: "For ye are all sons (so the Greek) of light and sons of day"; a Hebrew idiom, implying that as sons resemble their fathers, so you are in character light (intellectually and morally illuminated in a spiritual point of view), Lu 16:8; Joh 12:36...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. among: or, by
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.</strong> Paul outlines the pattern of faithful transmission across four generations: Paul taught Timothy (generation 1 to 2), Timothy must teach faithful men (generation 2 to 3), who will teach others (generation 3 to 4). This pattern ensures gospel ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **And the things that thou hast heard of me.**—These “things” have been often understood as referring to the few great fundamental truths rehearsed by the Apostle, in the presence of the elders of the congregation, on the occasion of Timothy’s solemn ordination. “The things,” then, would have been something of the nature of what is contained in a creed or profession of faith. But it is better ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. others--**Greek, "the rest" of the world: the unconverted (1Th 4:13). "Sleep" here is worldly apathy to spiritual things (Ro 13:11; Ep 5:14); in 1Th 5:7, ordinary sleep; in 1Th 5:10, death.
**watch--**for Christ's coming; literally, "be wakeful." The same Greek occurs in 1Co 15:34; 2Ti 2:26.
**be sober--**refraining from carnal indulgence, mental or sensual (1Pe 5:8).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.</strong> Paul introduces the first of three metaphors for Christian ministry—soldier, athlete, and farmer. The command "endure hardness" (<em>sygkakopathēson</em>, συγκακοπάθησον) literally means "suffer hardship together with"—the same compound verb used in 1:8. The prefix <em>syn</em> (σύν, "together") indicates shared su...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Thou therefore endure hardness.**—The older authorities do not contain the Greek word rendered “thou therefore.” The word translated “endure hardness” in the older authorities is compounded with a preposition, and is better and more literally rendered, *take thy share in suffering.* But Timothy must remember, if he obeys St. Paul’s voice, and with steady earnestness follows St. Paul’s tracks...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. This verse is to be taken in the literal sense. Night is the time when sleepers sleep, and drinking men are drunk. To sleep by day would imply great indolence; to be drunken by day, great shamelessness. Now, in a spiritual sense, "we Christians profess to be day people, not night people; therefore our work ought to be day work, not night work; our conduct such as will bear the eye of day, and s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.</strong> Paul expands the military metaphor, emphasizing single-minded devotion. "Entangleth himself" (<em>empleketai</em>, ἐμπλέκεται) means "to weave in, ensnare, involve deeply." The image is being caught in a net or tangled in vines—unable to move freely. "T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **No man that warreth . . .**—Better rendered, *while engaged on military service, *or *serving as a* *soldier.* The first picture is suggested by the last simile (in 2Timothy 2:3). It was one very familiar to the numerous peoples dwelling under the shadow of the Roman power, this picture of the soldier concerned only in the military affairs of the great empire—the legionary wrapped up in his ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Faith, hope, and love, are the three pre-eminent graces (1Th 1:3; 1Co 13:13). We must not only be awake and sober, but also armed; not only watchful, but also guarded. The armor here is only defensive; in Ep 6:13-17, also offensive. Here, therefore, the reference is to the Christian means of being guarded against being surprised by the day of the Lord as a thief in the night. The helmet and bre...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.</strong> Paul shifts from military to athletic metaphor. "Strive for masteries" (<em>athlē</em>, ἀθλῇ) refers to competing in athletic contests—the verb gives us "athlete." Ancient athletic competitions, especially the Olympic and Isthmian games, were immensely popular. "Crowned" (<em>stephanoutai</em...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And if a man also strive for masteries.**—More accurately translated, *again, if a man strive in the games.* Another picture is drawn, and the picture is, as before, a well-known one to all the dwellers in the great cities of the empire. An athlete is chosen to represent the professed servant of Christ, one of those who, after long and careful training, contends in the public games, then so ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. For--**assigning the ground of our "hopes" (1Th 5:8).
**appointed us--**Translate, "set" (Ac 13:47), in His everlasting purpose of love (1Th 3:3; 2Ti 1:9). Contrast Ro 9:22; Jude 4.
**to--**that is, unto wrath.
**to obtain--**Greek, "to the acquisition of salvation"; said, according to Bengel, Of One saved out of a general wreck, when all things else have been lost: so of the elect save...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. that: or, labouring first, must be partaker of the fruits
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.</strong> Paul's third metaphor shifts to agriculture. "Husbandman" (<em>geōrgon</em>, γεωργόν) means farmer or agricultural worker. "That laboureth" (<em>ton kopiōnta</em>, τὸν κοπιῶντα) emphasizes strenuous toil—<em>kopiaō</em> (κοπιάω) denotes exhausting labor producing weariness. Farming in antiquity was backbreaking wo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.**—Again the picture is painted from every-day life. “The husbandman that laboureth”—with an emphasis upon “that laboureth”—is the successful tiller of the ground; “the *labouring* husbandman” it is, for whom the earth brings forth her increase. It is the enduring, patient, self-sacrificing toil that is rewarded in the affair...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. died for us--**Greek, "in our behalf."
**whether we wake or sleep--**whether we be found at Christ's coming awake, that is, alive, or asleep, that is, in our graves.
**together--**all of us together; the living not preceding the dead in their glorification "with Him" at His coming (1Th 4:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.</strong> After presenting three metaphors (soldier, athlete, farmer), Paul calls for reflection. "Consider" (<em>noei</em>, νόει) is imperative from <em>noeō</em> (νοέω), meaning "think carefully about, ponder, meditate on." This isn't casual reading but intensive reflection seeking to grasp implications. Paul doesn't...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.**—The older authorities read here *will give;* also instead of “and the Lord,” the translation should be, *for the Lord.* Thus the sentence should run: *for the Lord* *will give thee understanding in all things.* Some difficulty has been found in explaining exactly why, when we look at the foregoing words, Timothy shoul...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. comfort yourselves--**Greek, "one another." Here he reverts to the same consolatory strain as in 1Th 4:18.
**edify one another--**rather as Greek, "edify (ye) the one the other"; "edify," literally, "build up," namely, in faith, hope, and love, by discoursing together on such edifying topics as the Lord's coming, and the glory of the saints (Mal 3:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →Remember Jesus Christ
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.</strong> Paul grounds his exhortations in gospel core truth. The command "Remember" (<em>mnēmoneue</em>, μνημόνευε) means continually call to mind, keep before consciousness. Gospel truth must constantly shape thinking, not remain abstract theology. Paul specifies two crucial facts about <stron...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead.**—More accurately rendered, *Remember Jesus Christ . . . as raised* (or, *as one raised*)*.* The words of the Greek original, “of the seed of David,” come after, not before, “was raised from the dead.” The translation should run thus: *Remember Jesus Christ as one raised from the dead, born of the seed of David.* Timot...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. beseech--**"Exhort" is the expression in 1Th 5:14; here, "we beseech you," as if it were a personal favor (Paul making the cause of the Thessalonian presbyters, as it were, his own).
**know--**to have a regard and respect for. Recognize their office, and treat them accordingly (compare 1Co 16:18) with reverence and with liberality in supplying their needs (1Ti 5:17). The Thessalonian Churc...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.</strong> Paul explains consequences of gospel faithfulness. "Wherein" (<em>en hō</em>, ἐν ᾧ) refers to the gospel—proclamation of Christ's resurrection brings suffering. "I suffer trouble" (<em>kakopathō</em>, κακοπαθῶ) means endure hardship, face evil treatment. The specification "as an evil doer...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Wherein I suffer trouble.**—Here St. Paul bids Timothy take courage, by thinking of the brave, patient example he was setting him in his Roman prison, undaunted and full of hope. “Wherein I suffer:” in which, that is, discharging my office as a preacher of the gospel, I suffer trouble.
**As an evil doer.**—Better rendered, *as a malefactor:* the same word used in St. Luke’s Gospel for the tw...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. very highly--**Greek, "exceeding abundantly."
**for their work's sake--**The high nature of their work alone, the furtherance of your salvation and of the kingdom of Christ, should be a sufficient motive to claim your reverential love. At the same time, the word "work," teaches ministers that, while claiming the reverence due to their office, it is not a sinecure, but a "work"; compare "la...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.</strong> This verse explains Paul's motivation for endurance. "Therefore" (<em>dia touto</em>, διὰ τοῦτο) connects to v. 9—because God's word isn't bound, Paul willingly endures. "I endure all things" (<em>panta hypomenō</em>, πάντα ὑπομένω) emphasizes c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes.**—Better rendered, *For this cause I endure*, &c.—that is, I endure all things in order that the “word of God,” which, unlike its preacher, I have just declared to be confined by no bonds—in order that that “word” may be widely spread and disseminated: for this reason do I, as a faithful soldier at my post, bear up with quiet, patient cou...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. brethren--**This exhortation to "warm (Greek, 'admonish,' as in 1Th 5:12) the unruly (those 'disorderly' persons, 2Th 3:6, 11, who would not work, and yet expected to be maintained, literally, said of soldiers who will not remain in their ranks, compare 1Th 4:11; also those insubordinate as to Church discipline, in relation to those 'over' the Church, 1Th 5:12), comfort the feeble-minded (th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.</strong> Paul introduces a trustworthy creedal formula with "It is a faithful saying" (<em>pistos ho logos</em>, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος)—marking reliable, authoritative teaching worthy of full acceptance. What follows is likely an early Christian hymn or confession used in baptism or Lord's Supper, containing four co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.**—The last sentence ended with the words “eternal glory*”*—the goal, the end of the salvation which is in Christ. This it is which the Apostle will help others to win, regardless of any suffering it may cost him; then, with his mind full of the thoughts of the “eternal glory,” once more he addressed himself to Timothy. “Faithful is th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15. (Ro 12:17; 1Pe 3:9.)
**unto any man--**whether unto a Christian, or a heathen, however great the provocation.
**follow--**as a matter of earnest pursuit.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.</strong> The hymn's second couplet presents contrasting realities. First, the promise: "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him" (<em>ei hypomenomen, kai symbasileusomen</em>, εἰ ὑπομένομεν, καὶ συμβασιλεύσομεν). The verb <em>hypomenō</em> (ὑπομένω) means persevere under trials, endure suffering faithfully...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.**—And the faithful saying went on with this stirring declaration. How, it seems to ask, can a believer in Christ shrink from suffering, when he knows what to him will be the glorious consequences of this present suffering? The word rendered “suffer” would be better translated, *if we endure*—that is, if we bravely bear up against sufferings for Hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16-17. In order to "rejoice evermore," we must "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17). He who is wont to thank God for all things as happening for the best, will have continuous joy [Theophylact]. Ep 6:18; Php 4:4, 6, "Rejoice in the Lord ... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving"; Ro 14:17, "in the Holy Ghost"; Ro 12:12, "in hope"; Ac 5:41, "in being counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-12**
Something hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecu...
Read full commentary →If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.</strong> The hymn's final couplet addresses believer unfaithfulness versus Christ's faithfulness. "If we believe not" (<em>ei apistoumen</em>, εἰ ἀπιστοῦμεν) can mean either "if we are faithless" or "if we disbelieve." Context favors "are faithless"—failing to trust fully, wavering in faith, showing weakness. This differs ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **If we believe not.**—Better rendered, *if we are faithless*—that is, untrue to the vows of our Christian profession. The faithlessness implies more than mere unbelief in any of the fundamental doctrines of the faith, such as the Resurrection of the Lord or His divinity.
**Yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.**—Those who have understood these words as containing soothing, comfort...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16-17. In order to "rejoice evermore," we must "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17). He who is wont to thank God for all things as happening for the best, will have continuous joy [Theophylact]. Ep 6:18; Php 4:4, 6, "Rejoice in the Lord ... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving"; Ro 14:17, "in the Holy Ghost"; Ro 12:12, "in hope"; Ac 5:41, "in being counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-15**
When we hear of the apostacy of many, it is a great comfort and joy, that there is a remnant according to the election of grace, which does and shall persevere; especially we should rejoice, if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The preservation of the saints, is because God loved them with an everlasting love, from the beginning of the world. The end and the m...
Read full commentary →A Worker Approved by God
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.</strong> Paul transitions from doctrinal foundation to practical application. "Of these things put them in remembrance" (<em>tauta hypomimnēske</em>, ταῦτα ὑπομίμνῃσκε) commands Timothy to continually remind the church of gospel truths ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Of these things put them in remembrance.**—A new division of the Epistle begins with this 14th verse. St. Paul has been urging Timothy to be strong in endurance, to bear trouble and suffering with brave patience. He now proceeds to charge him respecting the special work he has to do; and, first he deals with his duties as a teacher of truth brought face to face with teachers of error. He pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. In every thing--**even what seems adverse: for nothing is really so (compare Ro 8:28; Ep 5:20). See Christ's example (Mt 15:36; 26:27; Lu 10:21; Joh 11:41).
**this--**That ye should "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, (and) in every thing give thanks," "is the will of God in Christ Jesus (as the Mediator and Revealer of that will, observed by those who are in Christ by faith, compare ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-15**
When we hear of the apostacy of many, it is a great comfort and joy, that there is a remnant according to the election of grace, which does and shall persevere; especially we should rejoice, if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The preservation of the saints, is because God loved them with an everlasting love, from the beginning of the world. The end and the m...
Read full commentary →Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.</strong> This verse contrasts with v. 14's word-wranglers. "Study" (<em>spoudason</em>, σπούδασον) means be diligent, make every effort, give earnest attention. The verb implies urgent, concentrated effort. "To shew thyself approved unto God" (<em>seauton dokimon parastēsa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.**—Timothy, and those in the position of Timothy, were to show themselves approved unto God, by turning others, over whom they possessed influence, from the pursuit of vain and unprofitable things. Then their work would be the work of workmen tested by trial, and would be found to have stood the test. (Comp. h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Quench not--**the Spirit being a holy fire: "where the Spirit is, He burns" [Bengel] (Mt 3:11; Ac 2:3; 7:51). Do not throw cold water on those who, under extraordinary inspiration of the Spirit, stand up to speak with tongues, or reveal mysteries, or pray in the congregation. The enthusiastic exhibitions of some (perhaps as to the nearness of Christ's coming, exaggerating Paul's statement, 2...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-15**
When we hear of the apostacy of many, it is a great comfort and joy, that there is a remnant according to the election of grace, which does and shall persevere; especially we should rejoice, if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The preservation of the saints, is because God loved them with an everlasting love, from the beginning of the world. The end and the m...
Read full commentary →But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.</strong> Contrasting with verse 15's faithful handling of truth, Paul warns against "profane and vain babblings" (<em>tas de bebelous kenophōnias</em>, τὰς δὲ βεβήλους κενοφωνίας). <em>Bebēlos</em> (βέβηλος) means profane, godless, secular—opposite of sacred. <em>Kenophōnia</em> (κενοφωνία) combines <em>keno...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **But shun profane and vain babblings.**—*But, *in strong contrast to the conduct just urged, on the workman of God, *do thou avoid* (or, *withdraw thyself from*)* vain babblings.* The word rendered “shun” is a strong one, and signifies literally, to make a circuit so as to avoid; or, as Alford paraphrases it, “the meaning seems to come from a number of persons falling back from an object of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. prophesyings--**whether exercised in inspired teaching, or in predicting the future. "Despised" by some as beneath "tongues," which seemed most miraculous; therefore declared by Paul to be a greater gift than tongues, though the latter were more showy (1Co 14:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-17**
We may and should direct our prayers, not only to God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to our Lord Jesus Christ himself. And we should pray in his name unto God, not only as his Father, but as our Father in and through him. The love of God in Christ Jesus, is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for. There is good reason for strong consola...
Read full commentary →And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; canker: or, gangrene
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus.</strong> Paul illustrates v. 16's warning with medical metaphor. "Their word will eat as doth a canker" (<em>kai ho logos autōn hōs gangraina nomēn hexei</em>, καὶ ὁ λόγος αὐτῶν ὡς γάγγραινα νομὴν ἕξει). <em>Gangraina</em> (γάγγραινα) gives us "gangrene"—necrotic tissue spreading infection, destroying healthy fles...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **And their word will eat as doth a canker.**—Better rendered, as in the margin of the English translation, *as doth a gangrene, *the usual rendering of the various English versions. “Cancer,” which is adopted also by Luther—krebs—fails to express the terrible and deathly nature of the “word” of these false teachers. The life of the sufferer afflicted with cancer may be prolonged for many yea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
21-22. Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (1Co 12:10; 14:29; 1Jo 4:1). Another ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-17**
We may and should direct our prayers, not only to God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to our Lord Jesus Christ himself. And we should pray in his name unto God, not only as his Father, but as our Father in and through him. The love of God in Christ Jesus, is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for. There is good reason for strong consola...
Read full commentary →Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.</strong> Paul specifies Hymenaeus and Philetus's error: "concerning the truth have erred" (<em>hoitines peri tēn alētheian ēstochēsan</em>, οἵτινες περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν). The verb <em>astocheō</em> (ἀστοχέω) means miss the mark, deviate from, go astray—used of archers ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Who concerning the truth have erred.**—Or, *have erred, *or, more literally, *have missed their aim.* (See Note on 1Timothy 6:21.)
The resurrection of the body, grounded upon the Lord’s own words (John 5:28-29), was one of the Articles of the Christian faith upon which St. Paul especially loved to dwell. (See, for instance, his words before Felix—Acts 24:15.) With this “resurrection of the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
21-22. Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (1Co 12:10; 14:29; 1Jo 4:1). Another ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. sure: or, steady
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.</strong> Despite Hymenaeus and Philetus's destructive error, Paul affirms: "the foundation of God standeth sure" (<em>ho mentoi stereos themelios tou theou hestēken</em>, ὁ μέντοι στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν). ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.**—Better rendered, *Nevertheless God’s firm foundation standeth.* Nevertheless, that is to say, though some may be shaken in faith by the unhappy teaching above referred to, yet assuredly God’s firm foundation stands unshaken. “The firm foundation laid by God” is the Church of Christ, which is here termed *a foundation* laid by God, because ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. the very God--**rather as the Greek, "the God of peace Himself"; who can do for you by His own power what I cannot do by all my monitions, nor you by all your efforts (Ro 16:20; He 13:20), namely, keep you from all evil, and give you all that is good.
**sanctify you--**for holiness is the necessary condition of "peace" (Php 4:6-9).
**wholly--**Greek, "(so that you should be) perfect in e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.</strong> Paul introduces household metaphor to explain the mixed nature of visible church. "In a great house" (<em>en megalē oikia</em>, ἐν μεγάλῃ οἰκίᾳ) refers to wealthy estate with many servants, tools, containers. "Vessels" (<em>skeuē</em>, σκ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver.**—The Apostle goes on with the same thought of the “Church of God on earth,” but he changes the imagery. He has been speaking of this Church as the “foundation-storey that cannot be moved” of a still more glorious edifice. He now, as it were, answers a question which would naturally occur to Timothy and to many a devout ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. Faithful--**to His covenant promises (Joh 10:27-29; 1Co 1:9; 10:23; Php 1:6).
**he that calleth you--**God, the caller of His people, will cause His calling not to fall short of its designed end.
**do it--**preserve and present you blameless at the coming of Christ (1Th 5:23; Ro 8:30; 1Pe 5:10). You must not look at the foes before and behind, on the right hand and on the left, but to Go...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.</strong> Paul applies the household metaphor. "If a man therefore purge himself from these" (<em>ean oun tis ekkathārē heauton apo toutōn</em>, ἐὰν οὖν τις ἐκκαθάρῃ ἑαυτὸν ἀπὸ τούτων). The verb <em>ekkathairō</em> (ἐκκαθαίρω) means cle...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **If a man therefore purge himself from these.**—Again the reference is general, but there was a special thought for Timothy when St. Paul wrote this. If *he* would separate from all that was evil in his Church at Ephesus, then would he indeed be one of those golden vessels unto honour. The image of the great house, and its many and varied vessels, though still not quite lost sight of, is pas...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
25. Some oldest manuscripts read, "Pray ye also for (literally, 'concerning') us"; make us and our work the subject of your prayers, even as we have been just praying for you (1Th 5:23). Others omit the "also." The clergy need much the prayers of their flocks. Paul makes the same request in the Epistles to Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and in Second Corinthians; not so in t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →Flee Youthful Passions
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.</strong> Paul gives practical counsel for personal purity. "Flee also youthful lusts" (<em>tas de neanik as epithymias pheuge</em>, τὰς δὲ νεανικὰς ἐπιθυμίας φεῦγε). The verb <em>pheugō</em> (φεύγω) means run away from, escape—same word describing Joseph fleeing P...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Flee also youthful lusts.**—But he who would *indeed* become a “vessel for honour” in that great house of God must do more than merely separate himself from all outward communion and friendship with men who, by their teaching and in their lives, did dishonour to the Master’s religion. There was an *inner* work to be accomplished, as well as an outer and more public protest to be made. He mu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
26. Hence it appears this Epistle was first handed to the elders, who communicated it to "the brethren."
**holy kiss--**pure and chaste. "A kiss of charity" (1Pe 5:14). A token of Christian fellowship in those days (compare Lu 7:45; Ac 20:37), as it is a common mode of salutation in many countries. The custom hence arose in the early Church of passing the kiss through the congregation at the hol...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.</strong> Returning to the theme of v. 14, Paul warns against certain controversies. "Foolish and unlearned questions" (<em>tas de mōras kai apaideut ous zētēseis</em>, τὰς δὲ μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις). <em>Mōros</em> (μωρός) means foolish, stupid, senseless—not merely unintelligent but lacking spiritual w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **But foolish and unlearned questions avoid.**—The Greek word translated “unlearned” is better rendered *ignorant.* These “questions” which, as we have seen above, the false teachers, with whom Timothy was so much thrown, loved to put forward for discussion, could hardly be termed “unlearned”—much useless learning being often thrown away in these disputing of the schools—but were rather “poin...
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**27. I charge--**Greek, "I adjure you."
**read unto all--**namely, publicly in the congregation at a particular time. The Greek aorist tense implies a single act done at a particular time. The earnestness of his adjuration implies how solemnly important he felt this divinely inspired message to be. Also, as this was the FIRST of the Epistles of the New Testament, he makes this the occasion of a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, patient: or, forbearing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.</strong> Paul prescribes the proper demeanor for Christian leaders. "The servant of the Lord" (<em>doulon de kyriou</em>, δοῦλον δὲ κυρίου) means slave of the Lord—one wholly owned by and serving Christ. This title emphasizes authority (we represent Christ) and humility (we are mere servants). "...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **And the servant of the Lord must not strive.**—Although these directions and commandments in all cases belong to God’s servants of every degree and calling, yet some of them, as we should expect from the nature of the Epistle, peculiarly apply to Timothy and those like Timothy specially devoted to the ministry of the Word. And so here everything which is likely to be the cause of strife, he...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
28. (See on 2Co 13:14.) Paul ends as he began (1Th 1:1), with "grace." The oldest manuscripts omit "Amen," which probably was the response of the Church after the public reading of the Epistle.
The subscription is a comparatively modern addition. The Epistle was not, as it states, written from Athens, but from Corinth; for it is written in the names of Silas and Timothy (besides Paul), who did ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.</strong> Paul continues describing proper ministerial demeanor toward opponents. "In meekness instructing" (<em>en prautēti paideuonta</em>, ἐν πραΰτητι παιδεύοντα). <em>Prautēs</em> (πραΰτης) means gentleness, humility, meekness—strength under control, not...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.**—By “those that oppose themselves,” St. Paul alludes scarcely so much to those leading teachers of false doctrine as to those led away by them. In Titus 3:10 we read how these pronounced heretics—no doubt the teachers and leaders of the school—were, after a first and second admonition, to be shunned, were to be left to themselves. These...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. recover: Gr. awake taken: Gr. taken alive
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.</strong> Paul concludes by identifying the true enemy behind human opposition. The hope is "that they may recover themselves" (<em>kai anānēpsōsin</em>, καὶ ἀνανήψωσιν). The verb <em>ananēphō</em> (ἀνανήφω) means come to one's senses, become sober again—like waking from drunkenness...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **That they may recover themselves.**—The literal meaning of the Greek word rendered “that they may recover themselves” is. *that they may awake from drunkenness.* The English version, however, gives the meaning with great exactness. Those taken in the snare of the devil are represented as not only captives in the snare of the devil, but as also helplessly wrapped in slumber.
The deadly peril...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostasy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin.
(1-4)
His destruction, and that of those who obey him.
(5-12)
The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them.
(...
Read full commentary →