2 Timothy 2:3-42

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Here Paul encourages Timothy to constancy and perseverance in his work: Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. 2:1. Observe, Those who have work to do for God must stir up themselves to do it, and strengthen themselves for it. Being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus may be understood in opposition to the weakness of grace. Where there is the truth of grace there must be a labouring after the strength of grace. As our trials increase, we have need to grow stronger and... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:8-13

I. To encourage Timothy in suffering, the apostle puts him in mind of the resurrection of Christ (2 Tim. 2:8): Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead, according to my gospel. This is the great proof of his divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in suffering for it. Let suffering saints... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:14-18

Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work. I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:19-21

Here we see what we may comfort ourselves with, in reference to this, and the little errors and heresies that both infect and infest the church, and do mischief. I. It may be a great comfort to us that the unbelief of men cannot make the promise of God of no effect. Though the faith of some particular persons be overthrown, yet the foundation of God standeth sure (2 Tim. 2:19); it is not possible that they should deceive the elect. Or it may be meant of the truth itself, which they impugn. All... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:22-26

I. Paul here exhorts Timothy to beware of youthful lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22. Though he was a holy good man, very much mortified to the world, yet Paul thought it necessary to caution him against youthful lusts: ?Flee them, take all possible care and pains to keep thyself pure from them.? The lusts of the flesh are youthful lusts, which young people must carefully watch against, and the best must not be secure. He prescribes an excellent remedy against youthful lusts: Follow righteousness, faith,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Timothy 2:3-4

2:3-4 Accept your share in suffering like a fine soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier who is on active service entangles himself in ordinary civilian business; he lays aside such things, so that by good service he may please the commander who has enrolled him in his army. The picture of man as a soldier and life as a campaign is one which the Romans and the Greeks knew well. "To live," said Seneca, "is to be a soldier" (Seneca: Epistles 96: 5). "The life of every man," said Epictetus, "is a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Timothy 2:5

2:5 And if anyone engages in an athletic contest, he does not win the crown unless he observes the rules of the game. Paul has just used the picture of the soldier to represent the Christian, and now he uses two other pictures--those of the athlete and of the toiling husbandman. He uses the same three pictures close together in 1 Corinthians 9:6-7 ; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 . Paul says that the athlete does not win the crown of victory unless he observes the rules of the contest. There... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Timothy 2:6-7

2:6-7 It is the toiling husbandman who must be first to receive his share of the fruits. Think of what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. To represent the Christian life Paul has used the picture of the soldier and of the athlete, and now he uses the picture of the farmer. It is not the lazy husbandman, but the husbandman who toils, who must be the first to receive the share of the fruits of the harvest. What then are the characteristics of the husbandman... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Timothy 2:8-10

2:8-10 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, born of the seed of David, as I preached the gospel to you; that gospel for which I suffer, even to the length of fetters, on the charge of being a criminal. But though I am fettered, the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen ones, that they too may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Right from the beginning of this letter Paul has been trying to inspire Timothy... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Timothy 2:8-10

When Paul wrote these words he was in a Roman prison, bound by a chain. This was literally true, for all the time he was in prison night and day he would be chained to the arm of a Roman soldier. Rome took no risks that her prisoners should escape. Paul was in prison on the charge of being a criminal. It seems strange that even a hostile government should be able to regard a Christian, and especially Paul, as a criminal. There were two possible ways in which Paul might appear a criminal to... read more

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