The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, page 630
1:16 Onesiphorus. One of Paul’s loyal co-workers who had not deserted Paul, but befriended him in prison and was not ashamed or afraid to visit the apostle there regularly and minister to his needs. Since Paul asks Timothy to greet those in his house (4:19), the family obviously lived in or near Ephesus.
1:17 when he arrived in Rome. For notes on Rome, see Introduction to Romans: Background and Setting. Onesiphorus was perhaps on a business trip and the text implies that his search involved time, effort, and possibly even danger.
1:18 that Day. See note on v. 12. Ephesus. See Introduction to Ephesians: Background and Setting. Onesiphorus’ faithfulness began here many years earlier, when Paul ministered on his third or fourth missionary journey.
2 Timothy 2
2:1 my son. Paul had led Timothy to Christ during his first missionary journey (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2, 18). be strong. Here is the main admonition in the first part of the letter. Paul is calling for Timothy to overcome his apparent drift toward weakness and renew his commitment to his ministry (see Introduction: Historical and Theological Themes).
2:2 heard from me. See notes on 1:13; cf. 3:14. During Timothy’s many years of close association with Paul (see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Author and Date), he had heard divine truth which God had revealed through the apostle. among many witnesses. Such as Silas, Barnabas, and Luke, and many others in the churches who could attest to the divine authenticity of Paul’s teaching—a needed reminder to Timothy in light of the many defections at Ephesus (cf. 1:15). faithful men who will be able to teach others. Timothy was to take the divine revelation he had learned from Paul and teach it to other faithful men—men with proven spiritual character and giftedness, who would in turn pass on those truths to another generation. From Paul to Timothy to faithful men to others encompasses 4 generations of godly leaders. That process of spiritual reproduction, which began in the early church, is to continue until the Lord returns.
2:3 a good soldier. The metaphor of the Christian life as warfare (against the evil world system, the believer’s sinful human nature, and Satan) is a familiar one in the NT (cf. 2 Cor. 10:3–5; Eph. 6:10–20; 1 Thess. 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:18; 4:7; 6:12). Here Paul is dealing with the conflict against the hostile world and the persecution (cf. v. 9; 1:8; 3:11, 12; 4:7).
2:4 entangles himself. Just as a soldier called to duty is completely severed from the normal affairs of civilian life, so also must the good soldier of Jesus Christ refuse to allow the things of the world to distract him (cf. James 4:4; 1 John 2:15–17).
2:5 competes in athletics. The Gr. verb (athleo¯) expresses the effort and determination needed to compete successfully in an athletic event (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24). This is a useful picture of spiritual effort and untiring pursuit of the victory to those familiar with events such as the Olympic Games and the Isthmian Games (held in Corinth). crowned…rules. All an athlete’s hard work and discipline will be wasted if he or she fails to compete according to the rules. This is a call to obey the Word of God in the pursuit of spiritual victory.
2:6 The hardworking farmer. “Hardworking” is from a Gr. verb meaning “to labor to the point of exhaustion.” Ancient farmers worked long hours of backbreaking labor under all kinds of conditions, with the hope that their physical effort would be rewarded by a good harvest. Paul is urging Timothy not to be lazy or indolent, but to labor intensely (cf. Col. 1:28, 29) with a view to the harvest. Cf. 1 Cor. 3:5–8.
2:7 Consider. The Gr. word denotes clear perception, full understanding, and careful consideration. The form of the verb suggests a strong admonition by Paul, not mere advice, to give deep thought to what he was writing.
2:8 Remember…Jesus Christ. The supreme model of a faithful teacher (v. 2), soldier (vv. 3, 4), athlete (v. 5), and farmer (v. 6). Timothy was to follow His example in teaching, suffering, pursuing the prize, and planting the seeds of truth for a spiritual harvest. of the seed of David. See notes on Rom. 1:3; Rev. 22:16. As David’s descendant, Jesus is the rightful heir to his throne (Luke 1:32, 33). The Lord’s humanity is stressed. raised from the dead. The resurrection of Christ is the central truth of the Christian faith (1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 17, 19). By it, God affirmed the perfect redemptive work of Jesus Christ (see note on Rom. 1:4).
2:9 I suffer…but the word…is not chained. Paul contrasts his imprisonment for the sake of the gospel to the unfettered power of the Word of God.
2:10 for the sake of the elect. Those of the elect, having been chosen for salvation from before the world began (see note on 1:9), who had not yet come to faith in Jesus Christ (see notes on Acts 18:10; Titus 1:1). the salvation which is in Christ Jesus. There is salvation in no one else (Acts 4:12; cf. Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:4, 5). The gospel must be proclaimed (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8) because the elect are not saved apart from faith in Christ (Rom. 10:14). eternal glory. The ultimate outcome of salvation (see notes on Rom. 5:2; 8:17).
2:11 faithful saying. The saying is in vv. 11–13. See note on 1 Tim. 1:15. died with Him…live with Him. This refers to believers’ spiritual participation in Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4–8), including also the possibility of suffering martyrdom for the sake of Christ, as the context would indicate.
2:12 endure. Believers who persevere give evidence of the genuineness of their faith (see note on Matt. 24:13; cf. Matt. 10:22; John 8:31; Rom. 2:7; Col. 1:23). reign with Him. In His future eternal kingdom (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:4, 6). If we deny Him, He also will deny us. Speaks of a final, permanent denial, such as that of an apostate (see note on 1 Tim. 1:19), not the temporary failure of a true believer like Peter (Matt. 26:69–75). Those who so deny Christ give evidence that they never truly belonged to Him (1 John 2:19) and face the fearful reality of one day being denied by Him (Matt. 10:33).
2:13 faithless. This refers to a lack of saving faith, not to weak or struggling faith. Unbelievers will ultimately deny Christ because their faith was not genuine (cf. James 2:14–26). He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. As faithful as Jesus is to save those who believe in Him (John 3:16), He is equally faithful to judge those who do not (John 3:18). To act any other way would be inconsistent with His holy, unchangeable nature. Cf. Heb. 10:23.
2:14 strive about words. Arguing with false teachers, i.e., deceivers who use human reason to subvert God’s Word, is not only foolish (Prov. 14:7) and futile (Matt. 7:6), but dangerous (vv. 16, 17; cf. v. 23). This is the first of 3 warnings to avoid useless arguments. See notes on vv. 16, 23; 1 Tim. 4:6, 7; 6:3–5; 2 Pet. 2:1–3. ruin. The Gr. word means “overturned,” or “overthrown.” It appears only one other time in the NT (2 Pet. 2:6), where it describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Because it replaces the truth with lies, false teaching brings spiritual catastrophe to those who heed it. The ruin can be eternal.
2:15 Be diligent. This word denotes zealous persistence in accomplishing a goal. Timothy, like all who preach or teach the Word, was to give his maximum effort to impart God’s Word completely, accurately, and clearly to his hearers. This is crucial to counter the disastrous effects of false teaching (vv. 14, 16, 17). rightly dividing. Lit. “cutting it straight”—a reference to the exactness demanded by such trades as carpentry, masonry, and Paul’s trade of leather working and tentmaking. Precision and accuracy are required in biblical interpretation, beyond all other enterprises, because the interpreter is handling God’s Word. Anything less is shameful. the word of truth. All of Scripture in general (John 17:17), and the gospel message in particular (Eph. 1:13; Col. 1:5).
2:16 shun profane and idle babblings. See notes on v. 14; 1 Tim. 6:20; cf. Titus 3:9. Such destructive heresy leads only to “more ungodliness.” Heresy can’t save or sanctify. This is Paul’s second such warning. Cf. vv. 14, 23.
2:17 cancer. The word refers to a disease which spreads rapidly in a deadly manner. The metaphor emphasizes the insidious danger of false teaching. It attacks and consumes one’s life. Hymenaeus. See note on 1 Tim. 1:20. Philetus. Alexander’s replacement (1 Tim. 1:20) as Hymenaeus’ accomplice.
2:18 the resurrection is already past. Like the false teachers who troubled the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:12), Hymenaeus and Philetus denied the reality of believers’ bodily resurrection. They probably taught that believers’ spiritual identification with Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4, 5, 8) was the only resurrection they would experience and that had already happened. Such heretical teaching reflects the contemporary Greek philosophical view that matter was evil and spirit was good. overthrow the faith. This speaks of those whose faith was not genuine (cf. Matt. 24:24). Genuine saving faith cannot be finally and completely overthrown (see note on v. 12). False, non-saving faith is common (cf. 4:10). See notes on Matt. 7:21–28; 13:19–22; John 2:23, 24; 6:64–66; 8:31; 1 John 2:19.
2:19 the solid foundation of God. This is likely a reference to the church (cf. 1 Tim. 3:15), which cannot be overcome by the forces of hell (Matt. 16:18) and is made up of those who belong to Him. seal. A symbol of ownership and authenticity. Paul gives two characteristics of those with the divine seal of authenticity. “The Lord knows those who are His.” This is likely a reference to Num. 16:5. He “knows,” not the sense of awareness, but as a husband knows his wife in the sense of intimate relationship (see notes on John 10:27, 28; Gal. 4:9). God has known His own ever since He chose them before time began. See note on 1:9. “Let everyone…depart from iniquity.” This statement is likely adapted from Num. 16:26, and reflects a second mark of God’s ownership of believers, which is their pursuit of holiness (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16).
2:20 vessels. The Gr. word is very general and was used to describe various tools, utensils, and furniture found in the home. In this “great house” analogy, Paul contrasts two kinds of utensils or serving dishes. some for honor. In a wealthy home, the ones made of precious “gold and silver” were used for honorable purposes such as serving food to the family and guests. some for dishonor. Those made of “wood and clay” were not for any honorable use, but rather those uses which were repulsive—disposing of garbage and the filthy waste of the household. See notes on 2 Cor. 4:7.
2:21 anyone. Whoever wants to be useful to the Lord for noble purposes. Even a common wood bucket or clay pot becomes useful when purged and made holy. cleanses himself. See note on v. 19. The Gr. word means “to thoroughly clean out,” or “to completely purge.” For any wastebucket in the house to be used for a noble purpose, it would have had to be vigorously scoured, cleansed, and purged of all vestiges of its former filth. the latter. The vessels of dishonor (v. 20). Associating with anyone who teaches error and lives in sin is corrupting (Prov. 1:10–19; 13:20; 1 Cor. 5:6, 11; 15:33; Titus 1:16)—all the more so when they are leaders in the church. This is clearly a call to separate from all who claim to serve God, but do so as filthy implements useful only for the most dishonorable duties.
2:22 youthful lusts. Not merely illicit sexual desires, but also such lusts as pride, desire for wealth and power, jealousy, self-assertiveness, and an argumentative spirit.
2:23 disputes…strife. Paul’s third warning to avoid useless arguments with false teachers (see notes on vv. 14, 16).
2:24 able to teach. This is one word in Gr. meaning “skilled in teaching.” See note on 1 Tim. 3:2.
2:25 those who are in opposition. Primarily unbelievers (captive to Satan, v. 26), but also could include believers deceived by the “foolish and ignorant” (v. 23) speculations of the false teachers; and, possibly, the false teachers themselves. God…will grant them repentance. Cf. Acts 11:18; see 2 Cor. 7:9, 10. All true repentance is produced by God’s sovereign grace (Eph. 2:7), and without such grace human effort to change is futile (cf. Jer. 13:23). know the truth. See note on 3:7. When God, by grace, grants saving faith it includes the granting of repentance from sin. Neither is a human work.
2:26 the snare of the devil. Deception is Satan’s trap. He is an inveterate, scheming, clever, and subtle purveyor of lies. See notes on Gen. 3:4–6; John 8:44; 2 Cor. 11:13–15; Rev. 12:9.
2 Timothy 3
3:1 the last days. This phrase refers to this age, the time since the first coming of the Lord Jesus. See note on 1 Tim. 4:1. perilous times. “Perilous” is used to describe the savage nature of two demon-possessed men (Matt. 8:28). The word for “times” had to do with epochs, rather than clock or calendar time. Such savage, dangerous eras or epochs will increase in frequency and severity as the return of Christ approaches (v. 13). The church age is fraught with these dangerous movements accumulating strength as the end nears. Cf. Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 12, 24; 2 Pet. 2:1, 2.
3:2–4 This list of attributes characterizing the leaders of the dangerous seasons is a description of unbelievers similar to the Lord’s in Mark 7:21, 22.
3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. “Form” refers to outward shape or appearance. Like the unbelieving scribes and Pharisees, false teachers and their followers are concerned with mere external appearances (cf. Matt. 23:25; Titus 1:16). Their outward form of Christianity and virtue makes them all the more dangerous.
3:6 gullible women. Weak in virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and weighed down with emotional and spiritual guilt over their sins, these women were easy prey for the deceitful false teachers. See notes on 1 Tim. 2:13, 14; 5:11, 12.
3:7 the knowledge of the truth. First Timothy 2:4 uses this same phrase, equating it with being saved. Here Paul identified those women (v. 6) and men who were often jumping from one false teacher or cult to another without ever coming to an understanding of God’s saving truth in Jesus Christ. The present age, since the coming of Jesus Christ, has been loaded with perilous false teaching that can’t save, but does damn (cf. vv. 14, 16, 17; 1 Tim. 4:1).
3:8 Jannes and Jambres. Although their names are not mentioned in the OT, they were likely two of the Egyptian magicians that opposed Moses (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18, 19; 9:11). According to Jewish tradition, they pretended to become Jewish proselytes, instigated the worship of the golden calf, and were killed with the rest of the idolaters (Ex. 32). Paul’s choice of them as examples may indicate the false teachers at Ephesus were practicing deceiving signs and wonders. the truth. See note on v. 7. disapproved. The same word is translated “debased” in Rom. 1:28 (see note there) and comes from a Gr. word meaning “useless” in the sense of being tested (like metal) and shown to be worthless.
3:9 folly…manifest. Sooner or later, it will be clear that these false teachers are lost fools, as it became clear in the case of Jannes and Jambres.
3:11 persecutions. From a Gr. verb that lit. means “to put to flight.” Paul had been forced to flee from Damascus (Acts 9:23–25), Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:50), Iconium (Acts 14:6), Thessalonica (Acts 17:10), and Berea (Acts 17:14). Antioch…Iconium…Lystra. As a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1), Timothy vividly recalled the persecution Paul faced in those 3 cities. the Lord delivered me. Cf. 4:17, 18; Pss. 34:4, 6, 19; 37:40; 91:2–6, 14; Is. 41:10; 43:2; Dan. 3:17; Acts 26:16, 17; 2 Cor. 1:10. The Lord’s repeated deliverance of Paul should have encouraged Timothy in the face of persecution by those at Ephesus who opposed the gospel.
3:12 who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Faithful believers must expect persecution and suffering at the hands of the Christ-rejecting world (cf. John 15:18–21; Acts 14:22).
3:13 All the dangerous movements of the false teachers (cf. vv. 1–9) will become increasingly more successful until Christ comes. Cf. 2 Thess. 2:11.
3:14 from whom you have learned. See note on 1:13. To further encourage Timothy to stand firm, Paul reminds him of his godly heritage. The plural form of the pronoun “whom” suggests Timothy was indebted not just to Paul, but to others as well (1:5).
3:15 from childhood. Lit. “from infancy.” Two people whom Timothy was especially indebted to were his mother and grandmother (see note on 1:5), who faithfully taught him the truths of OT Scripture from his earliest childhood, so that he was ready to receive the gospel when Paul preached it. you have known the Holy Scriptures. Lit. “the sacred writings,” a common designation of the OT by Greek-speaking Jews. wise for salvation. The OT Scriptures pointed to Christ (John 5:37–39) and revealed the need for faith in God’s promises (Gen. 15:6; cf. Rom. 4:1–3). Thus, they were able to lead people to acknowledge their sin and need for justification in Christ (Gal. 3:24). Salvation is brought by the Holy Spirit using the Word. See notes on Rom. 10:14–17; Eph. 5:26, 27; 1 Pet. 1:23–25. faith which is in Christ Jesus. Though not understanding all the details involved (cf. 1 Pet. 1:10–12), OT believers including Abraham (John 8:56) and Moses (Heb. 11:26) looked forward to the coming of the Messiah (Is. 7:14; 9:6) and His atonement for sin (Is. 53:5, 6). So did Timothy, who responded when he heard the gospel.
3:16 All Scripture. Grammatically similar Gr. constructions (Rom. 7:12; 2 Cor. 10:10; 1 Tim. 1:15; 2:3; 4:4) argue persuasively that the translation “all Scripture is given by inspiration…” is accurate. Both OT and NT Scripture are included (see notes on 2 Pet. 3:15, 16, which identify NT writings as Scripture). given by inspiration of God. Lit. “breathed out by God,” or “God-breathed.” Sometimes God told the Bible writers the exact words to say (e.g., Jer. 1:9), but more often He used their minds, vocabularies, and experiences to produce His own perfect infallible, inerrant Word (see notes on 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21). It is important to note that inspiration applies only to the original autographs of Scripture, not the Bible writers; there are no inspired Scripture writers, only inspired Scripture. So identified is God with His Word that when Scripture speaks, God speaks (cf. Rom. 9:17; Gal. 3:8). Scripture is called “the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:11), and cannot be altered (John 10:35; Matt. 5:17, 18; Luke 16:17; Rev. 22:18, 19). doctrine. The divine instruction or doctrinal content of both the OT and the NT (cf. 2:15; Acts 20:18, 20, 21, 27; 1 Cor. 2:14–16; Col. 3:16; 1 John 2:20, 24, 27). The Scripture provides the comprehensive and complete body of divine truth necessary for life and godliness. Cf. Ps. 119:97–105. reproof. Rebuke for wrong behavior or wrong belief. The Scripture exposes sin (Heb. 4:12, 13) that can then be dealt with through confession and repentance. correction. The restoration of something to its proper condition. The word appears only here in the NT, but was used in extrabiblical Gr. of righting a fallen object, or helping back to their feet those who had stumbled. Scripture not only rebukes wrong behavior, but also points the way back to godly living. Cf. Ps. 119:9–11; John 15:1, 2. instruction in righteousness. Scripture provides positive training (“instruction” originally referred to training a child) in godly behavior, not merely rebuke and correction of wrong behavior (Acts 20:32; 1 Tim. 4:6; 1 Pet. 2:1, 2).
