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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER TWO:
“DO UTMOST TO BE APPROVED”

[“Honor and Dishonor”]
Key word: Approved
Theme verse: 15

2 Timothy 2:1-7 – Keep Acquiring Power

2TM2:1 You, therefore, my child, continue to be strengthened in the unmerited charity 39 that is in union with Christ Jesus.

39	My child, continue to be strengthened in the unmerited charity: Or, ASV: be strengthened; WMS: renewing your strength; RHM: empowering thyself. Paul is appealing to the weakened Timothy to renew his original zeal.

2TM2:2 What you have heard from me 40 in front of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to also teach others. 41

40	What you have heard from me: Part of this would include Paul’s first letter to Timothy which dealt with conduct within the Household of God. [Compare notes on 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:14.] There is no mystery how one learns about the Good News and the Mysteries of God – the teaching of another.

41

Entrust to faithful men who will be able to also teach others: Or, KJV: the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also; GDS: trustworthy men; BER: reliable men; PME: who will be able to pass it on. Paul suggests a teaching program involving qualified Christian men with the object of their teaching other men. This indicates Timothy was well qualified in Paul’s opinion despite his youth. It also tells us something of the early Church’s program to prepare the next generation of teachers. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Ephesians 4:11-14.] A vital church must have elders who prepare others to become teachers. These “faithful men” would likely be qualified elders. [1 Timothy 3:1ff] Just as Timothy learned from another more qualified, he was to pass this one to a new generation of Christian teachers.

2TM2:3 As a fine soldier of Christ Jesus share in suffering wrong. 42

42

As a fine soldier of Christ Jesus share in suffering wrong: Or, KJV: endure hardness; ASV: suffer hardship; TCN: share hardships with me; GDS: join the ranks of those who bear suffering; RHM: a brave soldier; GDS: loyal soldier. Timothy has evidently avoided such suffering and now is exhorted to do so. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 1:8. Paul uses the term “soldier” at 1 Corinthians 9:7; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 2.

2TM2:4 No one in the military service gets all wrapped up in trying to make a living 43 with the idea of trying to please the person who enrolled him as a soldier. 44

43

No one in the military service gets all wrapped up in trying to make a living: Or, RSV: No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits; KJV: no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; RHM: matters of livelihood; BER: gets involved in enterprises for making a living; WMS: business affairs; NW: commercial business. Does it seem this is what Timothy has done or is contemplating? [1 Corinthians 9:7]

44

Trying to please the person who enrolled him as a soldier: Or, RSV: Since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. Which here would be Christ. Christ cannot be satisfied if one of his “soldiers” tries to please him by commercial business. It is a mistaken notion that a Christian may absorb himself/herself in commercial business as a means of pleasing the Master. Neither Christ nor Paul set such a model for others.

2TM2:5 Also, any athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 45

45

Any athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules: Or, KJV: strive for masteries; WEY: athletic context; AMP: competitive games. Paul often uses the analogy of an athlete. [1 Corinthians 9:24, 25] Note Paul’s own example at 2 Timothy 4:7. Is Timothy contending according to the rules? It is possible to lose the crown. [Revelation 2:10; 3:11] See notes on 2 Timothy 4:8.

2TM2:6 Only the hard-working farmer 46 has the right to first partake of the produce.

46	Hard-working farmer: Or, KJV: husbandman. Paul has used a soldier, an athlete, and now a farmer to emphasize to Timothy that one cannot go just half way or be distracted. [1 Corinthians 9:7, 10]

2TM2:7 Continue, [Timothy], to grasp mentally what I am trying to tell you. 47 The Master will give you comprehension in everything. 48

47	Grasp mentally what I am trying to tell you: Or, RSV: Think over what I say; KJV: consider what I say; MON: reflect; KNX: grasp the sense; PME: consider these three illustrations of mine. Paul is trying to reach the young man and empower him with conviction and strength.

48

The Master will give you comprehension in everything: Or, RSV: The Master will grant you understanding in everything; ABU: discernment; ALF: clear apprehension; MOF: understand it perfectly. Paul wants him to think seriously about what he has written to stir him to action. Paul does not mean the Master gives the disciple comprehension in every matter of doctrine and conduct, but likely he limits this thought to the present context.

2 Timothy 2:8-13 – Die Together – Live Together

2TM2:8 Continue to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead 49 as the seed of David as part of my message.

49	Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead: Or, TCN: keep before your mind. Paul brings Timothy back to the center of the faith. [Philippians 2:5-7] An example of self-sacrifice and God’s reward. [1 Corinthians 15:4] Surely the resurrection hope will encourage Timothy.

2TM2:9 It is for this Good News that I continue to suffer 50 and wear chains like a criminal. 51 However, God’s Word is not bound! 52

50	It is for this Good News that I continue to suffer: Or, RSV: The gospel for which I am suffering; KJV: wherein I suffer trouble; NEB: in whose service I am exposed to hardship.

51	Wear chains like a criminal: Or, RSV: Wearing fetters like a criminal. Paul is drinking the same “cup” our Master experienced: the reproach of a criminal.

52	God’s Word is not bound: Or, RSV: The word of God is not fettered. Or, KJV: not bound; WEY: not chained; BER: not shackled. [Colossians 4:3]

2TM2:10 Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the Chosen Ones, 53 that they also might obtain salvation in union with Christ Jesus with its endless glory. 54

53	I endure everything for the sake of the Chosen Ones: Or, TCN: I submit to anything; NEB: chosen ones. Paul is suffering for Timothy also, as well as all the Chosen Ones. [1 Corinthians 12:26]

54

That they also might obtain salvation in union with Christ Jesus with its endless glory: Or, BER: may gain possession of; KNX: they, like us, may win salvation; CON: glory everlasting; RHM: glory age-abiding; TCN: imperishable glory. On “glory” see Colossians 1:27; see notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10.

2TM2:11 This statement is absolutely sure: 55 “If we die with him, we shall live with him. 56

55	This statement is absolutely sure: Or, KJV: it is a faithful saying. [1 Timothy 1:15]

56

If we die with him, we shall live with him: Paul is assuring Timothy of the hope of the resurrection IF we have “died with him” or after the manner of his own death. See notes on Romans 6:5, 8 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17. In order to participate in salvation with its eternal glory, the Saint must die a self-sacrificing death immersed in the example of Christ.

2TM2:12 If we endure, we will reign together. 57 If we deny him, he will deny us. 58

57	If we endure, we will reign together: In order to be a royal associate in Christ’s heavenly Kingdom we must first endure. [Revelation 1:5; 3:21; 5:9, 10; 20:4] Compare notes on 2 Timothy 4:18. Salvation only comes to those who endure to the end. [Matthew 24:12, 13]

58	If we deny him, he will deny us: Was Timothy in danger from such a denial? See notes on Matthew 10:33. [Luke 12:9]

2TM2:13 If we are without faith, he remains faithful” 59 – for he is unable to deny himself. 60

59	If we are without faith, he remains faithful: Or, BEC: if we’re disloyal, he stays loyal. [See notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:24 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.]

60	For he is unable to deny himself: Faithfulness and loyalty are part of Christ’s nature and he cannot act in contradiction to these characteristics.

2 Timothy 2:14-19 – Handle Truth Aright

2TM2:14 Continue to remind [the brothers] of these things 61 – as a testimony in the sight of God – not to keep fighting about words, 62 which is of no use at all, but only confuses those listening. 63

61	Continue to remind [the brothers] of these things: Or, KJV: put them in remembrance; MON: always call these truths to men’s minds. Surely these “men” would include those Paul instructed Timothy to train to become teachers.

62

Not to keep fighting about words: Or, CON: contend about words; NAS: not to wrangle; BER: to indulge in no wars of words; RHM: not to be waging word-battles; AMP: petty controversies over words; GDS: bandy arguments. Sometimes one cannot see the forest for the trees. Likewise, arguments over small details blind one to the big picture. [1 Timothy 1:4]

63	Only confuses those listening: KJV: no profit; GDS: no good comes out of that. Though a Christian ought to defend the faith, it is often useless to continue in prolonged argumentation.

2TM2:15 Be quick about presenting yourself approved before The God 64 as a worker with nothing to be ashamed of, 65 correctly interpreting the Word of the Truth. 66

64

Be quick about presenting yourself approved before The God: Or, RSV: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved; KJV: study to shew thyself approved; ABU: earnestly endeavor; NEB: try hard to show yourself worthy of God’s approval; KNX: aim first at winning God’s approval. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:4.

65	A worker with nothing to be ashamed of: That is, embarrassed. Compare 1 Timothy 4:6.

66

Correctly interpreting the Word of the Truth: Or, RSV: Rightly handling the word of truth; KJV: rightly dividing; MON: cutting a straight path; NEB: driving a straight furrow; ALF: rightly laying out; BER: correctly analyzing; RHM: skillfully handling; CON: declaring the word of truth without distortion. Though he is encouraged to avoid fights over words, he is exhorted to handle “the word” The Greek is ORTHOTOMOUNTA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3718, cut straight, teach truth correctly] and infers cutting a straight line in teaching and comprehension of the Truth. Likely Paul means not to abuse or twist the word of truth. See notes on 2 Timothy 4:2.

2TM2:16 Shun irreverent and useless arguments, 67 for it will only direct people into more irreverence. 68

67

Useless arguments: Or, RSV: godless chatter; KJV: shun profane and vain babblings; NAS: worldly and empty chatter; NOR: stand aloof from; GDS: profane jargon; WEY: irreligious and frivolous talk; BER: unholy, empty discussions; WMS: worldly, futile phrases. Paul seems to discourage useless philosophical debates, or arguments about atheism and agnosticism. Compare 1 Timothy 4:7. Note the wording of 1 Timothy 6:20: KJV: science falsely so called; NOR: pseudo-science; TCN: of what some call ‘theology’. The Greek is KENOPHONIAS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2757, empty discussion, useless].

68

It will only direct people into more irreverence: Or, RSV: For it will lead people into more and more ungodliness; WMS: for they lead on to great depths of godlessness; GDS: it leads people still further into irreligion. See notes on 2 Timothy 3:13. There are certain topics it is just useless to discuss with some types of people. Nothing is gained but confusion.

2TM2:17 Their statements will branch out like gangrene. 69 Among such persons are Hymenaeus 70 and Philetus,

69

Their statements will branch out like gangrene: Or, RSV: Their talk will eat its way like gangrene; KJV: canker; BAS: poisoned wounds; PME: as dangerous as blood poisoning. Paul will go on to give an example to Timothy. [See notes on Matthew 13:33; 1 Corinthians 5:6] The growth of apostasy will not be stopped by these worthless arguments.

70	Hymenaeus: This apostate is mentioned at 1 Timothy 1:18-20. Paul’s naming such amounts to “marking” such persons as he earlier encouraged at Titus 3:10 and 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

2TM2:18 men who have deviated from the Truth, 71 saying, “The resurrection has occurred already!” 72 By this they are undermining the faith of some. 73

71	Deviated from the Truth: Or, RSV: Swerved from the truth; KJV: who concerning the truth have erred; MON: gone astray; GDS: failed in the truth; PME: traitor to the truth. Compare 1 Timothy 4:1. [Acts 20:29, 30]

72

The resurrection has occurred already: Or, RSV: By holding that the resurrection is past already; RHM: already to have taken place; BER: already occurred; BAS: has even now taken place. This is clearly a doctrinal deviation. Paul teaches all Christians will be raised at the parousia of Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:23] It was still future. [1 Thessalonians 4:15-17] Both of these apostolic letters had already been written before Paul writes his second epistle to Timothy. So these apostates are contradicting Paul. The resurrection does not occur until the visible Return of Christ. [See notes on Matthew 24:30, 31.] The doctrine of the resurrection becomes much distorted as Church theologians adopt Greek views of soul immortality.

73

Undermining the faith of some: Or, RSV: They are upsetting the faith of some; KJV: overthrow; WEY: upsetting; GDS: undermining; BER: play havoc. Such “winds of teaching” will continue to create hundreds of Christian sects within centuries. [Ephesians 4:14, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10; 2 Peter chapter 2]

2TM2:19 However, God’s solid foundation has stood firm, having this seal: 74 “YHWH knows those who are His.” [Numbers 16:5] and, “Let everyone naming the name of YHWH reject unrighteousness.” [Isaiah 26:13]

74

God’s solid foundation has stood firm, having this seal: That is, “The God’s foundation.” Or, RSV: God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal. The Greek has “The God.” Here Paul quotes Numbers 16:5 and Isaiah 26:13. The texts in the Hebrew Bible contain the divine name YHWH. Isaiah 26:13 would show that those who belong to God have renounced unrighteousness. It is likely the false teachers and above had not.

2 Timothy 2:20-22 – Household Vessels

2TM2:20 In a great house 75 there are not only vessels 76 of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay – some for an honorable use, and some for a dishonorable use.

75	A great house: In 1 Timothy 3:15 Paul has compare the Church to “God’s Household.” In some ways it is unfortunate that chapter 3 is divided where it is because the context begins here as Paul addresses problems within the Church and how Timothy can cope with these.

76

Vessels: Paul has compared the individual Christian to a “vessel.” [2 Corinthians 4:7; see notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:4] Paul now compares those within the Church to two types of vessels: honorable and dishonorable, and each of these of varying qualities. Other renderings are: KJV: honour… dishonour; WMS: honorable uses… lowly uses MOF: some for great occasions and some for ordinary use; GDS: some for noble, some for menial service. The analogy is similar to the Nazarene’s own in the parable of the wheat and weeds. [See notes on Matthew 13:24ff.] Also note similar materials at 1 Corinthians 3:12.

2TM2:21 Therefore, anyone who keeps clear of the latter 77 will remain a vessel for an honorable use, 78 sanctified and very useful 79 to the Master of the house, prepared for every good work. 80

77

Keeps clear of the latter: Or, RSV: If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble; KJV: purge himself; ABUV: cleanse; PME: keeps himself clear of these latter. As elsewhere Paul encourages a watchful guard on one’s associates even within the Church. [1 Corinthians 15:33] Compare the principle at Proverbs 13:20. Not all in the Church are “wheat” – some are “children of the Wicked One.” [See notes on Matthew 13:38.]

78	Vessel for an honorable use: Or, RSV: Then he will be a vessel for noble use. Only by guarding his associations will Timothy become a noble vessel. Was Timothy having a problem with his associates or friends? [1 Corinthians 5:6-13]

79	Sanctified and very useful: Or, RSV: Consecrated and useful; KJV: sanctified and meet; BER: set apart; CON: sanctified and fitted. Part of sanctification is to guard one’s associates.

80	Prepared for every good work: Or, KJV: prepared unto every good work; WEY: equipped; WMS: ready for any good service; KNX: honourable employment. Paul is to repeat this phrase at 2 Timothy 3:17. Compare notes on Titus 3:1.

2TM2:22 So continue to flee from youthful desires 81 and instead pursue righteousness, deep conviction, compassionate affection, and peaceful harmony 82 with others who call upon the Sovereign LORD out of a clean heart. 83

81

Continue to flee from youthful desires: Or, RSV: Shun youthful passions; KJV: flee also youthful lusts; ABUV: flee youth desires; RHM: youthful covetings; WMS: keep on fleeing from the evil impulses of youth. Would Paul say this unless Timothy was battling with some impulsive problem? In the Church there are those younger ones who are not focused on Christ and godliness. Timothy should avoid these like the plague. [1 Corinthians 6:18; see notes on Ephesians 5:15] Compare the example of Joseph. [Genesis chapter 39]

82

Pursue righteousness, deep conviction, compassionate affection, and peaceful harmony: Or, RSV: Aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace; KJV: follow; TCN: pursue; WMS: strive for; MON: run after. [2 Corinthians 7:1] Paul recommends four things to aim for: a) obedience to God’s law; b) deep conviction; c) a loving concern for others; and, d) peace with oneself and others. Compare Paul’s earlier statement on this subject. [1 Timothy 6:11]

83

With others who call upon the Sovereign LORD out of a clean heart: Or, RSV: Along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart; KJV: with them; BER: in fellowship with; WMS: in association with; PME: in company with. Timothy’s fellowship even in the Church must be guarded. He is wise to associate or fellowship with those who demonstrate hearts of purity. It seems likely the LORD here is the Father to whom all prayers are addressed.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 – Gentle and Qualified

2TM2:23 Have nothing to do with foolish and uneducated controversies 84 as you know they do nothing but generate fights and quarrels. 85

84

Have nothing to do with foolish and uneducated controversies: Or, KJV: but foolish and unlearned questions avoid; ASV: ignorant questionings; RHM: foolish and undisciplined; MON: puerile discussions; BER: uncultured discussions; PME: silly and ill informed controversies; NEB: ignorant speculations. Paul gives Timothy similar counsel in 1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7. See notes on Titus 3:9. Timothy would spend his time better testifying of Christ and his Kingdom. Is it also possible some of these futile discussions have dampened Timothy’s conviction?

85

Generate fights and quarrels: Or, RSV: they breed quarrels; KJV: they do gender strifes; AMP: foster strife. If a discussion breeds quarrels then no good can come from it – from either side of the issue. Examples are found in Acts 15:39; 23:9. There is considerable tension between strife [a work of the flesh] and zeal for maintaining doctrinal purity [something Paul commands]. Despite some of the best-intentioned motives, “quarrels” have divided the Church into ten thousand sects.

2TM2:24 Because YHWH’s slave must not be adversarial or confrontational, 86 but rather gentle and courteous toward all, qualified to teach, tolerant, 87

86

Not be adversarial or confrontational: Or, KJV: must not strive; MOF: a man of strife; KNX: has no business with quarreling. It seems fair to conclude that Timothy had gotten himself so involved with such and is here counseled to moderate himself. The tension between conviction and dogmatism is sometimes difficult. If one does not possess the Church authority to change or prohibit a matter, then little can be accomplished with quarreling debates where personal attacks become commonplace. The elder must be able to exhort and reprove those who contradict but at the same time not given to strife and brawling. See notes on Titus 1:7-9.

87

Gentle and courteous toward all, qualified to teach, tolerant: Or, RSV: but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing; KJV: gentle, apt to teach, patient; BER: affable; WEY: inoffensive; TCN: courteous; CON: skillful in teaching, patient of wrong; RHM: ready to endure malice; WMS: a skillful teacher, and not resentful under injuries; NOR: ready to overlook grievances. Here is the balance Timothy and other teaching elders need to attain: defend God’s truth with zeal and teaching art without permitting quarreling strife. Better to make a clear statement in defense of the Truth and then depart the adversarial. See Paul’s example of gentleness at 1 Thessalonians 2:7. The elder needs to be “qualified to teach.” [1 Timothy 3:2] Consider the principle of the Nazarene at Matthew 5:39.

2TM2:25 gently instructing those opposed. 88 Perhaps The God will grant them repentance 89 and they will come to possess a full knowledge of the Truth;

88

Gently instructing those opposed: Or, RSV: correcting his opponents with gentleness; KJV: in meekness instructing those that oppose; BER: in a gentle way he must discipline those who put themselves in opposition; MOF: gentle in his admonitions to the opposition; BAS: gently guiding those who go against the teaching. Timothy is not to compromise and allow “every wind of teaching” to blow through the Church. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Ephesians 4:14, 15] However, his correction or instruction must have the element of good manners and respect. [1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6]

89	God will grant them repentance: After reasonable effort Timothy is to leave the matter in God’s hands. Perhaps the “opposition” will later come to realize the truth by means of Timothy’s godly treatment of them. [Acts 11:18]

2TM2:26 and also that they might become aware of the Devil’s trap, 90 escaping his capture of them to do his will. 91

90	Devil’s trap: Or, RSV: May escape from the snare of the devil. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Timothy 3:7. Paul names such at 1 Timothy 1:20.

91	Escaping his capture of them to do his will: Or, RSV: After being captured by him to do his will. Here are the “weeds” – the children of the Wicked One. [Matthew 13:25, 38] Compare Jesus’ charge against the Pharisees. [John 8:44]

Review Questions on Chapter Two