2Timothy 3:1 ¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
“This know also” – connects this section with the context from the previous chapter
Note that the reference is to the “last days.” The Greek is specific in defining this phrase to be referencing the final days. I believe this is referencing final in reference to the days before Jesus returns as King of kings to planet earth in context from the previous chapter. In that chapter he was focusing on our resurrection from the dead to immortality to reign with Jesus and the importance of striving to serve Him as vessels of honor until that time.
In context, Paul is describing humanity in general but with application to those in the “church,” giving the appearance of godliness, but contradicting or denying God in the process. (see v7 below)
“Perilous” times reference difficult, dangerous times. It was interesting to me that the Greek root is possibly connected to the idea of reducing strength. This would connect in my mind to waning influence of the church as a result of the increasing influence of the forces of Satan as that time nears.
“shall come” – The fact that he is telling Timothy this information indicates that he was preparing Timothy for what might confront him in his lifetime, but we now know in retrospect that the term “last days” were thousands of years in the future.
2Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
The word “men” is a reference to humanity, both male and female. With this verse Paul begins a description of what will characterize the people of those perilous times mentioned in verse one. Yes, these terms have been applicable throughout history, but it seems that the applicability to our times has increased at an exponential rate over recent years.
“Lovers of their own selves” speaks of selfishness. Who can deny that today the focus is on the right to please self without regard as to how it may impact others. Marketing is based on presenting products that fulfill the desires and needs of the flesh in support of this love of self. The primary motivating factor for most people today—What’s in it for me? This is the root characteristic from which all the others flow.
The Greek for “covetous” is connected to avarice, the love of money and greed for wealth. Again, can we deny that the desire for more money as evidence of one’s success and to provide the ability to fulfill selfish desires is an apt description of the overall culture of today? Many people define success in life by how much money they make and the quantity and quality of the “things” they possess.
A “boaster” is a braggart, someone who shows excessive pride in his/her accomplishments, possessions, or abilities. I think there is a difference in having a healthy pride and an unhealthy pride. A healthy pride regarding one’s accomplishments, possessions and abilities is based upon personal investment of time and energy according to one’s God-given talents while acknowledging that you have because you have been given. An unhealthy pride is evidenced by basking in recognition of one’s accomplishments, possessions and abilities without regard to God and thinking that this places you in an elite status compared to others. In Christendom it would be evidenced by an attitude analogous to the Pharisees of Jesus’ time. Again, this fits right in with being a lover of self. I am beginning to see why Paul listed that trait first.
Being “proud” is a reference to haughtiness, considering oneself as superior to others and looking down with contempt on those you consider unworthy of your attention. It goes hand in glove with boasting.
“Blasphemers” are those who do not revere God; they speak out with slander and disrespect against God. This is especially obvious among the new atheists of today. There is no denying that God’s name is profaned daily without repercussion in the entertainment industry, society in general and even by Christians. I cringe every time I hear the phrase, “O my God.”
I liked this comment by David Guzik on boasting, pride and blasphemy: “When I boast, when I am proud towards others, and when I express my pride towards God in blasphemy, I am the center of my universe. You don't matter and God does not matter. All that matters is me.”
“Disobedience to parents” means what it says. The Greek included the idea of being unpersuadable. This seems to reference having a stubborn heart that is not teachable or open to reasoning. I am afraid the evidence of the truth of that statement is ever more evident in the youth of today. They are more likely to respond to their peers and/or be led by the example and/or expressed beliefs of popular cultural figures than to parents.
“Unthankful” is the equivalent of ingratitude and, I believe, again ties directly to selfishness. Kids today are growing up with an attitude that indicates they feel they are deserving without regard to their treatment of others or the effort they put forth. To my observation in America at least, this attitude has had a great negative impact on the work ethic of today in comparison to when I was growing up. Webster includes “making ill return for kindness,”—in other words, responding to kindness by being unkind.
To be “unholy” is to be wicked (from the Greek). Webster states that to be wicked is to act contrary to the moral or divine law. One only has to look at the Ten Commandments to conclude that unholiness is an apt description of the culture in most of the world today. God is certainly not acknowledged as Lord. Taking God’s name in vain has become part of everyday speech in America at least. Killing the unborn is excused as the woman’s right to choose. Sexual immorality is an accepted lifestyle. There is a growing attitude of “the ends justifies the means” when it comes getting what we want.
2Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
The Greek defines being without natural affection as being hard-hearted towards your relatives; it is showing a lack of sympathy, cruelty and lack of pity (from the Greek). Again, this falls right in line with being “lovers of self.” I believe this attitude is manifest by most women that choose abortion; relatively speaking, very few women choose abortion for life-threatening medical considerations. These women do not have the “natural affection” you would expect to go with expectant motherhood. The news of the last several years has been full of stories of husbands killing wives, mothers killing children, children abusing parents, and parents abusing children—including professing “Christians.”
The Greek for “trucebreakers” stated “literally, without libation….” When I looked up the root word, this was a reference to devoting one’s life as a sacrifice. My definition: Making a deal or promise without true commitment to fulfill it at point of sacrifice to self. Scripture is clear in stating that we should honor our word.
Zechariah 8:16 “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor….”
Proverbs 3:27 “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”
1 Peter 1:15–16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [behavior]; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
“False accusers” — The Greek for this term is diablos and is a reference to Satan and devils. Just like Satan, these are those that tell lies about someone to destroy their reputation. I think that the media in general in America today is full of people who are willing false accusers in pursuit of promoting their own agendas and/or greed, and the public as a whole seems to be willing to believe their lies. In politics it has become the norm for candidates to lie about their opponents in order to gain a political advantage. These are but a couple of examples that evidence a growing lack of integrity that permeates our culture today. It’s part of the mentality embraced in the saying, “All is fair in love and war.”
“Incontinence” is a reference to lack of self-control. Again, this is an outworking of selfishness. One who lacks self-control is obviously not concerned about how his/her actions may affect others. The growing lack of self-control goes hand-in-hand with the use of drugs and alcohol and is the foundation for the success of the porn industry. Sadly, this lack is also the motivating factor behind the horrendous crimes of rape, sexual abuse of children and human trafficking, among others.
In Christendom, it is on prominent display in churches that have fallen for the deception of the enemy regarding “new” manifestations of the Spirit—e.g., barking like dogs, uncontrolled holy laughter, etc. These people are responding in the flesh in the heat of the moment without first applying careful discernment of their actions according to the scripture. They are so hungry to experience more in their relationship to God that they become caught up in an experience without questioning or giving careful discernment to its source. I know I have said it before, but experience can be deceiving. There is no scriptural basis for such bizarre and uncontrolled behavior by one who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He does not lose control and always directs our attention to the Savior, not to self.
One who is “fierce” is aggressive and characterized by uncontrolled violence. Webster states: “furious, violent, unrestrained…ready or eager to kill or injure, and of a nature to inspire terror.” Frankly, I believe the great increase in aggressive and violent behavior evidenced in society today is spawned by the entertainment industry. Movies and video games have caused people to become desensitized to aggression and violence and made them much more likely to emulate such actions without feeling guilt. When the “church” capitulates to using terror tactics as a means of promoting its message, it will have become a false religion on par with the fanatic followers of Islam today.
The phrase “despisers of those that are good” is basically self-explanatory. The Greek defines it as “hostility to those who are virtuous.” This too is becoming more dominant in the news today. The persecution of Christians is growing throughout the world. Christians in America are being categorized with radical terrorists by public officials and also characterized as intolerant (implied—and therefore dangerous). Those who live in disobedience to God’s word are always going to despise those that are obedient to God’s word. Jesus predicted this hatred.
Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake….”
John 15:18–19 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
This is a growing problem in the church because many have chosen to redefine what is good and virtuous due to their rejection of the inerrancy and truth of God’s word. The scripture defines what is good.
Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
We have no problem embracing the first two, but to embrace the last requires that we accept as true God’s will as revealed in His word. You can’t walk “with” someone unless you are choosing to fellowship with him as you journey toward the same destination in unity of spirit.
2Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
A “traitor” is one who betrays or violates the confidence or trust of another; they turn on former friends to fulfill their own selfish purposes. In today’s society this often goes hand-in-hand with the love of money. The tabloids and increasingly the mainstream media produce headlines and make profit by seeking out people who are willing to betray friends, lovers, bosses, etc.
Those who claim the name “Christian” or identify with the “church” are in essence declaring themselves friends of Jesus; yet, when their actions deny the truth of His word, they are essentially classifying themselves as traitors just as surely as did Judas.
One who is “heady” is rash, acting in passion without restraint, throwing caution to the wind. Sometimes I think that must be an unwritten qualification for running for office in Washington D.C. I was totally appalled to learn that our congressional leaders think it is normal and reasonable to pass legislation that they have not read. How can we possibly expect the people to be careful, deliberate and reasonable in making decisions when those who lead us operate with such rashness. Webster adds that “heady” actions affect the head and are intoxicating. I believe that is what affects those in leadership in our government today. They become intoxicated with power and lose all sense of reason.
One who is “highminded” is enveloped in smoke, i.e., to inflate with self-conceit (from the Greek). Webster made reference to Romans 11:20.
Romans 11:20 “….Be not highminded, but fear….”
I thought it was interesting that this statement attributes highmindedness to lack of fear—of God is implied in context. Of course, I believe this is true of those whose lives are characterized by any of the traits in this list.
As Paul gets to the end of his list, he gets to the main problem in the lives of the types of people being referenced in this list—they love pleasure more than God. Scripture acknowledges that sin results in pleasure—but only for a season.
Hebrews 11:24–25 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season….”
Psalms 73:3 & 17 “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked….Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”
Many in the professing church exhibit this characteristic when they choose to reject God’s morality to accept cohabitation outside of marriage, homosexual relationships, abortion, “entertainment” that appeals to our baser instincts, etc.
Scripture is also clear in declaring that those who love God will suffer in this world, but it also declares that our obedience will be well rewarded in eternity.
John 16:33 “….In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Acts 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.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Matthew 5:10–12 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:”
Colossians 3:23–24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
2Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
This verse is a continuation concerning those that love pleasure more than God. In this verse Paul is narrowing that group to those that “have a form of godliness.” In other words, they appear to be Christians; they are professors of faith but not possessors of faith; they are hypocrites—tares among the wheat. This is the most discouraging aspect of the “church” today. It is the most telling trait on this list in my opinion regarding the “last days.” The “church” today is in the process of “emerging” and morphing into the ecumenical church of end times. The word of God is being misused. The focus of the church is more on social work than on spreading the gospel. The practices of mysticism are being incorporated into worship. Tolerance and unity among faiths are being promoted in disregard of the exclusive truth of scripture.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
I am reminded of the letters to the churches in Revelation—especially the churches of Sardis and Laodicea. Sardis is described as a church that appears to be spiritually alive, but it is really spiritually dead. There is no ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through them. Laodicea is described as a church that is rich and prosperous, but spiritually blind. These churches willingly embrace the deceit of the enemy by embracing practices associated with the new age and offer new experiences that are often associated with lying wonders.
The power of God is being disregarded for the power of men and evil spirits. Many popular “Christian” books promote the wisdom of the author—not the wisdom of God as revealed in scripture. Others present God and/or spiritual teaching according to their own imagination and desires rather than as instructed or described in scripture. Many “new age” beliefs are being promoted and marketed in writings openly identified as revelations from spirit guides. Visions of the Virgin Mary and mysterious phenomena are identified as “from God” when it is obvious that they are contrary to scripture and, therefore, are occurring according to the powers of the “god of this world”—Satan. I am reminded that scripture warns us that our fight is with evil spirits and that Satan has the ability to work lying wonders within the parameters that God allows him (as evidenced by Job).
Ephesians 6:11–12 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
2 Thessalonians 2:9 “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders….” [speaking in context of the Antichrist]
Deuteronomy 13:1–3 “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Matthew 7:22–23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” [“wonderful works” = miracles in the Greek]
Paul’s direct instruction to Timothy—Stay away from these kinds of people. He declared this important truth in his letter to the Corinthians, “Bad companionship corrupts good character.” (1Cor. 15:33) This is obviously talking about those with whom you choose to have close fellowship.
2Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
“this sort” – I think this is more in reference to those who love pleasure more than God and present themselves as Christians—the fakes and hypocrites. Sad to say, history reveals that some “church” leaders abuse their positions and “lead captive silly women” to fulfill their fleshly lusts. I think the NLT gives a clearer translation: “They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by many desires. Such women are forever following new teachings, but they never understand the truth.”
Recent history shows that this abuse has also been directed toward the most vulnerable—children in the church.
With today’s technology this abuse often comes through the pleas of “Christian” ministers that enter the home through the television and take advantage of the tender hearts of people who are not spiritually discerning and plead for money to support their ministries which they use to support their luxurious lifestyles.
Reminder – It was Eve that was deceived—not Adam. Women are more susceptible to deceit.
1Timothy 2:14 “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
2Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
2Timothy 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
Paul uses as an example the actions of Jannes and Jambres, Pharaoh’s magicians that stood against Moses. These men were obviously empowered by evil spirits to a limited degree and refused to believe the power demonstrated by Moses was any different than their own. Corrupt “Christians” oppose the plain truth of God’s word towards their own purposes in the same way as these court magicians. It seems to imply to me that they are being influenced and/or empowered by evil spirits as well. They are depraved in thought and deed and have abandoned the morals established by God in scripture.
Note: The names of Jannes and Jambres are not mentioned elsewhere in scripture, but commentators make note that they were well known through Jewish tradition. It is obvious to me who Paul is referencing, and his use of their names is affirmed through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—the source of all scripture as declared in verse 16 below.
Verse 9 indicates that eventually these wicked men will be found out. There came a point (the plague of lice) in which the magicians had to admit that they were really pretenders to true power. The false teachers being referenced in this passage will also one day be shown for who they really are—in God’s timing.
Paul addresses this truth more clearly in his letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
I am reminded that the Lord allows some of these wicked people to prosper in order to prove the faith of His people.
Deuteronomy 13:1–3 “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Remember—Our fight is against evil spiritual forces.
Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
2Timothy 3:10 ¶ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2Timothy 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.
Paul now turns his attention to affirming Timothy’s faith based on his own testimony before him. Timothy was personal witness to Paul’s ministry, his character, and his faith as evidenced by his commitment to the spread of the gospel, his patience and love toward others as God’s ambassador, and his endurance in spite of persecution. He was witness to God’s power through the Holy Spirit at work in Paul’s life.
2Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Paul declares that all who choose to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
This black and white statement really bothered me for a long time, because I did not really feel that I had “suffered” accordingly. I remember looking up the word “suffer” in Webster during one of my studies and found the following: “To feel, or endure, with pain, annoyance, etc….to undergo; as, to suffer pain of body, or grief of mind.” It made me realize that sometimes the pain of persecution is pain of the heart or mind. It is a personal connection with the heart of God as you respond to the sin that surrounds you. Most of us who have faith in Christ as our Savior will not die a martyr’s death or face physical torture in light of that faith, but many will probably face rejection and/or mocking from family and/or friends. All of us, however, should grieve with the heart of God over sin and the eternal future of those who reject Him. We should especially grieve at corruption in the “church” and how it serves to dishonor God and mislead so many. We should grieve over how God’s word is being discredited and used by false teachers towards their own purposes.
I am reminded of Peter’s words about Lot.
2 Peter 2:7–8 “And delivered just Lot, vexed [harass, oppress] with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)”
There are many Christians throughout this world that suffer physical persecution for their faith. I hate to say it, but I believe the time is coming sooner rather than later that many of the “freedoms” we treasure as Christians in America will soon be denied us. Unless we choose to become part of the “church” that is tolerant to the point of denying Jesus as the only way to salvation or just remain silent about our faith, I believe we are in for a rough ride ahead.
2Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
These are very sad verses, but its truth is already evident in the professing “church” today. So-called biblical scholars, like those of the Jesus Seminar, have laid the foundation for the growth of this attitude by declaring that the scripture is full of errors. As more people in the “church” choose to reject God’s wisdom and authority and turn instead to the wisdom of men, this outlook will increase yet more. Those pastors who have a seeker-sensitive ministry have already capitulated to refraining from sharing any part of God’s word that might be offensive to the sinner. The more prevalent ministries become that allow people to continue to feed their flesh without danger of being confronted with the need to repent of their sin, the more people are going to embrace those ministries while the true church suffers persecution. It’s natural to want to “have your cake and eat it too” as the old saying goes. I think this is one of the main reasons that people embrace atheism and evolution; it does away with God and any accountability to Him. The fact is that God’s truth will be proved and the fables of men exposed for the lies they are.
2Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
The sad truth is that evil men and impostors or hypocrites are going to become even more depraved and more prevalent. They will continue to deceive others as they themselves are being deceived. In other words, these false teachers may be really sincere in their beliefs, but they are sincerely wrong.
Satan will not let up once he has established a stronghold in some area of your life. Once you fall into his trap, he only strengthens his influence over you through the deceptive powers available to him. The only way to break this influence is by the power of God. Paul addresses this truth in his letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ….”
2Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Timothy 3:15 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.
“continue” – Paul is affirming to Timothy that he has been taught well and that his testimony is one of solid faith, discernment and obedience.
Paul is encouraging Timothy to remember that God had specifically appointed Paul to share the gospel message and the truth of God’s word with the Gentiles. Timothy can be sure of the truth of his teaching. Everything Paul taught was in accordance with Old Testament scriptures. Paul is declaring that those scriptures clearly point to Christ Jesus as the Savior. Also, Timothy’s mom and grandma (cf 1:5) had taught him the truth of scripture from the time he was a child. He was able to understand Paul’s teaching concerning this truth in light of those scriptures.
God often urged His people to remember who He IS what He had done for them to encourage and strengthen them in the tough times. That principle still applies.
2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
These verses declare a powerful truth. “All” scripture is God-breathed; in other words, it was divinely implanted into the heart and mind of the author as he wrote it. This is a declaration of the complete truth and authority of everything it declares. God’s word is truth that will stand forever.
Psalms 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
Again, I like David Guzik’s quote regarding the inspiration of scripture: “It was written over 1600 years, over 60 generations, by more than 40 authors, on three different continents, in different circumstances and places, in different times, different moods, in three languages, concerning scores of controversial subjects, but it speaks with one united voice.”
Because it is truth, the scripture is helpful, useful for several things.
For understanding doctrine—a reference to instruction in the Greek. Obviously, the reference would be to God’s instruction, His teaching.
For giving reproof—providing evidence for the truth it declares.
For providing correction—determining how to “straighten up” (from the Greek) one’s life, to change bad behavior to good
For instruction in righteousness—providing instruction as to how to live in obedience to God having integrity and faithfulness
When the believer, “the man of God,” is taught according to the truth and precepts of scripture, he/she is prepared and equipped to serve God by serving others. Jesus was clear in declaring that we could do nothing to produce spiritual fruit without Him.
John 15:4–5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Many churches today are focusing on doing “good” deeds without regard to “abiding in Christ” and allowing Him to work in and through the believer. Obviously social work, humanitarian work is “good” in the eyes of society today. God’s standard as to what is “good,” however, is measured by whether or not God is being served and honored in the process with the potential for producing spiritual fruit because the person doing the deeds is ministering through the leading, direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This type of service will always draw attention to God rather than to the person or organization performing those works.
2Timothy 4:1 ¶ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
At this point Paul begins to close his letter to Timothy with final instructions for the young pastor. The Greek for the word “charge” implies an earnest plea for Timothy to heed what Paul is telling him. That he prefaces these instructions as “before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ” emphasizes that they are according to the will of God—not just the will of Paul. The fact that Jesus will “judge the living and the dead at his appearing” is meant to signify the importance of these instructions—in other words, you will be accountable to God for your ministry.
The wording of the KJV is a bit confusing in this instance; I think the NIV states it best in conjunction with other scripture: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge….”
Scripture is clear in declaring that the judgment of the dead will occur after His 1000-year reign.
Revelation 20:4–6 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
I believe the phrase “the quick,” is a reference to those possessing spiritual life, all of whom will be a part of the first resurrection. Jesus was clear in stating that there are only two resurrections, two judgments.
John 5:26–29 “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
Note that these verses in John also affirm Paul’s statement that God the Father has delegated all judgment to His Son Jesus.
The “appearing” Paul referenced is also prophesied by the Apostle John in the last book of the Bible, Revelation.
Revelation 19:11–15 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron….”
Note that John declares that the Lord “appears” from heaven in the process of coming to rule the nations. The verses from Revelation 20 (see above) detail that His earthly kingdom will continue for 1000 years. This time period is often referenced as the millennium and will fulfill the unconditional covenants God made with Abraham and David. (See Topical Study “Refuting Replacement Theology” for a more detailed discussion on the covenants.)
2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Primary instruction – “Preach the word.” To preach is to publicly declare. The “word” is obviously a reference to the scripture, the word of God. I understand that the primary reference to “the word” in the early church would have been a reference to the Old Testament scriptures, but I believe that Paul expected Timothy to understand that he meant all that Paul had taught him as well. Paul was clear in declaring that he preached what God had personally revealed to him.
Galatians 1:11–12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 3:1–8 “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”
Timothy was to preach the word whether it was convenient or not, whether the need for the message was apparent or not. The Greek also seemed to indicate that he wasn’t to wait for the opportunity to present itself; implied—he should create the opportunity.
His preaching was to consist of reproval, rebuke and exhortation; and the message was to be delivered with patience and self-control and adhering to the truths he had been taught. The Greek for “reprove” includes the idea of producing conviction through a message that is convincing with its warning and counsel against faults and wrongdoing. “Rebuke” seems to be a stronger term that involves “direct and pointed reproof” (from Webster) regarding specific types of wrongdoing. Exhortation is a reference to earnest encouragement accompanied by prayer (from the Greek).
I like this quote from David Guzik: “The Biblical preacher will comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.”
2Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
“the time will come” – I think we can safely deduce from the rest of this sentence that time is here in reference to the church as a whole—at least in America.
Paul is warning Timothy that there is coming a time when men will not put up with the teaching of the truth of God’s word. Why? Because it speaks against their own sin. They will seek out teachers who declare a message that doesn’t interfere with their chosen lifestyle. Any time someone turns away from truth, he is choosing to believe a lie.
We have to remind ourselves at this point that Paul is warning about those who profess to be part of the “church,” the body of believers. I just don’t think there is another time in church history that so perfectly fits this description as the “church” today. There have always been false teachers at work trying to undermine the truth of scripture. Today, however, those within mainstream evangelical leadership are perverting the truth of God’s word in ever increasing numbers and tailoring their message so as to appeal to the masses and increase their own popularity and bank accounts. This movement is often described as “seeker sensitive” and operates under many different umbrellas. Some preach the prosperity gospel; others preach only about God’s love and refuse to identify sin. Some emphasize lying wonders and miracles. Many are turning to mystical practices that appeal to the senses and feed off one’s emotions in ways that are directly connected to eastern religions. Recently, the focus is being directed toward promoting peace and unity among the religions through tolerance, e.g. Chrislam.
Try though they might, scripture is clear in declaring that there is only one gospel, one way to salvation and eternal life—and that is through faith in Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
I couldn’t help but think of a verse from my recent study of Jeremiah at this point.
Jeremiah 5:31 “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so”
2Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
The Greek for “watch” makes reference to staying sober; to “watch” also makes reference to staying vigilant to stick to the truth of God’s word in all that he does. One who chooses to be obedient to God’s word and declare its truth must be willing to suffer for what he believes. Timothy obviously was witness to Paul’s testimony in this regard, but Paul is not taking anything for granted as he instructs his son in the faith.
What is the work of an evangelist? To preach the gospel message. I think Paul is making a distinct reference to the gospel of saving faith as identified in his letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures….”
After looking at the Greek, I think the NLT has it right regarding the last phrase: “Complete the ministry God has given you.” In other words, don’t be a quitter; never give up; keep on keeping on.
2Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Paul now gives a few words of personal testimony to encourage Timothy. It is clear that Paul knows he will soon die. The wording indicates that he is ready to be a sacrifice to the glory of God. He knows he is going to die as a martyr for his faith.
Paul confidently declares that he has “fought a good fight.” In other words, he has worked very hard and held nothing back; he has given his very best to serve God in accordance with his calling. This is one time that I think the added word “my” is integral to the correct translation. Paul has completed his race, his fight, his mission before God on this earth—and he has kept the faith to the end. This is an important statement. The scripture is clear in declaring that endurance and keeping one’s faith to the end gives evidence to genuine saving faith.
Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
Matthew 24:11–13 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
1 John 2:18–19 “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
2Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul was confident that he would be rewarded with the crown of righteousness when he faced the Lord in judgment of his works. The Christian has already been declared justified before God and will face no condemning judgment. He/she will, however, face a judgment to determine rewards.
John 3:17–18 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
1 Corinthians 3:11–15 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Paul seems to be connecting the reward of this crown to persevering in the faith to the end while eagerly looking forward to His return. Other crowns will be rewarded for other qualifying works.
2Timothy 4:9 ¶ Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
2Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
2Timothy 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
2Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
With these verses Paul begins his personal instructions for Timothy. His first request is that Timothy makes an earnest effort to come and see Paul as soon as possible. Paul was feeling lonely in his last days. Demas left for Thessalonica apparently because he was concerned about his own well being in relationship to Paul. His faith was weak at best; he was certainly not ready to become a martyr for it. Crescens had gone to Galatia (north central Turkey), and Titus to Dalmatia (Croatia/Serbia); since nothing negative was attached to their leaving, it would seem that they were serving as instructed.
Faithful Luke is Paul’s only remaining companion. Paul also wants Timothy to bring Mark with him, which indicates to me that he was also in Ephesus or in some city en route to Rome. It is to Mark’s credit that he who was once in such disfavor with Paul had matured to the point of being considered a profitable ministry assistant.
Paul notes that he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus—I would assume to serve there in Timothy’s absence.
Research indicates that we can only speculate concerning the specifics of verse 13. Some commentators think Paul wanted his cloke because winter was approaching, and this makes sense to me in light of verse 21 below. It is to be noted that Paul also wants Timothy to bring the books and the parchments. I would tend to think that the books might reference valued volumes from his personal library. Because the parchments were mentioned with special emphasis, I tend to think that they were copies of the Old Testament scriptures. It is also possible that they were his personal records of the things that Jesus taught him and that he eventually shared with the churches through his letters.
2Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2Timothy 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
In these verses Paul warns Timothy about a man identified as Alexander the coppersmith. Though Paul doesn’t supply the specifics, it appears that Timothy was aware of this person, but wasn’t aware that he was an enemy to the ministry of the gospel. This man had evidently acted very wickedly and injured Paul by his actions; maybe he was even actively engaged in prosecuting Paul and having him imprisoned. He sounds like he would have been in league with the new atheists of today who attack those who believe in God with such anger and mocking. Paul’s prayer is that the Lord will reward him in accordance with his actions—actions that were aimed at preventing the spread of the gospel.
For him to warn Timothy so strongly, it sounds like Alexander might be the type to try to infiltrate the church first before working his mischief.
“our words” – I almost overlooked this little phrase. Paul is confident that Timothy is delivering the same message Paul is declaring. He had that confidence because they were both intent on declaring the word of God—not the word of Paul or the word of Timothy.
2Timothy 4:16 ¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
The word “answer” is a reference to “clearing of self, defense.” It would seem that Paul was left to defend himself when he first faced accusation before the judge. Paul does not wish that this lack of support be held against those that left him standing alone because he knew they were afraid. The actions of Nero and his followers toward Christians would provoke fear in most everyone.
Paul was well aware that “the Lord stood with him,” not just as a comforting presence, but as One who gave him strength through the ministry of His Spirit. He had expressed this confidence in his letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
The Lord had given Paul a mission to the Gentiles, and he was sufficient to meet Paul’s every need in fulfilling that mission. The wording indicates to me that he boldly proclaimed the gospel as he spoke in his own defense. He knows that his life was spared at that time because God still had a bit more for him to do.
I liked this comment from JFB: “It was not deliverance from Nero (who was called the lion) which he rejoiced in, for he did not fear death (2 Timothy 4:6-8), but deliverance from the temptation, through fear, to deny His Lord: so ALFORD.”
2Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s testimony to Timothy is that God is sufficient. It is the Lord who will deliver him from every attempt to thwart his ministry until he has fulfilled God’s purpose for him. When that time comes, he is confident that he will immediately be ushered into “His heavenly kingdom.” As Paul thinks about that glorious day, he can’t help but burst into praise for his Lord.
2Timothy 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
2Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Paul now closes his letter asking Timothy to give his greetings to several people. Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila had been co-workers with Paul since he first visited Corinth; they were fellow tentmakers. They even followed him to Ephesus and after a time in Rome eventually returned to settle there. Paul even mentioned in the closing of his letter to the Romans that they had risked their own lives on his behalf.
Onesiphorus is mentioned in chapter one (v16-18) as showing Paul great hospitality and one who diligently looked for Paul when he was in Rome without regard to how it might impact his personal safety.
It seems that Paul is informing Timothy as to the whereabouts of both Erastus and Trophimus in case he needs to contact them for any reason, and (I am sure) so that Timothy would pray for Trophimus.
2Timothy 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
At this point Paul pleads with Timothy to come before winter (inferring the need for his cloke).
Paul closes by sending greetings to Timothy from Eubulus, Puden, Linus, Claudia and all the brethren. It would seem that though Paul felt the loss of his main ministry assistants, he still had support from believers in the church at Rome. The NIV Commentary notes that according to church tradition, Linus became the first bishop of Rome after the deaths of Paul and Peter.
2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Paul closes his letter by pronouncing a blessing on Timothy. He prays that the Lord Jesus Christ be ever present with him. It is the spirit that is the essence of life in us, and it is the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer that gives us the privilege of the Lord’s presence in our lives.
I love the Greek definition for “grace”—the divine influence upon the heart. Paul is expressing his hope that Timothy will ever be in submission to Jesus as Lord and Savior and that his ministry will be motivated by and focused on his hope in his Lord’s return.
The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.