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2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.



Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: 2 Timothy
Book: 2 Timothy
Chapter: 2

Overview:
The Apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like
a soldier, a combatant, and a Husbandman. (1-7) Encouraging him
By assurances of a happy End of his faithfulness. (8-13)
Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors. (14-21)
Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to Minister with zeal
against error, but with Meekness of Spirit. (22-26)

1-7 As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that
which is good; our Faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our
Love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being
strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially
ministers, must be Faithful to their Captain, and resolute in
his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please
Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and
corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe
the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner,
that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active,
spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations.
But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we
would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the
prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before
we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of
patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord
would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and
stir them up to consider what they hear or read.

8-13 Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the
Author and Finisher of their Faith, who for the joy that was set
before him, endured the Cross, despised the shame, and is now
set down at the right Hand of the Throne of God. We must not
think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment;
but this is cheering, that the Word of God is not bound. Here we
see the real and true cause of the Apostle's suffering trouble
in, or for, the sake of the Gospel. If we are dead to this
world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever
with Christ in a better world. He is Faithful to his
threatenings, and Faithful to his promises. This Truth makes
sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's
Salvation.

14-21 Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters
of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God.
The Apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the
resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing
can be So foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the
temporary Faith of some professors. This foundation has two
writings On it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the
Faith of any whom God hath Chosen. The other speaks our duty.
Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make
Conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. The Church of Christ is
like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of
smaller value, and Put to meaner uses. Some professors of
religion are like vessels of Wood and Earth. When the vessels of
dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be
filled with all the Fulness of God. We must see to it that we
are holy vessels. Every one in the Church whom God approves,
will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his
use.

22-26 The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the
further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up
the Communion of saints, will take us from Fellowship with
unfruitful Works of Darkness. See how often the Apostle cautions
against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion
consists more in believing and practising what God requires,
than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt
to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not
Persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in
error. The same God who gives the discovery of the Truth, By his
Grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would
continue to rebel against it. There is No "peradventure," in
respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot
tell that he will give Repentance to those who oppose his will.
Sinners are taken in a Snare, and in the worst Snare, because it
is the Devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for
deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except By
Repentance, which is the Gift of God; and we must ask it of him
By Earnest, persevering Prayer.

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