2 Timothy 2

      11-13. It is a faithful saying. A true saying. Some think that the 2 Timothy 2:11 2 Timothy 2:12 were part of an early hymn. If we be dead with him. Rather, as in the Revision, "Died with him." Compare Romans 6:4 Romans 6:5 Romans 6:8 5 . The reference is to death to the old life, and burial into the death of Christ at baptism. 12. If we suffer. We die in order to live. So our suffering with Christ "works out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Compare also Rom. 8:17 Matthew 19:27 Matthew 19:28 . If we deny him. See Matt. 10:33 . 13. If we believe not. If we prove faithless, he will still be faithful to keep every promise he has made.

      14-18. Put them in remembrance. Those to whom you minister. Charging . . . that they strive not about words. We see proofs in both letters to Timothy that the idle speculations which did the church such damage a little later had already begun. 15. Study to show thyself. To this end the utmost diligence must be used. Approved unto God. Such a preacher that his work will please the Heavenly Father. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Whose life and work are such as to honor Christ and the gospel. This requires a pure life as well as judicious work. Rightly dividing the word of truth. The Revision reads, "Handling aright." The Greek word means, literally, "cutting straight." The thought, probably, is to present the truth clearly, truthfully, without blunders, and with an exactness which cannot be gainsaid. 16. But shun. Preach the truth. Shun foolish speculations. Profane. Unholy. 17. And their word. The profane and vain babblings. Eat as doth a canker. Eat deeper and deeper, like a gangrene. Of whom is Hymenæus. See 1 Tim. 1:20 . 18. Who concerning the truth have erred. Their speculation is stated. They preached, as some do in our own times, that the resurrection which Christ teaches is only a moral resurrection, a resurrection of the soul to a better life. This error was taught also in Corinth ( 1 Cor. 15:12 ), and found some currency in the second century. 19. Nevertheless. Notwithstanding the faith of some is overthrown ( verse 18 ), God's firm foundation stands. It stands unshaken. His promises are sure. Having this seal. On seals were often inscriptions, and the thought here is of the inscription. Upon this seal are two inscriptions. The first cheers with the assurance that the Lord knows his own, and will not forget them; the second shows who are his. The Lord knows his people, and his people obey him. Thus they may know that they are known of God.

      20-22. But in a great house. As in a house there are vessels of honor and dishonor, gold and earthen, so in the house of God, the church, there are even some earthy materials. 21. If a man therefore purge himself from these. If a man wishes to be a noble vessel, of gold, for honorable uses in the Lord's house, let him cleanse himself from earthly lusts. 22. Flee also youthful lusts. Hence, let youthful passions be controlled. Flee these, and follow righteousness, etc. See note on/Commentaries/PeoplesNewTestament/pnt.cgi?book=&chapter=000#_"

      23-26. Foolish and unlearned questions avoid. Such unprofitable questions and speculations as the false teachers raise. 24. The servant of the Lord must not strive. Hence, should not engage in these profitless discussions. 25. In meekness correcting. Opposers must be corrected, but not rudely; rather gently, kindly, humbly. If God . . . will give them repentance. God gives repentance often by providences which lead to repentance. 26. And that they may recover. They are in "the snare of the devil," taken captive at will. The only hope is that in the providence of God they "may recover" themselves (the idea is, to "return to soberness." See margin of Revision), repent, and acknowledge the truth. Men are commanded to Repent, Matt. 3:2 Acts 2:38 , etc., but here God is alluded to as "peradventure" giving repentance. The meaning is made clear by comparing with Acts 11:18 : "Then hath God also the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." The meaning there is that God has granted to the Gentiles the privilege of repentance, even as unto the Jews. So Paul's idea here is that God, peradventure, may grant these, though sinning so grievously, opportunities for repentance, instead of delivering them over to hardness of heart.