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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 THREE:
“EQUIPPED FOR GOOD WORK IN CRITICAL TIMES”

[“Fierce Times Ahead”]
Key word: False Christians
Theme verse: 17

2 Timothy 3:1-7 – Critical Times in Last Days

2TM3:1 But realize this, 92 [Timothy], that in the last days there will be a fierce season. 93

92	But realize this: The Greek GINOSKE is literally “be you knowing” in the singular masculine indicating the words are directed to one person – Timothy.

93

In the last days there will be a fierce season: Or, RSV: come times of stress; KJV: perilous; TCN: difficult; BER: troublesome; GDS: hard times. According to both Peter and Paul the “last days” had already fallen on the Jewish Temple Age. [Acts 2:17; Hebrews 1:1; 9:26] John calls the last years of the first century as “the last hour.” [See notes on 1 John 2:18.] Paul is to go on to describe conditions within the Church, not world conditions to occur in some future generation. [1 Timothy 4:1-3; see notes on 2 Timothy 4:3]

2TM3:2 Because people 94 will be filled with self-love, 95 lovers of money, 96 arrogant, 97 egotistical, 98 blasphemers, 99 disobedient to their parents, 100 without gratitude, 101 irreverent, 102

94	People: The Greek is ANTHROPOI and could read “humans” or “persons.” Compare Romans 1:29-31. These are largely people within the Church. Paul is describing the “weeds” [ZIZANIA] and “goats” of Christ’s parables. [Matthew 13:36-42; 25:31-46]

95	Self-love: Or, BER: self-lovers; PME: utterly self-centered. The Church will be filled with self-centered, egocentric people. [PHILAUTOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5367]

96

Lovers of money: Or, KJV: covetous; RHM: fond of money; BER: avarice; TCN: mercenary; PME: greedy for money. The Church will be filled with materialistic persons striving to become rich. [1 Timothy 6:9, 10] [PHILARGYROI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #545] Elders and church leaders will seek dishonest gain by extortion, using their authority to take people’s money. [1 Timothy 3:8; 6:5]

97	Arrogant: Or, KJV: boasters; RHM: ostentatious; PME: full of big words. The Church would become filled with the proud. [ALAZONES, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #884]

98	Egotistical: Or, ASV: haughty. The Church would be filled with the haughty. [HYPEREPHANOI. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #462]

99	Blasphemers: Or, RSV: abusive; KJV: blasphemers; ASV: railers; RHM: defamers; PME: contemptuous; BAS: given to bitter words. The Church would become filled with such abusive persons. [BLASPHEMOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #794]

100

Disobedient to their parents: Or, RHM: to parents unyielding; NEB: no respect for parents; GDS: undutiful; BAS: going against the authority of their fathers. The Church would become filled with juvenile delinquents as well as older “Christian” children who no longer loved and respected their parents. [GONEUSIN APEITHEIS, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #786 and #5366]

101	Without gratitude: Or, KJV: unthankful; NEB: no gratitude; BAS: never giving praise; WEY: thankless. The Church would become filled with the ungrateful and unthankful. [ACHARISTOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #213]

102	Irreverent: Or, RHM: unkind; NEB: no piety; GDS: irreverent; BAS: having no religion; WEY: irreligious; LAM: wicked. The Church would become filled with the unholy and irreverent. [ANOSIOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5244]

2TM3:3 lacking natural affection, 103 disagreeable, 104 slanderers, 105 undisciplined, 106 fierce, 107 unkind, 108

103	Lacking natural affection: Or, RSV: Inhuman; KJV: without natural affection; NASB: unloving; WMS: lacking in love for kinsmen; WEY: hard-hearted; NEB: callous. The Church would become filled with those without natural affection. [ASTORGOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #989]

104	Disagreeable: Or, RSV: implacable; KJV: trucebreakers; NASB: irreconcilable; RHM: accepting no truce; WEY: unforgiving; MOF: relentless; NEB: implacable in their hatreds. The Church would become filled with disagreeable persons. [ASPONDOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1118]

105	Slanderers: Or, KJV: false accusers; NASB: malicious gossips; RHM: given to intrigues; MOF: scurrilous; NEB: scandalmongers. The Church would become filled with “devils.” [DIABOLOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1228] See notes on Titus 2:3.

106	Undisciplined: Or, RSV: profligates; KJV: incontinent; MOF: dissolute; BER: uncontrolled; NEB: intemperate. The Church would become filled with those lacking self-control. [AKRATEIS, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #193]

107	Fierce: Or, MOF: savage; BER: brutal; NOR: hostile; RHM: uncivilized. The Church would become filled with the “untamed” or animals [ANEMEROI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #434]. The history of the Christian Church is one of war and inquisitions against non-believers.

108

Unkind: Or, RSV: haters of good; KJV: despisers of those that are good; MOF: they will hate goodness; NOR: hostile to what is good; RHM: unfriendly to good men. The Church would become filled with those not fond of goodness, or those who were unkind to others. [APHILAGATHOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #865]

2TM3:4 disloyal, 109 headstrong, 110 puffed up with pride, 111 more fond of pleasures than any fondness for God, 112

109	Disloyal: Or, RSV: treacherous; KJV: traitors; ABUV: betrayers; BAS: false to friends; TAY: they will betray their friends. The Church will become filled with “betrayers.” [PRODOTAI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4273]

110	Headstrong: Or, RSV: reckless; KJV: heady; ABUV: headstrong; BAS: acting without thought; BER: rash; CON: headlong with passion; TAY: hot-headed. The Church would become filled with those thoughtless. [PROPETEIS, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4312]

111	Puffed up with pride: Or, RSV: swollen with conceit; KJV: high-minded; ABUV: puffed up; GDS: conceited; BAS: lifted up in mind; NEB: swollen with self-importance; CON: blinded with pride. The Church would become filled with those puffed up. [TETYPHOMENOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5187]

112

More fond of pleasures than any fondness for God: Or, RSV: lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; BER: pleasure-loving; TAY: prefer good times; NEB: who put pleasure in the place of God; AMP: vain amusements. The Church would become filled with those who preferred physical pleasure, luxuries and leisure over duties to God. [PHILEDONOI, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5369]

2TM3:5 with an outward appearance of reverence but resisting its influence. 113 Avoid such people! 114

113

With an outward appearance of reverence but resisting its influence: Or, RSV: holding the form of religion but denying the power of it; KJV: having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; PME: a facade of; WEY: make-believe of piety; GDS: resisting its influence. The Church would become filled with only a “form of reverence.” [MORPHOSIN (form), Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3446; EUSEBEIAS (reverence), Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2150] This phrase proves these problems and attitudes are within the Church. Compare notes on Matthew 7:15 and Matthew 7:22.

114

Avoid such people: Or, KJV: from such turn away; NOR: keep away. Timothy is to avoid those with only a thin veneer of Christianity. This agrees with the above about cleansing himself from the dishonorable vessels. The real “critical times” are within the Church during the “last days” upon the Jewish Temple Age. [2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6] However, the principle is applicable throughout the Gospel Age.

2TM3:6 For from among these are those who 115 worm their way into families and take weak women – those under a burden of sin and led by a variety of passions – as their captives. 116

115	For from among these are those who: This phrase continues to show the “critical times” are within the Church. Within three decades the fulfillment of the Master’s parable of the wheat and weeds is well under-going fulfillment.

116

Those who worm their way into families and take weak women… as their captives: Or, RSV: make their way into households and capture weak women; KJV: creep into houses; WMS: practice going into people’s houses; BER: sneak into; NEB: into private houses. As Satan attacked humankind through the first woman – who was deceived [1 Timothy 2:14; 2 Corinthians 11:3] – so these pseudo-brothers captivate spiritually weak sisters in the Church. The characteristic of so-called Christian pastors and teachers leading women astray fills the history of the Church down to this day. See notes on Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:3; Jude 4. Paul use the Greek GYNAIKARIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1133, little women] and is also rendered: KJV: silly women; miserable women; KIT: little women.

2TM3:7 These women will listen to anyone 117 but will never attain to a full knowledge of truth. 118

117

These women will listen to anyone: Or, KJV: ever learning; BER: forever getting information; KNX: inquiring; MOF: always curious to learn; WMS: always trying to learn; NEB: who are always wanting to be taught; TAY: forever following new teachers; BAR: go from teacher to teacher. They are captives to “every wind of teaching” [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Ephesians 4:14] and the truth of the original doctrine matters little. These ladies are quite willing in gather teachers who will tickle their ears. [1 Timothy 4:1-3] These false teachers take advantage of the emotional nature of many women, though it also has worked on men.

118

Never attain to a full knowledge of truth: Or, reach, grasp, comprehend, incapable of reaching, never attain. These Christian women will never learn the Truth beyond a few inspirational poems, misleading themselves that the doctrine of Christ and his inspired disciples is unnecessary. Many of these women would become powerful influences in the early Church. The Glorified Christ calls them “Jezebel.” [Revelation 2:20]

2 Timothy 3:8-13 – Disapprove Impostors

2TM3:8 Now just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, 119 these persons will oppose the truth 120 – men totally corrupt in mind and possessed of a counterfeit faith. 121

119

As Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses: Or, opposed, defied, stood up against. Many think these to be those who opposed Moses before Pharaoh. [Exodus 7:11, 12, 22; 8:17-19; 9:11] Pagan sources allude to these apostates. [Numenius, Pliny the Elder, Lucius Apuleius, Qumran document, Targum of Jonathan, and other apocryphal books]

120	These persons will oppose the truth: Or, resist, hostile to, defy; KNX: set themselves up in rivalry against the truth; BAS: go against what is true; BAR: rebel against. What “truth”? Surely this includes the body of the Nazarene’s teachings as well as those of his inspired disciples.

121

Corrupt in mind and possessed of a counterfeit faith: Or, KJV: reprobate concerning the faith; NEB: they cannot pass the tests of faith; BAS: seen to be false; TCN: utterly worthless. There is a “counterfeit faith” and it is not based on the “truth.” Such will finally filled the Church as the weeds of the Wicked Ones “children” take control. The Greek is ADOKIMOI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #96, not standing the test, used of coins, spurious] and suggests a counterfeit.

2TM3:9 However, they will not progress far, 122 for their mindlessness will become evident to everyone 123 just as it was with those two men.

122

They will not progress far: Or, RSV: they will not get very far; CON: not advance further; BER: not get very far; WEY: no further success; NEB: their successes will be short-lived. From the standpoint of God though they will dominate the Church and acting like gods enthrone themselves within the Temple of God. [2 Thessalonians 2:1-10]

123	Their mindlessness will become evident to everyone: Or, RSV: their folly will be plain to all; BER: shallowness will be obvious; MOF: their aberrations will be detected; TAY: their deceit. That is, to genuine Christians.

2TM3:10 But, you [Timothy], have followed me closely 124 with regard to my teaching, 125 my life-style, 126 my purpose in life, 127 my deep conviction, 128 my tolerance, 129 my compassionate affection, 130 my endurance, 131

124	Followed me closely: Or, KJV: continue thou; NEB: for your part, stand by. Paul’s address is in the singular to Timothy. After listing the negative influences in the Church, Paul now lists positive matters for Timothy to follow and imitate.

125	My teaching: Or, KJV: my doctrine. We find Paul’s teaching or doctrine [KJV] in his epistles. Only by reading the epistles of Paul can a modern Christian follow his doctrine.

126	My life-style: Or, RSV: my conduct; KJV: manner of life; MOF: practice; CON: behavior. We find Paul’s conduct in Acts and his letters. Paul is a zealous missionary, self-sacrificing, rejecting money, influence, and honor. He labors for the flock despite being defamed and criticized.

127	My purpose in life: Or, RSV: aim; CON: my resolution. Timothy does well to re-evaluate his own “aim in life” and imitate Paul. Paul was fiercely dedication to the Master’s commission and nothing was going to stop him but death.

128	My deep conviction: Or, faith. Perhaps one of the hardest things to do is to imitate or follow another person's deep conviction. But, here Paul encourages Timothy to follow what he knows for a reality in his heart – Paul’s faith. Faith is a gift, which has strength and size.

129	My tolerance: Or, KJV: long-suffering; TCN: forbearance; BAS: long waiting. Paul’s example of endurance still amazes Christians today. But, we also must keep an eye on Paul’s tolerance of the new and weak. He calls for Timothy to follow this.

130

My compassionate affection: That is, love, benevolent empathy. Or, KJV: charity. Imitating or following a person’s love is another great challenge. Despite his enemies, who will accuse him of ulterior motives or a hidden agenda, those who know him see his loving concern manifest in self-sacrificing labor in behalf of others without glory to himself.

131	My endurance: Or, RSV: steadfastness. This is part of Timothy’s problem – endurance. Will he now change and dedicate all his life and energy to the Master’s work, as did Paul? We do not know the historical outcome. We await the resurrection to discover the result.

2TM3:11 my persecutions, 132 my afflictions 133 – like what happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, 134 and Lystra 135 – the kind of persecutions I endured. And yet from all of them the Master delivered me. 136

132	My persecutions: Timothy cannot faint from persecutions. One only has to read 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 to realize the enormous example Paul set.

133	My afflictions: Or: RSV: sufferings. He is to go on and mention examples.

134	What happened to me in Antioch, Iconium: Compare Acts 13:50; 14:5.

135	Lystra: Compare Acts 14:19.

136	Delivered me: Or, rescued, brought me safe. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:10. Paul assures Timothy of God’s protection according to His will. God does not always deliver from every situation for some lead to His enormous praise and glory.

2TM3:12 For surely, all who wish to live in deep reverence in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 137

137

All who wish to live in deep reverence in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted: Or, RSV: all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted; BER: all who want to live devoutly; TCN: aim at living a religious life; RHM: determined to live in a godly manner; KNX: resolved to live a holy life; PME: to live really Christian lives. This is not a statement designed to encourage converts – UNLESS the truth is involved. Jesus warned if “men spoke well of you” and encouraged joy to those who were persecuted. [See notes on Matthew 5:10-12; Luke 6:26] Timothy must expect – and embrace – persecution, and not try to avoid it.

2TM3:13 Meanwhile, wicked men and counterfeits will just get worse and worse, 138 deceivers and those they deceived. 139

138

Counterfeits will just get worse and worse: Or, RSV: evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse; KJV: seducers; NOR: pretenders; BEC: swindlers; NEB: charlatans; KNX: mountebanks; LAM: deceptive men. The conditions in the Church will not improve throughout the centuries. It is in this context that the phrase in verse 9.

139	Deceivers and those they deceived: Or, WMS: misleading others and misled themselves; PME: deluding others and deluding themselves; BEC: as they cheat and are cheated. Even the deceivers become even more deceived.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 – Continue in Things Learned

2TM3:14 But, as for you [Timothy], you remain in what you have learned 140 and have been persuaded to believe, realizing from whom you learned. 141

140

Remain in what you have learned: Or, RHM: abide in the things; NEB: stand by the truths. If we used only the letter of First Timothy we could identify some of those things Timothy had learned from Paul. Surely those letters with Timothy’s name attached would also be included. [2 Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1] From these the Gospel Truth may be perceived. Timothy did not learn the Truth through some mystical inspiration as though no effort was involved. He learned it by Paul’s persuasion as well as the foundation laid by his mother and grandmother.

141	From whom you learned: Timothy knows Paul. He has witnessed his faith, love, endurance, and fight for the Truth. Timothy was an eyewitness to Paul’s character: guileless, without an agenda, taking advantage of no one, and, declaring the Truth as the Scriptures revealed.

2TM3:15 And that how from your very infancy you were made acquainted with the sacred writings, 142 those that are able to make you wise for salvation 143 through deep conviction in Christ Jesus.

142	From your very infancy you were made acquainted with the sacred writings: Or, KJV: holy scriptures; ASV: sacred writings. Paul surely means the canon of the Hebrew Bible. It is possible this may have included the earliest of the Christian canon, including some of the Gospels, such as Matthew.

143	Make you wise for salvation: Or, KJV: make thee wise unto salvation; WEY: wise to obtain salvation; WMS: which gives you wisdom that leads to salvation; MOF: saving wisdom. The wisdom of the Scriptures cannot be separated from salvation.

2TM3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed 144 and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for readjusting everything, 145 for disciplining in righteousness.

144

All Scripture is God-breathed: Or, KJV: all scripture is given by inspiration; TCN: God-inspired; GDS: divinely inspired; BAS: every holy writing which comes from God. Surely Paul means at the least those “sacred writings” Timothy was raised on. There is a unique word here repeated nowhere else: THEO-PNEUSTOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2315] and means God-breathed, or God-inspired.

145	Beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for readjusting everything: Or, RSV: profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction. Paul lists how the Bible may be used in the Church.

2TM3:17 Thus, the man of God may be completely prepared 146 for every good work. 147

146

Completely prepared: Or, KJV: perfect; MOF: proficient; NEB: efficient; GDS: adequate; WMS: perfectly fit; TAY: well-prepared at every point; BAR: fit for his task. The inspired Scriptures are enough to accomplish this perfection of the man of God. Paul does not state that Timothy, or any other man of God, needs some in addition to these to make him complete.

147

For every good work: Or, KJV: thoroughly furnished unto all good works; RHM: well-prepared; BER: adequately equipped; WMS: thoroughly equipped. All the man of God needs is to be so equipped are the Scriptures. No mention is made of the need for another instrument. That does not mean God has not supplied other “gifts” which also be of help. Compare notes on Ephesians 4:11-16. [1 Corinthians 12] Research good work(s).

Review Questions on Chapter Three