2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

For the time will come ... The use of "for" here and in 2 Timothy 4:6 cites two reasons for Paul's urgent charge, these being (1) apostasy so often foretold is present (potentially) even in Timothy's time, and indeed at all times, and (2) the grand old warrior Paul will very soon have departed from this life. Thus there are the most urgent considerations requiring Timothy to exert himself to the utmost. This clause also has the effect of identifying the evil conditions foretold as supplementary prophecy regarding the great falling away. For a more extensive list of the New Testament teaching on this subject, see excursus at the end of 2 Thessalonians 2.

When they will not endure the sound doctrine ... The thought here is that, as the future unfolds, Christians will more and more despise and hate the doctrine taught by the apostles of Christ, preferring their own philosophies, systems and devices to those of the sacred Scriptures. "Timothy must keep in mind that things in the church of Christ on earth will not change for the better."[7]

But, having itching ears ... "This comes from a verb which in the active means to tickle; hence in the passive to be tickled, thus, to itch, or have an irritating desire."[8] The thought is that men in the church will strongly prefer to hear novelties, tantalizing theories, stimulating rhetoric and flowery phrases rather than the word which is able to make them wise unto salvation.

And will heap to themselves teachers ... "The desire for pleasure is insatiable, and is increased by indulgence; hence the heaping up of those who may minister to it."[9]

After their own lusts ... Here is the seat of the trouble. The lusts of men, which at all risks they are determined to satisfy, lead them to despise the truth which condemns them; and yet, desiring to keep some semblance of religion, they are beguiled by evil ministers who deceive them with soothing words, fantasies, speculations and philosophies of men.

[7] Ibid.

[8] William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary, 2Timothy (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1957), p. 311.

[9] Ibid.