2 Timothy 2:14-26

2 Timothy 2:14-Ezekiel : . Charge to Timothy concerning Present Error.

The false teaching considered in this epistle is partly present and partly future. Paul’ s first charge relates to the former type. For its general character cf. 1 Timothy 1:3-1 Kings : *. Such particular doctrines as that of 2 Timothy 2:18 were possibly confined to individual teachers. The charge expounds:

( a) 2 Timothy 2:14-Job : . Timothy’ s Immediate Duty.— Mere debates are diverting and evil. Timothy must so handle the situation as to win God’ s approval. This involves ( a) framing his own positive teaching after the right pattern, and ( b) definite hostility to the errorists’ discussions ( cf. 1 Timothy 6:20). This is essential because the errorists will become increasingly dangerous, as Hymenæ us (now probably excommunicated, 1 Timothy 1:20) and Philetus prove, with their theory (perverting the truth of Romans 6:3 ff.) that the only resurrection is the spiritual rising experienced in baptism.

2 Timothy 2:15 . handling, etc.: the image is that of a man cutting his doctrine to the pattern of the gospel.

2 Timothy 2:17 . Hymenæ us and Philetus: otherwise unknown.

2 Timothy 2:18 . See above. Another early theory was that men rise again only in their children.

( b) 2 Timothy 2:19-Ecclesiastes : . The Right Spirit for Timothy’ s Task. Nevertheless the situation does not call for panic. Timothy’ s spirit must be one of quiet confidence in God, since the Church rests on a firm foundation laid by God Himself and sealed ( cf. Revelation 21:14) by His knowledge ( Numbers 16:5) and moral requirements. The most firmly-founded building, however, contains both worthy and unworthy vessels. The latter ( i.e. the errorists) Timothy must remove from the Church, if he himself would remain fit for God’ s employment.

( c) 2 Timothy 2:22-Ezekiel : . The Influence of Personal Example.— Meanwhile much depends on Timothy’ s own behaviour ( cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). ( a) His personal example must be irreproachable ( 2 Timothy 2:22; “ youthful” lusts, 1 Timothy 4:11-Nehemiah : *); ( b) he must avoid controversy with the errorists, a Christian teacher’ s aim being not strife but gentle persuasion, based on instruction. Through these means opponents, captured by Satan, may return from his snare to a sober mind, to do the will of God (EV renders 2 Timothy 2:26 unnaturally).