For masteries; in the athletic games common in those days as public amusements.--Lawfully; according to the rules and conditions established for the regulation of the game.
The meaning is, that the husbandman must labor before he can partake of the fruits; and so the toils and sufferings of Christ's service here must precede the rest and rewards of heaven.
The foundation of God; the foundation which God has laid,--meaning that portion of the professing church which he had established, as is indicated by what follows.--Let every one, &c.; that is, there was a test to determine the genuineness of discipleship, in the personal holiness which was manifested as the fruits of a religious profession.
Bibliographical Information Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentary on 2 Timothy 2". "Abbott's Illustrated New Testament". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ain/2-timothy-2.html. 1878.
Verse 2
Verse 2
To faithful men; as ministers of the gospel.
Verse 3
Verse 3
Hardness; hardship.
Verse 5
Verse 5
For masteries; in the athletic games common in those days as public amusements.--Lawfully; according to the rules and conditions established for the regulation of the game.
Verse 6
Verse 6
The meaning is, that the husbandman must labor before he can partake of the fruits; and so the toils and sufferings of Christ's service here must precede the rest and rewards of heaven.
Verse 8
Verse 8
My gospel; the gospel which has been intrusted to me.
Verse 9
Verse 9
Wherein; in preaching which.
Verse 11
Verse 11
Dead with him; dead to sin with him.
Verse 17
Verse 17
Their word; their influence.--Will eat as doth a canker; corrupting and destroying the spirit of piety.
Verse 19
Verse 19
The foundation of God; the foundation which God has laid,--meaning that portion of the professing church which he had established, as is indicated by what follows.--Let every one, &c.; that is, there was a test to determine the genuineness of discipleship, in the personal holiness which was manifested as the fruits of a religious profession.
Verse 20
Verse 20
A great house; here representing the house of God, namely, the church.
Verse 21
Verse 21
Purge himself from these; from the errors and follies above named.
Verse 24
Verse 24
Must not strive; must not dispute and contend.