And the word perfect of course is always that of completeness. There is just a certain natural love that would keep people from doing a lot of the things they are doing today. 2 Timothy Commentaries & Sermons | Precept Austin It may well be a proof of Timothy's courage and consecration that he had seen very clearly what could happen to an apostle and had yet not hesitated to cast in his lot with Paul. Persecution is Every Christian's Lot - 2 Timothy 3:12 Then the apostle brings out most important directions for the days that were then coming in, but now come, and more. In other words, you may go along for a while, but ultimately it's going to catch up with you. These were the names given to the court magicians of Pharaoh who opposed Moses and Aaron, when Moses was leading the children of Israel out of their slavery in Egypt. He opened out the pages to make it burn more easily. It should be considered as one of the proper qualifications for membership in the church, to be willing to bear persecution, and to resolve not to shrink from any duty in order to avoid it. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. And the reason why he makes it so urgent not to be turned aside was, that the time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts they should heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they should turn away their ears from the truth, and should be. And he embraced Christianity, but he was probably standing there in Lystra when the people in the city stoned Paul until they thought he was dead and dragged him out of the city. Those ministers are likely to do good, and leave lasting fruits of their labours, whose manner of life agrees with their doctrine; as, on the contrary, those cannot expect to profit the people at all that preach well and live ill. 3. But now before his heart just as in principle before the dying Lord Himself, wonderful to say two things come together: a deeper sense of what is in God, as revealed in Christ Himself, before there was any creation at all; and on the other hand so much the deeper sense also of what could be owned in nature. Amidst all the stories one fact stands out--Jannes and Jambres became legendary figures typifying all those who opposed the purposes of God and the work of his true leaders. Consider of whom thou hast learned them; not of evil men and seducers, but good men, who had themselves experienced the power of the truths they taught thee, and been ready to suffer for them, and thereby would give the fullest evidence of their belief of these truths." 2 Timothy 3:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. The volume of the book, the Old Testament, it's all about Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament they are not named, but they are referred to in Exodus 7:11; Exodus 8:7; Exodus 9:11. 2 Timothy 3:12, NLT: Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Originally the alazon ( G213) was a wandering quack. Difficult is the Greek word chalepos ( G5467) . In contrast, the sins of "evil people and impostors" can be expected to get worse and worse. It is beautiful to trace this double working and current of the apostle that is, what is imperishable, above and beyond nature; and, along with this, the utmost value put on everything that he would own in those naturally bound up with him those of either family that feared God. The devil is the patron saint of all slanderers and of all slanderers he is chief. Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being one with Christ, positioned in Him, and clothed in His righteousness. As we know, there may be over it all a certain form of godliness, but underneath it is really wickedness. 2 Timothy 3:12 Context. At Ephesus some of the greatest roads in the world met. Then in 2 Timothy 3:1-17 he proceeds to show us not merely a picture of the condition that Christianity will fall into, but, besides, a state of things that would be produced by this confusion. Living here almost in a Sodom-Gomorrah atmosphere and environment. At first these magicians were able to match the wonders which Moses and Aaron did, but in the end they were defeated and discredited. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:2, "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in the sight of God." "She then makes the effort to reward Marcus, not only by the gift of her possessions (in which way he has collected a very large fortune), but also by yielding up to him her person, desiring in every way to be united to him, that she may become altogether one with him." And suddenly, of course, their tears were changed because Paul began to breathe and move and he stood up and he said, Let's go back in and preach some more. Truth and holiness and endurance are wanted, not authority or outward order. The task of the apostle is not only to tell men the truth; it is also to help them do it. Timothy was well aware of this, even before he joined Paul in his work. 2 Timothy 3:2 Commentaries: For men will be lovers of self, lovers of Finally, we have his assertion of the blessed Lord's care, and his confidence in Him that He would preserve him from all evil to His heavenly kingdom; closing this solemn and touching epistle (it would seem the last words he wrote) with salutations to various saints. 2 Timothy 3 Commentary; 2 Timothy 4 Commentary; HENRY ALFORD 2 TIMOTHY COMMENTARY The Greek Testament. he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." And as we pointed out, the danger always of saying some scriptures, not all scriptures, is the loss of authority. Because the true child of God brings the worldly person under conviction. It is derived from two Greek words which mean to show oneself above. Let us then see what Paul says of the usefulness of scripture. There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. In either case the word describes a certain harshness of mind which separates a man from his fellow-men in unrelenting bitterness. Others must do that kind of work in future. The adjective used is philautos ( G5367) , which means self-loving. It is often a very great safeguard for the saint of God; for, after all, it makes no small difference who says this or that. Robertson, Archibald Thomas. Again, it is startling. [3.] Here he mentions his persecutions and afflictions at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, besides what he suffered elsewhere. Paul met him on his first missionary journey. But of one thing Paul was sure--the days of the deceivers were numbered. And when you lose authority you have anarchy. Love of self is the basic sin, from which all others flow. Didn't you know that's just a myth? It's twelve thousand miles a second, but that's pretty fast, too. 2 Timothy 3:12-17 - Bible Gateway If there is no human affection, the family cannot exist. II. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost,2 Peter 1:21. Compare the catalogue, Ro 1:29, &c., where much the same sins are attributed to heathen men; it shall be a relapse into virtual heathendom, with all its beast-like propensities, whence the symbol of it is "a beast" (Re 13:1, 11, 12, &c.; 17:3, 8, 11). Abandoned by virtually all of those close to him for fear of persecution (cf. He would not have him to be spreading doubtful opinions; but what he had heard from the apostle himself he need not scruple to give out freely. Activity of service was no longer before him. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. The study of the Scriptures must never be selfish, never simply for the good of a man's own soul. It is profitable to us for all the purposes of the Christian life, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:12-13 Commentary | Precept Austin It is needful to exercise judgment now. Even an unbeliever is acting unfairly unless he tries to read it. The words that finally decided me were those in John 18:37: 'For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Observe, Timothy must continue in the things which he had learned and had been assured of. Such is the meaning of purging himself. In the Testament of Issachar, one of the books written between the Old and the New Testaments, we get a picture like this: "Know ye, therefore, my children, that in the last times. Boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy ( 2 Timothy 3:2 ). There were false teachers who were quick to take advantage of that. Paul kept back nothing from his hearers, but declared to them the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), so that if it were not their own fault they might fully know it. He had not said a word about them before. He warns Timothy of the fatal end of seducers, as a reason why he should stick closely to the truth as it is in Jesus: But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, c., 2 Timothy 3:13; 2 Timothy 3:13. It would not be accordant with the mind of God. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the scripture. The man who is anosios ( G462) offends against the fundamental decencies of life. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. There are those who shrink from helping on others in order to the work and doctrine of the Lord. Accordingly, there is a depth of feeling that one may safely say far exceeds the first epistle, although it had shown so much tenderness and care both for Timothy and the faithful of those days. This was always the becoming tone; but now it is imperiously necessary, as well as wise and good. 2 Timothy 3 He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. His connection with the church, but "of the seed of David," the fulfiller of the promises, and object of the prophecies. "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears." The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. But when dying upon the cross, He calls to John to behold His mother. The word is propetes ( G4312) , precipitate. On the other hand, if a soul confesses the name of the Lord, he must have done with iniquity. But the sin of the man who is arrogant is in his heart. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 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. "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. What does 2 Timothy 3:13 mean? | BibleRef.com 2 Timothy Chapter 3 Kjv - King James Bible Online Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands: Many men and women, who would never dream of stealing, think nothing--even find pleasure--in passing on a story which ruins someone else's good name, without even trying to find out whether or not it is true. It is well to maintain the largest heart for everything that is really of Christ. Paul cites three instances when he had to suffer for Christ. 2 Timothy 3 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) - Christianity In 2 Timothy 3:9 he meant that the teaching of evil does not necessarily become more extensive and capture a wider audience as evil becomes worse. There was a state of things coming when it would be impossible to have local charges chosen according to the full sanction which they had in apostolic days. 2 Timothy 3 Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible I reply, it is not always in one way that Satan persecutes the servants of Christ. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1977. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for any attack that the evil enemy of my soul can throw at me, and that nothing can ever separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise." "Knowing especially the firm foundation upon which thou hast built, namely, that of the scripture (2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 3:15): That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.". The early Church lived in an age when the time was waxing late; they expected the Second Coming at any moment. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. The cause of the perilous times are found in the things that people will be doing, and at the top of the list. Now when Moses appeared before Pharaoh and he threw down his rod and it turned into a snake, you'll remember that Pharaoh's magicians threw down their rods and they also became snakes, but Moses' snake swallowed theirs. Do you have a hard time accepting that man can build a great fish that can swallow men and keep them under water for several days and deposit them later at a port?Hey, hey, wait a minute then. The first is the moral character of the source or channel whence Timothy had derived what he knew. But let him not infer, "therefore," that he is to be enrolled among the martyrs, and that he is certainly a real Christian. But they do enshrine the permanent truth that some time there must come the consummation when evil meets God in head-on collision and there comes the final triumph of God. Paul goes on to list the things in which Timothy has been his disciple; and the interest of that list is that it consists of the strands out of which the life and work of an apostle are woven. It is the word alazon ( G213) and was derived from the ale, which means a wandering about. Paul's life contrasted with the world. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. We must remember that the scripture of which Paul is writing is the Old Testament; as yet the New Testament had not come into being. (2 Timothy 1:1.) It has become their God and thus, they are guilty as those in the Old Testament who were worshipping Mammon, who, or rather Molech who was the god of pleasure. This was to touch the right chord in his heart. They did not keep the covenant that they made. From childhood he has been guided by the Scriptures, and his faith in those Scriptures gives him assurance in his salvation (14-15). Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. The reason is manifest: they themselves savour of the things of men, and not of God. 4. His answer was: "That which will be most useful to them when they are men." It is true that these things happened before the young Timothy had definitely entered on the Christian way, but they all happened in the district of which he was a native; and he may well have been an eyewitness of them. by George Whitefield. 3:10-13 The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ, as taught by the apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it. Anosios does not so much mean that men will break the written laws; it means that they will offend against the unwritten laws which are part and parcel of the essence of life. Their minds become corrupted and they ultimately become reprobate concerning the faith. This time he was a Christian minister, and it was to the reading of the books that he attributed his change. Perverse Men 2 Timothy 3:2-4 . Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. And I filed many scriptures in that file. (4.) Men will be disobedient to their parents. Few choose to leave behind the elementary teaching about Christ, and press on into maturity.Sadly many believers, although saved by grace through faith in Christ, refuse to move past the elementary principles of the Christian life. Things are very much taking this direction of late, and at the present moment. 1:15; 4:9-12, 16) and facing imminent execution, Paul wrote to Timothy, urging him to hasten to Rome for one last visit with the apostle ( 4:9, 21 ). 2 Timothy 3:12 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous," the psalmist writes (Psalm 34:19).Peter supplies a partial answer to this in I Peter 4:12: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you, as does Paul's statement in II Timothy 3:12: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer . Now hatred is attended by cruelty, and hence arise persecutions. I refer to this just to remark that such links as these, which are connected with nature, all come before the apostle's mind, at the very moment when a spurious feeling would have judged it precisely the time to banish and forget them. Surely if it is an urgent call to convey what we know of Christ and the truth to those that know nothing, it is a great privilege to help to contribute a greater knowledge of the truth to those that know little. The New Testament had not yet been canonized. It is not a question here about elders, but what would abide all the same when elders could not be duly appointed. I am reminded of the prophet of God who spoke concerning Israel, and he said, "They have sown the wind, and now they must reap the whirlwind" ( Hosea 8:7 ). (186) Et tous ceux aussi qui veulent vivre en la crainte de Dieu. And all those also who wish to live in the fear of God., (187) Que rien ne luy est advenu que tous fideles ne doyvent aussi attendre. That nothing has happened to him which all believers must not also look for.. It is in terms of these last days that Paul is thinking in this passage. He blames the Jews who searched them, because they failed to learn the lesson which they were intended to convey. The essence of Christianity is not the enthronement but the obliteration of self. In Brazil Signor Antonio of Minas bought a New Testament which he took home to burn. Men will be implacable in their hatreds (aspondos, G786) . The difference between the braggart and the man who is arrogant is this. Thus the apostle comes to the close of his ministry, and touches upon the line of St. John. Thus he looks not to the coming of the Lord to receive him to Himself, but to the "appearing of the Lord," which is the usual side of the truth taken in these epistles. Story of Jonah has provoked a lot of problems for people, only because of their concept of God. Traitors . It has been pointed out that the writer of Revelation may well have been thinking of Ephesus when he wrote that haunting passage which describes the merchandise of men: "The cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls" ( Revelation 18:12-13). The sister was persuaded to read a copy of St. John. It is not simply now to follow these, as urged in the first epistle (1 Timothy 6:11); but he adds a most characteristic word in the second epistle. (2.) The scriptures are profitable to establish the foundation of my beliefs. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. It is the whole spiritual experience, so to speak, of the apostle. They will be inflated with a sense of their own importance. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NASB) Verse Thoughts We live in a fallen world, and there are many challenges that face the believer who has not only trusted Christ for salvation, but is also ready and willing to deny self, take up his cross, follow Christ's example, and say without compromise - Thy will, not mine, be done. The wickedness of evil people, particularly charlatans, will increase as time passes. So he's referring to the Old Testament Scriptures, those which Timothy knew from the child and he called them the "holy scriptures," which they are, "and they are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus." The apostle's life was very exemplary for three things: for his doctrine, which was according to the will of God; for his life, which was agreeable to his doctrine; and for his persecutions and sufferings. Or it can mean that a man is so dishonourable that he breaks the terms of the agreement he has made. that will, &c.Greek, "all whose will is to live," &c. So far should persecution be from being a stumbling-block to Timothy, he should consider it a mark of the pious. Now I'm not about to say God was wrong. It is to be supposed that the younger labourer cowered somewhat, unwilling to incur the odious charge, so easily made but hard to refute, of setting himself up and taking the place of some great one. Avoid such people. As teachers we should sometimes ask ourselves: what am I trying to do with these people whom I teach? The cause of this is the present confusion, and accordingly the apostle brings a picture of it before Timothy's mind. Such is the perversity of sin. Our God is much too small. Some of you are separated not by your own desire or wish, but because someone was a trucebreaker. I can base my beliefs upon what God has said because it is indeed God's word.I have great difficulty with these people who develop doctrines that are contrary to what Jesus said, as though they understand more than Jesus about what's happening in the future. What Paul is thinking of here is more than faithlessness in friendship--although that in all truth is wounding enough--he is thinking of those who to pay back an old score would inform against the Christians to the Roman government. The more the person who lives godly and righteous in Christ stands out. The fact remains that the only place in all the world where we get a first-hand account of that person and of his teaching is in the New Testament. And the comfort is that, if prepared to cleave to the will of the Lord alone, we shall have, through His grace, fellowship with the true-hearted. 2 Timothy 3 - Sermon Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org Just to go line upon line, precept upon precept, plodding right straight through the word of God. When our Lord was pleased to take upon himself the form of a servant, and to go about preaching the kingdom of God; he took all opportunities in public, and more especially in private, to caution his disciples against . "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace." (8) Using the boldness God gives, don't be ashamed of the imprisoned apostle. 2 Timothy - Discover Books of The Bible - bible-studys.org It opened at the Sermon on the Mount. "It shone and glowed with truth," she said, "and my whole being responded to it. Only Luke is with me." God is right. He is sure that in the long run it is better to suffer with God and the right than to prosper with men and the wrong. For all scripture is given by inspiration of God ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ), Not as some would lead you to believe, some scriptures are given by inspiration of God. God wants you to be complete. Now you'd think that the world would treat a person like that very cordially. The woman, thrilled to the heart, does so and is deluded into thinking that she can prophesy. It is able to make us wise to salvation; that is, it is a sure guide in our way to eternal life. It is easy for a professed Christian to avoid persecution, if he yields every point in which religion is opposed to the world. 2 Timothy 3 - NIV Bible - But mark this: There will be terrible times We find a precisely similar kind of combination in Paul. If what be claims for scripture is true of the Old Testament, how much truer it is of the still more precious words of the New.