CHAPTER 2
2 Timothy 2:1-2 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also .
Paul indicates great kindness by what is added, " my child ." "If you are my child," he says, "imitate your father." For the teacher's rebuke is accustomed to add boldness to the student.
Therefore, Paul says: " be strong ." If anything of this kind happens to you, do not fall, but look to the reward.
be strong in the grace . But be strengthened, Paul says, not only by my example, but also through the grace given through Christ. For if he did not justify by his own blood, the grace of the Spirit would not have come. Therefore, he says, have the Spirit as an ally.
and the things you have heard from me among many witnesses . That is, I did not tell you in secret, but openly in the presence of many. This, however, speaks about preaching. to faithful men , Paul says, not to curious investigators, nor to those reasoning by conflict, but to those who do not betray what is entrusted to them. However, he does not say: Speak, but, entrust . For what profit is it if they are indeed faithful, but not suitable to bring forth to others the things entrusted to them? For teachers must be both faithful and competent to teach.
— [PHOTIUS] to faithful men . That is, to bishops, elders, whom Timothy was about to ordain. among many witnesses , that is, of the law and the prophets. [ end of the excerpt by Photius O f. 249v; Q f. 119v ] —
— [OECUMENIUS] For indeed, as I think, concerning bishops and elders who are about to be ordained by Paul, these things he commands to him. For he would not have written such things concerning laymen. For how would it be, if he did not find anyone faithful and able to teach, that he would not have brought them into the faith, while Paul himself preached the word without deceit to both murderous Jews and Greeks?
among many witnesses . That is, of the law and the prophets. For the Apostle made them witnesses of his own preaching. Thus, Clement in the seventh book of "Hypotyposes." [ end of the excerpt by Oecumenius A f. 178r anonym; B f. 215v; G f.304r ] —
On living in the present life without anxiety about food that comes without labor.
2 Timothy 2:3-6 Therefore, endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare gets entangled in the affairs of life, so that he may please the one who joined him. And if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be the first to receive a share of the crops .
Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! Is it so great a thing to be a soldier of Christ? But the mark of a soldier is to endure hardship.
No one engaged in warfare . Paul remembered the soldier, showing that the servant of Christ must be eager and bold; and as an athlete, showing that he needs continuous training. If, therefore, he says, the one serving the earthly king is not entangled in matters that distract him from his weapons, how much more the one who has committed himself to the heavenly king and recruited.
unless he competes according to the rules . For it is not enough merely to be anointed, or to enter the place of combat, or to engage in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy, but it is also necessary to endure and to win: for this is the law of combat.
The hardworking farmer . Not careless: but one who works. For indeed, the teacher who also works with the students will receive rewards from God for the benefit and advantage of the students.
— [GREGORY OF NYSSA] 1 As teachers must first be perfected in themselves in what they teach. For this is necessary, to partake first of the fruits, which they cultivate in themselves through virtues before others. [ end of the excerpt by Gregory of Nyssa ] —
The example of the soldier and the wanderer suits the students, but that of the farmer suits only the teachers. For just as, it is said, the farmer takes care of the land and the fruits, so must you take care of the students and your preaching. And see to the return. The benefit, it is said, of the students is first enjoyed by the teacher from God, just as the farmer enjoys the fruits.
2 Timothy 2:7-10 Understand what I say. For may the Lord give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David according to my Gospel, in which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal, but the word of God is not imprisoned. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory .
Since Paul spoke everything in parables, those of the soldier, those of the athlete, those of the farmer, he says: Understand what I say . For whose sake does he say this?
in everything , Paul says, so that you may also understand these things as you ought, and do the other things as you must.
Remember Jesus Christ, risen . At the same time, Paul also makes the argument against heretics stronger and stimulates discussion: showing that Christ, through suffering, came and conquered death by death.
of the seed of David . For already some heretics from that time denied the privilege of God, who considered it a disgrace that the Son of God should suffer, and therefore perhaps introduced unbelievable ideas, not knowing that He had given this as a sign of His highest kindness and goodness.
according to my Gospel . For even false apostles preached the Gospel, but badly, as my Gospel, he says, confirms.
in which I suffer hardship . The afflictions of Paul reveal the truth of the Gospel.
even to imprisonment as a criminal . For who, indeed, would choose to suffer such things unless preaching the truth, and about whom he would not be made altogether more certain?
but the word of God is not imprisoned . And if I, Paul says, am imprisoned, the preaching is not imprisoned at the same time, but it goes about. For the tongue speaks with imprisoned hands. Indeed, the only prison of the tongue is fear and unbelief. This, however, he also says to the exhortation of those who were free. For if I who am imprisoned preach, what pardon can be given to those who are free and yet neglect?
for the sake of the elect . For the sake of the faithful, Paul says, whom God has chosen: for since God chose them, I must suffer everything for them, because God also suffered for us, and indeed there is some kind of repentance and reward: so that they also, just as we, he says, may obtain salvation. And as if he were saying: Certainly, I could live far from dangers, if I only cared for myself; but I suffer these things for the good of others, so that they may obtain salvation.
which is in Christ Jesus . Someone might say: If you yourself cannot obtain salvation, but behold, you are about to die, how will you secure salvation for others? Paul replied: I am not speaking of this earthly life, but of that which is in Christ Jesus, that is, what is given through Christ, what is eternal, what is future with glory. For the salvation of the world has no glory.
On faith in Christ, and tolerance for the hope of life.
2 Timohty 2:11-15 The saying is trustworthy. For if we have died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He cannot deny himself. These things he reminds you of, sincerely charging you before the Lord not to quarrel about words to no profit, which leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth .
The saying is trustworthy . Those who are chosen obtain glorious and eternal salvation. For some have doubted concerning the resurrection, and this assurance was needed. That the saying is trustworthy is also established from reasoning.
For if we have died with Christ , (by which I mean death both through baptism and through sufferings, this indeed being the sensible one,) we shall also reign with him ." For no one, Paul says, who has shared in sorrows with others can be deprived of good things and prosperity: let alone Christ, who is goodness and kindness itself.
If we deny him, he also will deny us . Then also fear them who are evil. But consider what is likely to happen to one who is denied by Christ.
If we are faithless, he remains faithful . If we are faithless concerning that he rose from the dead, or that he is God, he remains faithful, that is, true. For having said that he will rise, and that he is God (for this was signified in many ways), he is faithful. For he rose and he is God. He says that he cannot deny himself, so as not to be God or to have risen. Just as he said: There will be no change because of our denial, but he remains faithful and true concerning himself. And to deny, that is, to lie to himself, he cannot do, in not having risen or not being God. For having promised concerning himself, he cannot lie to himself and fail to fulfill the promises. For neither by believing do we make him not God, nor by being unfaithful do we cast out the divine nature, but both in our believing and in our unbelief he himself is God. Therefore, we who believe reap the benefit. But the "It is not possible," instead of, "It is not permitted." " He remains faithful ." Therefore, for our salvation, he demands from us consent to him. For, he says, it is not harmed by our denial.
These things he reminds you of . So that no one might think these things are unnecessary; concerning these words to Timothy, Paul says, "These things he reminds you of," testifying before the Lord, and it is a fearful thing to speak before God as a witness.
not to quarrel . Since the matter has a certain taste, and the human soul always wishes to dispute and argue, you, Paul says, protesting to them before God, do not engage in argument; instead, he says, command, taking God as a witness, so that they may know that if they despise you, God will judge them.
about words to no profit . For not only does it have no benefit to engage in disputes, arguments, and battles, but it also causes harm to the weaker among those who listen.
present yourself approved . As an example, blameless.
a worker who does not need to be ashamed . Much has been said about this shame. For it is likely that some who are perishing feel shame about the preaching, as the apostles suffer badly, and as Christ is preached with the cross, or at least because the preachers are humble, namely, Paul, a weaver of tents, and Peter, along with several others, were fishermen. The fact that he is not ashamed is because he has done nothing corrupt.
rightly dividing the word of truth . Cut away like a knife the excess and false doctrines, which those perishing have added to the preaching, and lead straight through the Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:16-19 Avoid profane and empty chatter; for they will increase in ungodliness, and their message will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened; and they overturn the faith of some. Yet the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His. And, let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity .
Avoid profane and empty chatter . If anything new in the preaching has been introduced from more recent empty chatter, it is altogether wicked and profane. As for that, either remove it or stand firmly to stop and prevent it altogether.
for they will increase in ungodliness . For if anything spurious is introduced, Paul says, it always leads to absurdity. And he receives a greater offering every day.
like gangrene . Gangrene is a infected ulcer, consuming the place, causing rotting; some say it is a creeping ulcer, or erysipelas 2 .
He who is Hymenaeus ..." Of those ones who utter profane and empty chatter.
— [THEODORET] saying that the resurrection . They called the succession of procreation of children to be cursed resurrection: and they enticed some to depart from apostolic teaching. [ end of the excerpt from Theodoret PG 82.685A ] —
saying that the resurrection has already happened . Rightly said above, for ungodliness will increase even more. For see how many evil things arise from saying that the resurrection has already happened. We would be deprived of the presence of Christ, what could be more grievous? There is no remedy, nor punishment. Christ, who promised these things, lies. And many similar things, such as, "If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised," (1 Cor. 15:14) nor does a judge sit over the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)
and they overturn the faith of some . Of those who are simpler and weaker.
Yet the solid foundation . Indeed, the faith of the weak is subverted; "a solid foundation”, however, stands (referring to the faithful who cannot be overthrown), having this mark and sign:
The Lord knows those who are His . Once indeed they were foreknown as wholly devoted to God and unchangeable. For the sign that they are known by God is that they could not be overthrown by wickedness so as to depart from the faith.
depart from iniquity . Here is another indication: namely, let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord depart from iniquity, that is, from the error of doctrines, as it is proper to call upon His name. For those who, like certain living columns, remain immovable, bear these inscriptions in their works.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 In a large house, there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and pottery, some of which are for honor, and others for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work .
Even now there are some who marvel at why the wicked are not destroyed. And we say that just as in a large house there are various vessels, so too in the world there are different kinds of people, not made so by God. For how could the wicked have the power to cleanse themselves? For this, going forward, commands those who lead themselves to this.
and others for dishonor , such as wooden and pottery items.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself . If the pottery vessel is something dishonorable and unclean, for Paul said, " If anyone purifies himself ," how then does he speak concerning the apostles, "Having therefore this treasure in earthen vessels"? (2 Cor. 4:7) And we say that there it discusses the nature of the body, not as something impure, but as something made of clay and earth. For from these the shell, the hard shell, is received there, as in relation to the comparison of the treasure contained within it. However, here it discusses virtue and wickedness, calling the wicked ones "pottery" and the virtuous ones "golden." Such persons are able, by their own choice, to be changed, both toward the good and toward the bad.
a vessel for honor . As for vessels made of gold and pottery in a house, the vessels always remain the same. But for such-shaped people, it is serious that the pottery becomes gold, and the gold through negligence becomes pottery. Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these wooden and pottery-like people, as having nothing of their kind, he becomes useful to the Master, since those others are clearly useless.
prepared for every good work . Even if now is not the time or opportunity to do this, one must nevertheless be ready and prepared to endure persecutions, sufferings, and martyrdom.
On divine teaching and a life pure and peaceful even toward adversaries.
2 Timothy 2:22-26 Flee from youthful lust. But pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Reject foolish and ignorant questions, knowing that they generate arguments. A servant of the Lord must not argue but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, correcting challengers with gentleness, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s snare, having been captured by him to do his will .
Youthful lust is not only fornication alone, but also every improper desire, whether one lusts for power or for wealth; for these fantasies are foolish and unstable of mind. Indeed, even an old man becomes youthful.
But pursue righteousness . Righteousness is defined as the true and loyal temperament toward those we love.
love, and peace with those who call on the Lord . That is, to those who trust alone, those who call upon the Lord without deception and deceit; to the peaceful, the unarmed, unite with them, pursue what has been said with them.
from a pure heart . For one can also call upon piousness with hypocrisy.
foolish and ignorant . For there are also sound and learned questions, namely those concerning the sacred Scriptures. But why did he say, " Reject, " and not rather, "Convince and refute it yourself"? Because a good answer brings no benefit: for they generate arguments.
A servant of the Lord must not argue . For the servants of Christ ought to be peaceful.
but be gentle to all . If one ought to be gentle and mild, how did he say elsewhere: "Rebuke them sharply," (Titus 1:13) and: "Let not the youth be despised"? (1 Tim. 4:12) Because it happens that one can rebuke sharply with mildness, and rashly and severely.
able to teach , that is, to those who desire to learn. Furthermore, flee from a heretical man after one or two warnings.
patient . For indeed, boldness is fierce, but gentleness knows how to persuade. For who would be persuaded by the bold one, who is often opposed even by the one advising? How then does Paul say elsewhere, after the first and second admonition, to avoid heretics? For see, having said this here as well, he designated the heretics as those challenging. And we say that those confessed and incurably ill must be avoided. But those concerning whom the matter was doubtful, and it is clear from what was said, " that God may grant them repentance ." For the phrase "may" is a custom for us to speak about the uncertain.
correcting challengers with gentleness . For this is most necessary. For often he who has been given advice ten times and has not listened will obey another who gives advice once, clearly the first ten counselors are working against their own interest.
that God may grant them repentance . And if it happens, Paul says, it is the work of God, not only of your gentleness. He suppresses the mindset of the teachers, leading the matter up to God.
and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s snare . But what is the knowledge of the truth? It is to recover from the Devil and from false doctrines, toward the truth of faith. See how, as from drunkenness or madness, Paul said they recover from the Devil's snare. For just as a little bird, even if caught by the tip of its foot, is still under the snare beneath it; so also we, even if we stray slightly from the doctrine, are caught under the Devil's snare.
having been captured by him . Being revived while captured, that is, being seized and confined by error to the will of the Devil. For those who are led astray by evil doctrines, having been seized to the Devil's own will, are held by the Devil.
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Translator notes for 2 Timothy chapter 2.
1. Gregory of Nyssa, Commentary on Ecclesiastes, 1.5.293, http://khazarzar.skeptik.net/pgm/PG_Migne/Gregory%20of%20Nyssa_PG%2044-46/In%20Ecclesiasten.pdf
2. “erysipelas” [ἐρυσιπέλην]. Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection involving the upper dermis that characteristically extends into the superficial cutaneous lymphatics. The Latin translation translates as, “Gangrene is an ulcer that consumes an infected place, causing rotting: which some call ἔρμην, because it seems to crawl.”