1 Thou therefore, my sonne, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Iesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of mee among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithfull men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore indure hardnesse, as a good souldier of Iesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth, intangleth himselfe with the affaires of this life, that hee may please him who hath chosen him to be a souldier.
5 And if a man also striue for masteries, yet is hee not crowned except hee striue lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth, must bee first partaker of the fruites.
7 Consider what I say, and the Lord giue thee vnderstanding in all things.
8 Remember that Iesus Christ of the seede of Dauid, was raised from the dead, according to my Gospel:
9 Wherein I suffer trouble as an euill doer, euen vnto bonds: but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I indure all things for the elects sakes, that they may also obtaine the saluation which is in Christ Iesus, with eternall glory.
11 It is a faithfull saying: for if we bee dead with him, wee shall also liue with him.
12 If we suffer, we shall also reigne with him: if wee denie him, hee also will denie vs.
13 If we beleeue not, yet he abideth faithfull, he cannot denie himselfe.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord, that they striue not about words to no profite, but to the subuerting of the hearers.
15 Studie to shewe thy selfe approued vnto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly diuiding the word of trueth.
16 But shun profane and vaine bablings, for they will increase vnto more vngodlinesse.
17 And their word will eate as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus.
18 Who concerning the trueth haue erred, saying that the resurrection is past alreadie, and ouerthrow the faith of some.
19 Neuerthelesse the foundation of God standeth sure, hauing the seale, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let euery one that nameth the Name of Christ, depart from iniquitie.
20 But in a great house, there are not onely vessels of gold, and of siluer, but also a wood, & of earth: and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himselfe from these, he shal be a vessell vnto honour, sanctified, and meete for the Masters vse, and prepared vnto euery good worke.
22 Flie also youthfull lusts: but follow righteousnesse, faith, charitie, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and vnlearned questions auoid, knowing that they doe gender strifes.
24 And the seruant of the Lord must not striue: but bee gentle vnto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekenesse instructing those that oppose themselues, if God peraduenture will giue them repentance to the acknowledging of the trueth.
26 And that they may recouer themselues out of the snare of the deuill, who are taken captiue by him at his will.
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman. (1-7) Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness. (8-13) Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors. (14-21) Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit. (22-26)1-7 As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read.
8-13 Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
14-21 Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, #Tit 2:14|. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.
22-26 The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of saints, will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth, by his grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would continue to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure," in respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot tell that he will give repentance to those who oppose his will. Sinners are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except by repentance, which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him by earnest, persevering prayer.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.