Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does 2nd Timothy Chapter 2 mean?

Chapter 2 focuses on the ideal character of the person who serves Christ. Several word-pictures are given. These include the example of Paul (2 Timothy 2:1–2), a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–4), an athlete (2 Timothy 2:5), a farmer (2 Timothy 2:6–7), Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:8–13), a worker (2 Timothy 2:14–19), a vessel (2 Timothy 2:20–23), and a servant (2 Timothy 2:24–26).

Rather than give elaborate details for all of these, Paul points out that Timothy—and, by extension, modern readers—need to carefully consider these ideas in order to fully understand his meaning. This is consistent with Paul’s other instructions to study the Word of God, rather than merely reading with shallow or immature eyes (1 Corinthians 14:20).

First, verses 1–2 emphasize Paul’s own example. Timothy was to take what he had learned and teach it to others who would teach still others. This has always been the primary means of spreading the gospel: discipleship. While the written word is important, Christianity has always been meant to be spread through relationship and person-to-person teaching.

Second, Paul uses the word picture of a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–4). Christians are to share in suffering—hardship for the sake of Christ—like a soldier. Soldiers are characterized by their discipline: they are not distracted by “civilian pursuits,” they work together as a team, and their primary focus is on following the instructions of their leader. So too are Christians to be concerned, first and foremost, with the work of God and His will.

Third, verse 5 uses the word picture of an athlete. An athlete does not win unless he or she competes according to the rules of the game. Breaking the rules in an effort to “win” does not actually mean winning. It means disqualification. In the Christian life, as in athletics, there are boundaries which cannot be crossed.

Fourth, verses 6–7 focus on the role of a farmer. The farmer is the one who should have the first share of the crops. The image of a farmer also invokes the ideas of patience and hard work.

Fifth, verses 8–13 emphasize the example of Jesus. Paul’s description includes Jesus’ resurrection, as well as a statement in the form of a hymn or poem regarding Christ’s faithfulness (vv. 11–13). The term “Christian” was originally applied to believers due to their imitation of Jesus (Acts 11:26). Those who claim the title of “Christian” should, literally, strive to be “Christ-like.”

Sixth, verses 14–19 emphasize Timothy’s role as a worker. He is to present himself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed. This passage clearly highlights the importance of diligent study. A Christian’s faith is not intended to be accidental or casual. This is a theme of Paul’s other analogies in this passage. Farmers and soldiers are also focused on their tasks. For a leader, especially, it is crucial to have a well-trained understanding of the Word and will of God.

Seventh, verses 20–23 focus on Timothy as a vessel. Timothy was to live a clean life and be ready for every good work.

Eighth, verses 24–26 speak of Timothy’s role as a servant, offering many attributes upon which to focus his work for God. His goal was to help others escape the snare of the devil (v. 26).

Chapter Context
In chapter 1, Paul gave Timothy encouragement by reminding him of his heritage and spiritual power. Here, in chapter 2, Paul expands on these commands. Rather than giving minute details, Paul presents a series of examples and tells Timothy to consider them carefully. Paul’s instructions here set the stage for the warnings coming up in the next chapter. Timothy—and all believers—need to be prepared and right-minded, because the world is going to become spiritually darker and darker.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

Paul returns to his focus on Timothy in this verse, after discussing other Christian ministers at the end of chapter 1. This is the second time Paul calls Timothy his child in this letter (2 Timothy 1:2). This theme was also seen in 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2, 18). Paul saw Timothy as his spiritual son in the faith. Paul was at this time an old man, likely in his 60s, and did not have a wife or children. Instead, he had devoted his life to serving Christ. Timothy was likely the closest thing he had to an actual son.

Paul’s words include a positive tone as he begins his list of word pictures. Timothy’s strength was not found in himself, but in the grace of Jesus. Grace is the source of salvation (Acts 18:27; Ephesians 2:8–9) as well as the power for the Christian’s daily life. We start in grace, stand in grace (Romans 5:2), and are strengthened in grace. This is comforting for us, as limited people, since we often feel weak and inconsistent. Christ, however, is eternal and invincible.

Context Summary
Second Timothy 2:1–13 presents a series of examples Paul wants Timothy to consider. Among these are soldiers, athletes, farmers, Jesus Christ, and Paul himself. Rather than give extensive details, Paul encourages Timothy to consider how each of these applies to his own life. The context for all of this is ”suffering,” meaning the hardships endured for the sake of Christ. Those who endure do so by the power of God, not their own efforts.

Verse 2. and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

This famous verse on discipleship offers Paul’s strategy for passing on the faith. He begins by reminding Timothy about the specific lessons Paul gave to him. Paul shared Christ with Timothy and did so “in the presence of many witnesses.” The importance of other witnesses to Timothy’s faith was also evident in 1 Timothy 6:12 when Paul shared, “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Timothy was to teach this same message to others who were capable of passing along that same knowledge. This is not a reference to evangelism, since these were to be “faithful men,” or people who already believed in Christ. If done correctly, these trained believers would “be able to teach others also.” This is the primary means by which the gospel is spread: through relationship and discipleship.

All told, Paul’s comments here put four generations of discipleship into view: from Paul, to Timothy, to teachers, to others. Passing on the faith is not a single step, but a multi-generational process. Christian discipleship has the long view in mind: reaching others who will reach still others.

Verse 3. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Paul then transitions from his own ministry to Timothy to the first of many word pictures related to the Christian life. First, Paul notes, “Share in suffering.” Paul was suffering in prison at the time he wrote. He expected Timothy to also be willing to suffer for the faith. He had already mentioned suffering twice (2 Timothy 1:8, 12) and will mention it three more times in this brief letter (2 Timothy 2:9; 3:11; 4:5). Suffering—enduring hardship for the sake of Christ—was the expectation of the person who sought to live fully for God.

Timothy was to suffer “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Paul did not have violence in mind, but rather the attitude of a well-trained soldier. Military personnel focus on their mission, not unrelated concerns. They leave the greater planning, as well as the details of food and housing, to their commander. The next verse further develops this concept. Ephesus was a Roman military city during this time. The image of a soldier would have been very familiar to Timothy as well as to other believers in Ephesus. Of course, Paul was likely in contact with Roman soldiers on a daily basis during this second Roman imprisonment, which may have kept this imagery at the forefront of his mind when writing his last letter to Timothy.

Verse 4. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Paul continues his word picture of a soldier who shares in suffering for Christ from the last verse. Paul points out that soldiers don’t concern themselves with non-military matters: they have a job to do. Nor do they worry about issues unrelated to their specific mission. In other words, a Roman soldier would not be distracted by “civilian” concerns: entertainment, politics, or weather, for example. Instead, his focus was entirely on fulfilling the orders of his commander. In this word picture, Christ is the one who has enlisted Timothy. His goal was not the trivial issues of life, but the mission for which God had called him.

Paul elsewhere used the concept of a soldier in relation to the discipline required in the Christian life (Phil 2:25). Believers who serve together are considered “fellow soldiers,” a phrase Paul used as a positive reference to those who worked with him (Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2). In modern terms, this is like saying Christians are to be well trained and disciplined, like an experienced Marine who is prepared for any battle.

Verse 5. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

This verse transitions from the imagery of a soldier to that of an athlete. Athletes, both as amateurs and professionals, existed even prior to New Testament times. Athletics was especially popular in the ancient Grecian Olympics. Winners were presented with an olive wreath from a sacred tree near the temple of Zeus in Olympia.

An athlete who broke the rules of competition could not be crowned. In ancient times, just as in the modern day, rules existed both for the competition and the training. In the ancient Olympic Games, athletes had to swear before the statue of Zeus that they had strictly trained for 10 months prior to the event. Similarly, today’s elite athletes devote their entire lives to training and competition. Yet athletes can be disqualified by breaking one major rule and even have prior medals or awards taken away. The Christian is to likewise follow God’s truth in daily life in order to successfully be awarded in heaven. This is not a matter of salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9), but of heavenly rewards.

Verse 6. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

Paul has discussed his own life (2 Timothy 2:1–2), a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3–4), and an athlete (2 Timothy 2:5). He now shifts to “the hard-working farmer.” Interestingly, Paul qualifies this category by presenting a particular type of farmer, one who is hard-working. Not every person who worked on a farm in Timothy’s day was devoted to it. Yet those who were devoted had a right to expect compensation for their efforts.

The stereotype of the hard-working farmer exists for a reason, and this has been a common analogy from ancient times until today. A hard-working farmer is known for rising early in the morning, attending to a variety of important issues throughout the day, and sometimes even tending to problems in the evening. The saying, “A farmer’s work is never done,” has become popular for this very reason. A hard-working farmer always seems to be either at work, or thinking about what work is next.

At the same time, despite the farmer’s efforts, he is dependent on God to produce the harvest: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains” (James 5:7). Likewise, the Christian is called to work hard, to suffer when necessary, yet depend on God for the results.

Verse 7. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Verses 1–6 were directly addressed to Timothy. Rather than develop each idea in great detail, Timothy is meant to reflect on Paul’s words and their application in his own life. Interestingly, “what I say” may also be another indication that Paul dictated this letter, and another person wrote his words down. If so, the most likely candidate is Luke, the person Paul will later say is the only one with him (2 Timothy 4:11), and who had already written the books of Luke and Acts by this time. Luke was considered Paul’s fellow worker (Philemon 1:24) and was known as a “beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). Luke was likely the only Gentile author of a New Testament book.

The final phrase, “the Lord will give you understanding in everything,” may allude to Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Understanding was a key theme of the Proverbs and something to be sought by those who loved God.

Verse 8. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,

In prior verses, Paul has been discussing suffering like a soldier, athlete, and hard-working farmer (2 Timothy 2:1–7), for the sake of Jesus Christ. He tells Timothy to “remember” Jesus, a key theme in Old Testament worship. Worship often includes meditating upon God’s previous works. For the Jewish people in particular, there are many to consider, whether it’s God parting the Red Sea, bringing Abraham into a new land, or making David king.

Paul then mentions two aspects he considers part of “my gospel.” First, he speaks of Jesus as “risen from the dead.” The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. First Corinthians 15 develops this theme in detail, concluding, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Second, the gospel includes the fact that Jesus was “the offspring of David.” The Messiah was to be from David’s family line (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Matthew 1:1, 6). Jesus’ adoptive father, Joseph, was called “son of David” (Matthew 1:20). Jesus was likewise called son of David (Matthew 9:27; 12:2315:22; 20:23). Jesus literally fulfilled the prophecy of being a son of David who rose from the dead (Isaiah 11).

Verse 9. for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!

This verse continues Paul’s sentence from verse 8, noting that it is the gospel “for which I am suffering.” He had done nothing illegal except to proclaim Christ. Yet he was “bound with chains as a criminal.” Paul has already mentioned his chains (2 Timothy 1:16). In this particular case, this likely means literal chains on his hands and/or feet, similar to Peter in Acts 12:6. Unlike Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, in which he lived in his own apartment for two years under house arrest, this imprisonment was much more serious. Paul expected he would not live much longer, but rather would suffer until the end for Christ.

In contrast to Paul’s situation, he rejoices in knowing that the truth of the gospel could not be restrained! Even from his cell and in chains, Paul communicated God’s truth that influenced Timothy, his congregation, other early churches, and became part of the New Testament. Still today, the Word of God given through Paul impacts lives around the world. As Hebrews 4:12 teaches, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Verse 10. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Because the Word of God cannot be limited like a physical person can, Paul is willing to “endure” whatever he has to for the sake of saving souls. Paul would suffer in any way necessary for those who would come to faith in Christ. The elect referred to those who were believers or would become believers. Paul addressed election in his letter to the Romans written about a decade earlier (Romans 8:33; 9:11; 11:7, 28). Paul considered himself a servant to the elect: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth” (Titus 1:1).

The destiny of those who are elect includes two aspects. First, it means obtaining salvation during this life, which brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This gives believers the power of that Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). Second, being one of God’s elect includes a glorious eternity with the Lord. These two aspects were also developed by John, as he notes the abundant life of the believer now (John 10:10), and the eternal life of the believer with the Lord in heaven (John 3:16).

Verse 11. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

The phrase, “The saying is trustworthy,” is unique to the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Titus 3:8). In this context, the trustworthy saying is the poetical statement to follow in verses 11–13. These verses are set apart in many translations, since they appear to have been an early hymn or poem in the church. It may have originated with Paul in this letter. Or, it may have served as a reminder, with Paul quoting a known song from the early church.

The first part of this statement begins at the end of verse 11. Believers have died—to sin and the world—with Christ (Colossians 2:20; 3:1–3) and will also experience resurrection with Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). The two words translated “died” and “live” in this verse rhyme in the original Greek: synapethanomen and syzēsomen. The same rhyming pattern is found in the next verse as well. This creates an easily-remembered phrase which would have been easily passed along by early believers.

Verse 12. if we endure, we will also reign with him;if we deny him, he also will deny us;

Paul continues his hymn from verse 11, adding the concepts of stamina and authority.

Endurance here is from the Greek word hypomenomen, and includes the idea of “remaining, lasting, enduring or suffering.” This is a theme found throughout 2 Timothy. Those who endure are the true believers who will also reign with Christ in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6). This endurance is proof of their salvation—those who are saved will always endure, and those who do not were never saved in the first place. The Greek words for “endure” and “reign” in this line, hypomenomen and symbasileusomen, share the same ending as “died” and “live” in the previous verse. This creates a pattern of four rhyming words in two lines for easy recall by readers and hearers in the original language.

The next phrase, “if we deny him, he also will deny us,” presents a contrast with those who endure. If a believer endures, he or she reigns. If a person denies Christ, He will deny eternal life to them. The idea is that of denouncing or rejecting, not simply closing a door to someone. God rejects those who renounce or reject Christ (John 3:18, 36).

Verse 13. if we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself.

The final phrase in this hymn ends on a word of hope: God can hold us, even if we fail. Those who are saved (2 Timothy 2:11) and endure will reign with the Lord (2 Timothy 2:12). Those who reject Him will be rejected by Him. Those believers who struggle, or are “faithless,” are still held by God. He remains faithful, even when His people are not. This theme is consistent with God’s faithfulness to His people Israel in the Old Testament. Though they often rejected Him, He continued to keep His promises to them.

The final phrase “for he cannot deny himself,” reveals that the audience in mind in this last verse involves believers. We are clothed in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:1–5) and cannot be separated from His love: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

Verse 14. Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

In this verse, Paul changes from a focus on speaking to Timothy, to those Timothy led in Ephesus. “These things” is a reference to the lessons Paul has brought out in this chapter. This especially includes the hymn found in verses 11–13. Timothy is also meant to specifically teach others to avoid bickering. Paul had addressed this issue in 1 Timothy and again reminds him of the same issue here.

Paul then gives two reasons why arguing over words is unhelpful. First, there is no benefit to be gained by arguing over irrelevant details of Scripture (1 Timothy 1:3–4). By this, Paul does not suggest taking a shallow view of the Bible. Rather, he means to avoid conflict over doubtful issues (Romans 14:1). Paul specifically had in mind the false teachers mentioned in 1 Timothy. These men would attempt to re-interpret the Torah, seeking to make Christians obey Jewish laws. Second, Paul said arguing about words “only ruins the hearers.”

Those who listened to the false teachers in Ephesus were “ruined” by such talk. The Greek word here is katastrophē, including the idea of destruction, or being overthrown. False teachers arguing over interpretative issues caused many problems among the Christians Timothy led in Ephesus.

Context Summary
Second Timothy 2:14–26 contains Paul’s instructions to Timothy about leading other believers. Two important themes here are avoiding pointless bickering and holding to sound biblical teachings. Arguments over non-essential issues quickly turn into feuds, poisoning the body of Christ just as gangrene attacks the physical body. Paul names specific false teachers, but brings a note of compassion. Here, he reminds Timothy that gentleness and patience are key. After all, those who do not believe are not our enemies: they are those we are trying to rescue from the control of the Devil!

Verse 15. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

After commenting about false teachers in the previous verse, Paul urges Timothy to view himself as a worker seeking to please God. Any worker or servant should desire to satisfy the expectations of his or her boss. Timothy was to view his work for God in the same way. He was not serving to please other people, but to please the Lord. Paul knew well the many ways the world can distract a Christian’s focus. These worldly forces would seek to draw Timothy’s attention to making people happy, rather than viewing the Lord as the one to please.

Timothy’s challenge is not only to be approved, but to be a worker “who has no need to be ashamed.” Paul had already spoken of not being ashamed on three occasions in the previous chapter (2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16). During times of suffering, Paul felt the need to emphasize boldness in faith to those tempted to avoid hardship and persecution. His boldness also involved “rightly handling the word of truth.” In contrast with the false teachers who argued over words, Timothy had learned the Scriptures from his youth and was to handle it accurately.

The distinction presented here is important. In the prior verse, Paul condemned pointless bickering. Here, he commends deeper study. Putting these two ideas together gives us an accurate picture of what Christian discernment is meant to look like. There are some issues which involve the “soundness” of the gospel message, and others which do not. We need to study diligently, not only to defend the faith, but to know the difference between something worth battling over, and something which is just a distracting argument.

Verse 16. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Putting verses 14 and 15 together, we see how Paul divides the difference between defending important truths and bickering over lesser issues. In fact, a person cannot “rightly handle” truth (2 Timothy 2:15) unless they stay away from spiritually dead battles. In other words, Timothy is not to get involved in disputes with the false teachers, who mostly focused on shallow and unspiritual ideas.

According to Paul, falling into those traps would not draw others to Christ. Rather, it would have the opposite effect. Ungodliness was one of the chief evils to avoid in the Old Testament (Isaiah 32:6; Jeremiah 23:15) and was an idea developed by Paul in Romans (Romans 1:18; 11:26). In Titus 2:12, Paul told Titus “to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” Jude 1:15 mentions the coming judgment “on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against [the Lord].”

In contrast, Paul frequently discussed the issue of godliness with Timothy (1 Timothy 2:10; 3:16; 4:7–8; 5:4; 6:3, 5–6, 11) and once with Titus (Titus 1:1). In addition to Paul, Peter focused on this key attribute as well (2 Peter 1:3, 6–7; 3:11). Godliness should be the goal of every believer, especially those who seek to lead others in the church.

Verse 17. and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

Giving undue attention to distracting arguments is like introducing a disease into the body of Christ. The disease mentioned here is literally gangrene, a term used by secular writers in the first century regarding a sore that eats at the flesh. Left untreated, it continues to infect more and more parts of the body, spreading further and further. In a similar way, the talk of false teachers spreads throughout a congregation or body of believers, causing much pain. If Luke was involved in writing this letter (2 Timothy 4:11), his use of this precise term would have been intentional.

Paul specifically mentions “Hymenaeus and Philetus” as false teachers. Hymenaeus was certainly the same person mentioned by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:20: “among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” Philetus is mentioned only here in the New Testament and may have joined Hymenaeus later as a partner or disciple in his false teachings. Their false teachings are mention in the next verse.

Verse 18. who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.

Hymenaeus and Philetus are mentioned as part of a group from Ephesus who had deviated from the “sound teachings” Paul mentioned earlier (2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 6:21). One specific error coming from these men was their claim “that the resurrection has already happened.” Paul addressed a similar problem to the Thessalonian Christians, teaching, “For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:15). He had to remind them that the resurrection had not taken place yet. When it does take place, the dead in Christ will rise first followed by all living believers (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This was to be an encouragement to believers, not a source of controversy (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

This false teaching about the resurrection was causing a crisis of faith for some of the less-savvy Christians in Ephesus. Not every Christian in Ephesus was fooled by this false teaching, but some were. It had become a large enough problem for Paul to address in both 1 and 2 Timothy, and is still on his mind while in prison and expecting to soon die. He stood firmly against false teaching, even in his last days, and instructed Timothy to do the same.

Verse 19. But God ‘s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Paul has been discussing the importance of holding to sound teaching, especially in the face of false teaching. In particular, he has named certain teachers who are causing a crisis of faith in Ephesus due to their errors. Here, Paul turns to the Old Testament for his source of authority. This “firm foundation” is likely a reference to the Torah. He quotes from Numbers 16:5 in the first citation: “The Lord knows those who are his.” Paul affirms that God knows who has truly believed in Christ. False teachers may be persuasive to some people, but not to the Lord.

The second Old Testament reference is general, not quoting a specific passage. Most likely, Paul is referring to Numbers 16:26, which best fits the context of this discussion. There, the Israelites were commanded to separate from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, three men who had rebelled against the Lord. In that story, this separation was meant to be literal and immediate—the wrath of God was about to fall on those insurgents. Separation wasn’t just meant to imply disagreement, but to avoid being caught up in the punishment resulting from their sin.

Paul likely had the same application in mind for Timothy, calling him to separate from these false teachers. God would deal with these disobedient ones as He had with others who have rebelled against Him in the past.

Verse 20. Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.

Verses 20–21 discuss the analogy of a vessel. Paul states that in a wealthy house, there would be containers made of various materials, used for different purposes, and given different roles to fulfill. Gold and silver are clearly the most expensive and desirable vessels. Wood and clay were the everyday materials used for cups, jars, and pitchers in the first century.

The containers meant for “honorable use” are the gold and silver vessels. These items were not for everyday dining, but were reserved for special meals and events. Those which were “dishonorable” referred to the vessels of wood and clay, used for everyday activities. Timothy is to focus on cleansing himself from what was “dishonorable” (2 Timothy 2:21) so he could be a vessel for “honorable” use. In other words, those greatly used by God are those who pursue a holy life, abstaining from sin—referred to as “iniquity” in verse 19—and false teachings (2 Timothy 2:16–18).

Verse 21. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

In verse 20, Paul began an analogy using containers made of various materials. In wealthy homes, vessels of gold and silver were reserved for honorable uses. Vessels of clay or wood were used for more common, or “dishonorable” uses. Continuing this thought here, Paul writes that a Christian can become “a vessel for honorable use” by separating himself from sin. The Greek of this verse literally says “from these things,” and the specific reference to “what is dishonorable” is added for clarity in many translations. If anyone cleanses or sets himself apart from the false teaching and sinful life described in verses 16–18, he will be “set apart as holy.”

Paul has in mind both a spiritual and literal understanding here. Timothy is to be set apart and holy. However, he is also still talking about vessels. Clean, set apart vessels are “useful to the master of the house.” The master is a reference to the Lord. Those set apart as holy are “ready for every good work.” “Good work” is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:17 as something for which we are equipped through a focus on God’s Word. Paul also mentioned the importance of good works elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles, including 1 Timothy 5:10 and Titus 1:16 and 3:1.

Verse 22. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Paul presents two commands or imperatives to Timothy in this verse. Timothy was most likely in his early 30s at this time and still single. Youthful passions were as much a concern for men of that era as they are today (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy was to not only guard against sexual temptation, but also to flee from them. Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 6:18 to, “Flee from sexual immorality.”

Timothy is also given a list of areas to “pursue.” This list included five areas: “righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” The first four are internal attributes. The fifth, however, is community with other devoted believers. Hebrews 10:24–25 also spoke on this topic, stating, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Verse 23. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

In the prior two verses, Paul gave Timothy commands of what to “flee” and “pursue.” Here, Paul once again reminds Timothy to avoid the kind of shallow, pointless bickering which he warned about in verse 16. There, Paul condemned “irreverent babble” as a form of spiritual gangrene. The false teachers in Ephesus were examples of this kind of foolish talk.

The result of these value-less arguments is that they simply lead to more arguments. They set Christian brothers against each other for no good reason. Paul mentions this in verses 14 and 24 of this chapter as well. In 1 Timothy, Paul called leading men in the church to pray without quarreling (1 Timothy 2:8), taught elders could not be quarrelsome (1 Timothy 3:3), and taught that a sign of false teachers was this type of quarreling over words (1 Timothy 6:4). This theme was also noted in Titus (Titus 3:2, 9), as well as elsewhere by Paul in his other writings (Romans 13:13; 14:1, 1 Corinthians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 12:20). James 4:1–2 also addressed quarreling as a matter of internal sinful desires.

Verse 24. And the Lord ‘s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

Paul continues his discussion about quarrels from the previous verse and adds, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome.” Paul had previously called Timothy to be a “good servant of Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 4:6). Paul described himself as a “servant of God” (Titus 1:1). The word translated “servant” here is doulos, literally meaning a bondservant or slave. Timothy was to view himself as a slave to the Lord, not quarreling in his work.

In contrast, Paul gave four positive attributes for Timothy to follow. The first three are found in this verse. First, Timothy was to be “kind to everyone.” The Lord is kind (Luke 6:35) and expects the same from His servants. Love is “patient and kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Believers are to be “kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Kindness can be shown even by unbelievers (Acts 28:2), but is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) that should be true of every servant of Christ. Servants are also to be “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9), and be “patiently enduring evil,” the fourth of six times endurance is mentioned in 2 Timothy (2 Timothy 2:10, 12; 3:11; 4:3, 5).

Verse 25. correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

Paul adds a fourth positive attribute to his list from the previous verse. The ability to give a mature, loving, effective answer is crucial to Christian leadership. Peter likewise mentioned the importance of this trait, stating, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics, or defending the Christian faith, involves both the ability to teach (2 Timothy 2:24) and an attitude of gentleness in instructing others.

The goal of kindness, teaching, enduring evil, and correcting opponents with gentleness is the repentance of lost people. The goal of Christian knowledge and conversation is not to win an argument but to win souls to Christ. Those who watch their life and doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16) will find effective ministry among the unbelievers they serve.

Verse 26. and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

In addition to repentance, another goal for those Timothy served was to become aware enough of the Devil’s influence to break free. This verse indicates that the Devil’s attacks are often directed toward the mind. He seeks to make something false appear true. Those who hear the truth and repent “escape” from his snare. The type of snare Paul had in mind was likely the animal snares common in his time. These often involved rope or rocks that would fall onto an animal lured there by food for bait. Similarly, the devil tempts unbelievers with “bait” to keep them in his trap and away from the freedom Christ brings.

Unbelievers are referred to here not as enemies, but as prisoners. An unbeliever has no spiritual power over the Devil and is therefore “captive” to him. He or she has no other option than to follow the Devil’s tricks unless God’s grace intervenes (Ephesians 2:8–9). Believers are to share the gospel and show kindness, knowing God can change people from death to life (John 10:10) and provide eternal life to those who believe (John 3:16).

End of Chapter 2.

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