Bible Commentaries
2 Timothy 2

Verses 1-2

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1

Once again, we find Paul encouraging Timothy to be strong. He does this over twenty times in the Pastorals. Commentators make much of Timothy's timidity. However, Pett assures us that almost any normal young Christian with Timothy's great responsibilities would have needed much encouragement.^(F1) We must remember that this was a special time, with the proliferation of noxious and dangerous heresies as well as official Roman government persecution already standing in the doorway.^(F2) Young Timothy would need to find his strength in the word of God, in such passages as Isaiah 40:29, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Paul continues to call Timothy his son, as he has done in several other places (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2,18 and 2 Timothy 1:2).

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others" (2:2). In early times, the church was preoccupied with the subject of "apostolic succession." This was an attempt to prove that lines of apostolic authority could be traced back through many leaders to the apostles themselves. The early church historian, Eusebius, was very fond of tracing these supposed apostolic lines. Such an attempt is today considered unfruitful and really impossible. However, we have represented here the pattern for a spiritual apostolic succession, as the important truths of scripture are handed down from one generation to another.^(F3)

Today we probably do not take this charge of Paul seriously enough. Each committed Christian has the responsibility to pass on the faith that was once passed to him or her. But especially pastors have this responsibility. The popular pastor and commentator, David Guzik, says that this is a very essential part of the pastor's job. He is to pass on to others what has been passed on and committed to him. Training such future leaders is simply part of his job description. He must not focus on the smart, the popular, the strong, the good-looking, but upon the faithful.^(F4) After all, Jesus placed his focus on twelve faithful men and with them he changed the world.

Verses 3-4

ENDURING DIFFICULTY

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3

In the next few verses, Paul presents three primary pictures of our continuing hardship and responsibility as Christians. They are the soldier, the athlete and the farmer. He begins here with the soldier, who must endure great suffering or hardship (sunkakopatheo). This Greek word tells us that these difficulties are something that are shared with all the other soldiers.^(F5) The picture of a soldier was a favorite one of Paul, no doubt because he had spent years in their company and even chained to them at times (e.g. 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 6:11-18). Also, the Roman soldier was a good example of successful warfare. The Romans, with their splendid armies, had conquered and controlled most of the known world in Paul's day.

Paul no doubt wished to toughen Timothy up for the hardship that was coming. Hebrews 13:23, seems to indicate that Timothy himself finally had to endure some prison time. We do not know exactly when this took place. It was important that this young apostolic helper conduct himself like a soldier in all situations. Paul apparently liked to call his associates "fellow soldiers" as we see in Philippians 2:25 and Philemon 1:2.

The word "soldier" may sound romantic to some but it was a very difficult life. The soldier had to march long and tiring miles, often with insufficient clothing and rations. He had to endure the cold and heat. He had to sleep on the ground in all kinds of weather. No doubt, most difficult of all, he had to fight vicious enemies while he ran the real risk of being seriously wounded or killed.

The soldier had to be totally devoted to his commander. Each Roman soldier had to take an oath of loyalty (sacramentum) to the Emperor. He served the empire under what was later called the Code of Theodosius. This code said, "We forbid men engaged on military service to engage in civilian occupations." He had to be a soldier and nothing else. He had to stand ready to obey his commander and his Emperor without question.^{Rules of War among the Romans, by Grotius…Roman soldiers were not allowed to marry, or to engage in any husbandry or trade; and they were forbidden to act as tutors to any person, or curators to any man's estate, or proctors in the cause of other men. The general principle was, that they were excluded from those relations, agencies, and engagements, which it was thought would divert their minds from that which was to be the sole object of pursuit…"">(F6)}

Let us pause and try to apply this picture to the Christian life today. Not only did Timothy have to be a good soldier and have to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 1:18), but we all have to do the same. The early church father Tertullian (c. 160-225) in addressing the Martyrs put it, "No soldier comes to the war surrounded by luxuries."^(F7) As modern Christian soldiers we need to lightly hold the luxuries of this age. We need to put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12) which is spelled out for us clearly in Ephesians 6:11ff There is one piece of armor that we really need to put on today and that is the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). Depending on which figures we accept, some 25-50 percent of Christians are now dabbling in pornography. This is a popular means of opening up the gates of our citadel and allowing the devil to come in and take over. No real soldier can do such a thing. We desperately need this "mind protector" in this evil age.

"No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer" (2:4). We note that a soldier cannot be involved in civilian affairs or in secular activity. The general rule of Christianity is that the minister of the gospel should receive his living by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). We see this same picture in the priests and Levites of old, who lived from the offerings of Israel. However, we see that Paul, and perhaps others, gave up this privilege and often helped support themselves as "tentmakers." They did this so they would not be stumbling blocks to the young churches (Acts 18:3). Nevertheless, we should note that Paul often received wonderful gifts from other churches to aid him in his ministry (Philippians 4:18).

Perhaps this quandary is summed up by some remarks of commentator E. M. Zerr who said, "Any kind of occupation whether right or wrong in itself that prevents a disciple from doing his duty would constitute the entangling affairs mentioned in this verse."^(F8)

Verse 5

THE ATHLETE

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5

It is not just the soldier who had a tough life. The athlete had one too. The athlete had to strive for masteries. The term "competing" or "striving" for masteries is the Greek athleo and it is from this word that we get our words "athletic" and "athlete."^(F9) Not only did the Greek athlete spend ten months in training before the contest, but he had to engage in certain prescribed exercises, observe a very rigid diet, and live a separated life.^(F10) If he was competing in the Olympics he had to state on oath that he had fulfilled all the ten months of training.^(F11) In addition, he had to strive lawfully (Gk. athlein nominos) in order to win the coveted crown, which was made up of laurel or garland.

Now, how do these requirements apply to pastors, and indeed to average Christians today? The radio preacher of last century, J. Vernon McGee used to say, "The only exercise some Christians get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, sidestepping their responsibilities and pushing their luck."^(F12) Our preachers, as well as most of us, have little discipline in our lives. In the US over 60 percent of us are overweight and that includes a lot of prominent fat pastors and Christian leaders.

We might also ask, "Are we playing by the rules?" Athletes could not cut corners in their training or in the contest itself. In other words, are we living by the word of God and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit? In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul tells us that many participators run the race, but only the one who is most diligent gets the prize. All the athletes of old and those today compete for a prize that is perishable. How much more diligent should we be as Christian leaders and average Christians, to gain our prize which is imperishable and eternal. We must not allow ourselves to fail or be disqualified in this important race of life. We cannot help but notice today that many of our star athletes have lost their prizes because they have not played by the rules and have cheated by using performance enhancing drugs. Stott says "No rules, no wreath!" That was the order of the day in ancient times and so the same order is in effect today.^(F13)

Verses 6-7

THE FARMER

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:6

I had the good fortune to spend my younger years on the farm. From that experience I know full well that the life of a farmer is difficult. The work seems to never end, unless it rains or the weather is otherwise inclement. There were always cows to milk, fences to fix, weeds to cut, in addition to all the other regular farm work. I remember as a fairly young boy, driving the tractor all night preparing the ground and my dad taking over in the morning and doing the final preparation and sowing. We had to make use of every hour lest we would have a stretch of wet weather and might miss a crop entirely on that piece of ground.

The good part of farming was that we always had plenty to eat, while that was not the case with other families in those days just after the Great Depression. Paul says here that the hard-working farmer should get the first share of the harvest. Of course, if the farmer does not work hard there will be little or no harvest. The author of Proverbs tells us about the field of the lazy farmer that is all overgrown with thorns and thistles (Proverbs 24:30-31). The good farmer may not have the glory of the soldier or the fame of the athlete but he should have plenty to eat. Who would dare keep him from enjoying the fruits of his labor? Actually those fruits go out to countless other people as the farmer takes his harvest to market. Today the average US farmer feeds over 150 people.

Like the farmer, the Christian pastor or worker has to sow the seed of the word (Galatians 6:8) in order to be found bringing in the sheaves of spiritual harvest. Truly, today the harvest is plentiful because of the hard labor of others before us (Matthew 9:37). Literally, about all we have to do to participate in the greatest farming operation ever, is to gather in the sheaves. Yet, we are quite reluctant to do that. The preacher and teacher, Derek Prince used to shame those sons of God who dared sleep through such an enormous harvest (Proverbs 10:5).

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this" (2:7). Paul has certainly given us something to think about in these pictures. He has given us "three aspects of wholeheartedness…the dedication of a good soldier, the law-abiding obedience of a good athlete and the painstaking labor of a good farmer."^(F14) May we meditate and learn.

Verses 8-9

SUFFERING FOR THE SAVIOR

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Here Paul gives us two grand truths of the Christian faith. The first is spiritual and the second is natural. First he tells us the astounding news that Jesus is risen from the dead. No other religious leader in the history of the world has such a qualification. In the Greek language, the word for "raised" is a perfect participle. It refers to action that is completed in the past but that still has a present result. Jesus was raised in the past but he is still alive and with us.^(F15)

The whole idea of bodies being raised from the dead was a repulsive idea to the Greeks, who saw real existence as being a solely spiritual thing (Acts 17:32). Several early Christian leaders were Greek philosophers prior to their conversions, or else they were deeply involved in Greek philosophy. Some of these overemphasized the spiritual and ignored the natural, not realizing that the two had to go together (1 Corinthians 15:46). As time went on, the church would have a life and death struggle with Gnosticism. This early heresy was in some ways a continuation of Greek thought, by its emphasis on the spiritual and by ignoring the natural. This early struggle, as we have mentioned, was presently going on in Ephesus where Timothy ministered.

We certainly do not want to ignore the spiritual since it is vitally important. The resurrection of the dead is a deeply spiritual process. Jesus was raised by the Holy Spirit of God (Romans 8:11). But there was a natural part of his resurrected life, and he illustrated it by eating fish in the presence of his amazed disciples (Luke 24:39-43).

The other grand truth about Jesus was related very closely to his natural life. He was a descendant of King David, as the prophets had long foretold (2 Samuel 7:14-16; Isaiah 55:3; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Luke 1:32; Romans 1:3). For this reason, the throne of David is an eternal throne just as God promised (1 Kings 9:5). It seems that these two areas have been the point of attack of God's enemies throughout the ages and even today.^(F16) The world cannot accept that Jesus was raised form the dead and neither can it accept that David has an eternal throne and that Jesus is even today sitting upon it.

It was this message, this gospel, that caused Paul and the others so much trouble. Many Jews despised the message and so did many of the Greeks. Paul was now chained and in a Roman dungeon because of this message. He was chained as a malefactor or evil doer (Gk. kakourgos).^(F17)

Although Paul was chained, he knew that the word of God was not chained. As Psalm 147:15 says, "He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly." When Paul was imprisoned the first time in Rome, and even chained at times, he wrote to the Philippians that his chains had really advanced the gospel. Because of being chained to soldiers, the gospel had made headway with the whole imperial guard, and the church was thus encouraged (Philippians 1:12-14).

Unfortunately, there is a way that the word of God can be bound. We can bind it ourselves. Pastor and commentator David Guzik says, "If there is any sense in which the word is bound, it is bound when it is abandoned by its very friends. When pulpits sound more like self-help books than those who proclaim God's word; when scripture is used sparingly like a spice in a message, instead of being the core of it, pastors themselves put a chain around the Bible."^(F18)

"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (2:10). Paul knew that he could endure anything and everything with the Lord's help. He could endure it for the sake of Christ and his church. He knew that there was a great reward awaiting him. Actually, Paul had to endure a lot. We have mentioned earlier that Paul was likely a political prisoner as well as a prisoner of the gospel.

In the year AD 64, an enormous fire devastated Rome. The fire burned for six days and nights. Because many of the residents of Rome lived in tenements largely built of wood, they were made homeless, destitute and hopeless. There was a story going around that the Emperor Nero was responsible for the fire and thus tempers flared. The government quickly had to find a scapegoat for the fire and that lot fell upon the Christians. This worked well, since the Christians were often hated for their supposed abominations and for the fictional idea that they were part of a secret sect. Secret sects had been closely regulated by the suspicious Roman government. Special permission had to be granted before any such meetings could take place, and therefore the Christians were looked upon as an illegal sect.

Paul, of course, would have been looked upon as the leader of this illegal sect. Perhaps he was even the one responsible for the fire.^(F19) Paul was thus cast in prison, likely at the Mamertine Prison in Rome. Barnes describes this prison saying, "The lower prison is supposed to have been once a quarry, and to have been at one time occupied as a granary. This prison was on the descent of the Capitoline Mount, toward the Forum. It consisted of two apartments, one over the other, built with large, un-cemented stones. There is no entrance to either, except by a small aperture in the roof, and by a small hole in the upper floor, leading to the cell below, without any staircase to either."^(F20) With this description we can almost understand why others were reluctant to visit Paul.

Verses 11-13

A BLESSED HYMN AND TESTIMONY OF FAITH

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 2 Timothy 2:11

A number of commentators feel that these lines make up the beginning or a fragment of an early Christian hymn or confession of faith.^(F21) The lines open by declaring that if we die with Christ we shall live with him. There are obviously two ways we can look at this statement. We know that according to Romans 6:3-5, when we are baptized into Christ we are baptized into his death. Baptism is therefore a picture of our dying with Christ in a spiritual sense. As we turn away from ourselves and from sin each day of our lives, it is surely a process of dying. However, with Paul in dire straits and facing an almost certain death, it is not likely he was thinking of baptism. Guzik citing Hiebert says, "The context here seems rather to point to physical death as the highest point of suffering for Christ. The reference then is to the martyr's death now viewed from the standpoint of the crowning day."^(F22)

Indeed, the Christian life is a strange one. The enigma of it is expressed so well in the lines that are perhaps erroneously attributed to Saint Francis. The last words go like this:

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.^(F23)

Paul continues with his hymn or confession saying, "if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;" (2:12). To endure with him is surely to share in his rejection and his sufferings. In Luke 21:17, Jesus says, "Everyone will hate you because of me." In John 15:20, he says, "Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also…" Early Christians were certain that the reigning with Christ would take place on this earth (Romans 5:17; Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:5).

But it is clear that there is no crown without a cross; no throne without a thorn. We must share in his sufferings (e.g. 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10-12; 24:13; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3-5). If we fail him or deny him, he will deny us, as he says in Matthew 10:33, "But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Lewis Donelson, Associate Professor of New Testament at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, says here, "Thus far, we might assume that heretics should be treated brusquely and even highhandedly. This passage contends otherwise."^(F24) We remember the great grace that was showered on Peter, who disowned the Master three times, and at last with a curse. Yet, by the boundless mercy of the Master he was forgiven and reinstated (John 21:15-17).

Paul finishes the lines saying, "if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself" (2:13). From Bible history we see how Israel was faithless and yet God remained faithful to the nation as a whole. In fact, today we have a mostly restored Israel in our midst simply because God is faithful to the words he spoke through the prophets thousands of years ago. Israel was not faithful and is not really faithful today, but God is faithful.

Long ago Augustine (354-430) said, "The only thing the Almighty cannot do is what he does not will…"^(F25) Stott sums it up another way saying, "God can do everything consistent with being himself. The one and only thing he cannot do, because he will not, is to deny himself or act contrary to himself."^(F26)

Verses 14-15

TIMOTHY, GOD'S APPROVED WORKMAN

Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 2 Timothy 2:14

Christians are prone to quarrel, and often they are found quarreling about things which are not core items of the faith but rather quite peripheral. I remember hearing of a church that argued and finally got into a brawl over whether or not to have a Christmas tree. Paul terms such arguments as logomachia, or word battles. He deems them useless. "At the time of the great Communist revolution in Russia, the Orthodox Church was engaged in a tremendous argumentative crisis over the making of church vestments! Many a time, Christians have plunged into useless and silly arguments while the citadel of their faith was destroyed."^(F27)

Stedman tells the story of famous Admiral Nelson as the decisive Battle of Trafalgar was about to take place. The Admiral, "came across two officers of his own flagship who were arguing hotly and about to take sword to each other. Nelson stepped between them and said, 'Stop.' Then, pointing to the French fleet, he said, 'There is the enemy.'"^(F28)

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2:15). The translators have had a field day on this verse. The New American Standard has it, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." The New Revised Standard says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth."

The American Greek scholar A. T. Robertson translates the participle "correctly handles" orthotomounta as "cutting straight." Although it has other meanings like making straight paths (cf. Proverbs 3:6; 11:5 LXX), he feels it is much more sensible to interpret it in pictures that both Paul and Timothy would readily be familiar. Paul was a tentmaker by profession and he knew how to make a straight cut with rough camel hair cloth.^(F29) We can imagine the problems of a leaky tent when someone cut the cloth in such a way that the pieces did not fit together properly. While the term can mean "cut a path in a straight direction,"^(F30) or dividing and distribution portions of food as a steward,^(F31) or plowing a straight furrow,^(F32) we can get the general idea.

We must not twist the word of God or interpret it in a way to support our pet doctrines. Neither should we be afraid to stand for what the Bible says in our perverted and depraved age. It is important that we keep in mind the whole counsel of scripture and always interpret scripture by other scripture.

It has been common in the last generations to translate the admonition "Do your best" as "Study." This was the long cherished interpretation made in the early seventeenth century with the King James Version. Sadly, we must now discard this interpretation for the Greek word spoudazo conveys the ideas "to make haste, to exert one's self, endeavor, give diligence."^(F33) While it does not mean "study" it must certainly include it as we learn to properly handle the word of God.

Verses 16-18

AVOIDING GODLESS TEACHING

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:16

The Greek term for "godless chatter" is kenophonia and it can mean "vain babblings" or words that are empty or hollow.^(F34) Paul had warned of this kind of thing when speaking to his young helper in 1 Timothy 6:20. In this day when there is such an abundance of words, through the Internet and through other media, we tend not to be careful with our words. We forget the warning of Jesus in Matthew 12:36-37, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Today especially, we have numerous teachers, and some very popular ones, who are uttering all kinds of nonsense and claiming it is from the Lord. For sure, much of this qualifies as godless chatter and vain babbling. We should not put up with these false teachers for a moment. Guzik remarks about this saying, "Many today accept and honor teachers who are way off in one area or another; and they justify it by saying, 'I eat the meat and spit out the bones.' This kind of thinking will certainly overthrow the faith of some, because some will certainly choke to spiritual death on the bones you say you spit out."^(F35)

"Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some" (2:17-18). A couple of good examples of false teaching and vain babbling in Paul's day were Hymenaeus and Philetus. We have likely heard of Hymenaeus before. In 1 Timothy 1:20, Paul had already disciplined one with that name by handing him over to Satan in order that he would learn not to blaspheme.

No doubt these heretics were following the trend of Greek thought and were trying to spiritualize or allegorize the resurrection. Conversely, several early Christian interpreters thought these heretics were saying that resurrection merely comes through the natural human birth process.^(F36) Regardless of their exact teaching, these two remind us of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. No doubt we remember that the ground opened up and destroyed their families and followers (Numbers 16:1ff).

Paul says that such false teaching will spread like gangrene (Gk. gangraina). According to the Mayo Clinic, gangrene involves the death of body tissue due to bacterial infection or lack of blood flow.^(F37) We know that gangrene is a life-threatening condition and must be identified and dealt with immediately. Just as gangrene is followed by mortification and death, such is the case with false teaching. It also must be identified and dealt with immediately.

Verse 19

GOD KNOWS HIS OWN

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." 2 Timothy 2:19

There are no surprises in the kingdom of God. The Lord knows those who are his (John 2:24; 6:64; 13:18; Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:1-2). Some who think they are his may be surprised in that day, but God will not be surprised. Actually, those chosen by the Lord were predestined before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Their names were written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27) and they are sealed with the Spirit for the difficult days of the end (Ephesians 4:30).

It was customary in ancient times to write certain information on the cornerstone of a building as it was being constructed. This inscription or seal indicated ownership and destination or purpose.^(F38) Two scriptures come to mind here. Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:15, that the church is "…the pillar and foundation of the truth." In 1 Corinthians 3:11, he also says that Jesus is the support of the foundation and that "…no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." We might wonder if the words spoken to Peter at Caesarea Philippi might also be seen on this foundation, "…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).

Going hand in hand with our security, it is important to note as Kenneth Wuest points out, "The purity of the Church is indispensable to its security."^(F39) We can understand why this prominent message was written on the foundation stone, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." The saved and predestined must cooperate on a daily basis with the program of sanctification which is carried out by the Holy Spirit, who is our seal (Ephesians 4:30).

Verses 20-21

MADE FOR NOBLE PURPOSES

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 2 Timothy 2:20

Paul continues here with the subject of sanctification. From the Bible we know that there are two aspects of sanctification or holiness. We are assured that sanctification is in fact included in the salvation package (positional sanctification). Holiness, is first of all a gift given to us from above. It is from Jesus and is based upon his atonement (Hebrews 13:12). We read in Hebrews 10:10, that we are sanctified by the once for all offering up of the body of Jesus Christ. We read of the eternal nature of this offering in Hebrews 10:14;"For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."

But there is a second side to sanctification (progressive sanctification). There is still a responsibility on our part to apply that holiness to our lives (2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1). We learn several things about the holiness process in scripture. We see that holiness or sanctification comes by faith. It also comes by the washing of the word, or through heeding the word of God each day that we live (John 17:17& Ephesians 5:26). It is also certainly the work of the Holy Spirit as we note in Romans 15:16.

Paul tells us that in a large house or palace there are all kinds of vessels. It is possible here that Paul is speaking of the whole professing church.^(F40) We know that the church is mysteriously made up of wheat and tares (Matthew 13:30) and is thus a mixture. These will not be separated until the harvest. We see the same picture in the Ark of Noah. Inside the saving ark there were animals of all kinds, the clean and the unclean.

So, some vessels are of gold and very precious while others are just plain old clay pots. These are sometimes used for ignoble and unholy purposes. For instance, until the middle of the 20th century, chamber pots were still used in many US houses. It had been that way since ancient times. Finally they were replaced by indoor plumbing. We can think of several other vessels that are used for ignoble purposes, such as garbage cans, slop buckets and wastebaskets. The early Christian writer Theodoret of Cyr (c. 393 – c. 457) expands upon this picture saying, "The golden vessels are persons of faith and virtue, the silver those who embrace civil life virtuously and righteously and the wooden those who live irreverent and disgraceful lives."^(F41)

Of course, we know that God can use simple earthen clay pots for his holy purposes if he wishes. He can also take these pots and fill them with his glory (2 Corinthians 4:7). The secret is that the clay pots, as well as all other vessels, must be cleansed and ready for the Master's use.

"Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work" (2:21). Sometimes we might wonder why certain people are mightily used of God. The answer is likely that they are mightily prepared. We think of young Daniel for instance. He not only prepared himself in the things of God but he was thoroughly learned in the wisdom and literature of the Babylonians. He was prepared and qualified to serve (Daniel 1:3-4). He absolutely refused to be defiled with that king's pagan food that was not kosher and had likely been offered to idols (Daniel 1:8).

Paul says in Romans 6:13, "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." When we allow ourselves to be daily sanctified by the word and by the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves "…thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:17).

Verses 22-26

FLEEING EVIL THINGS

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

We have two commands here. We are to flee the evil desires of youth and we are to run after good things like love and peace (cf. 1 Peter 3:11). The Greek word for flee is pheugo, and it means literally to seek safety in flight or to escape.^(F42) In the Bible it is permissible to flee from persecution if possible (Matthew 10:23). But here the meaning is to flee from sin and spiritual temptations, particularly those of youth. We can all think of some really stupid things we did in our youth. We certainly do not want these things to continue in our adult lives. A wonderful biblical example of fleeing temptation is found in the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:7-20). Although the wife of Potiphar begged Joseph to have sex with her, he would not consent. Finally she grabbed hold of his cloak and attempted to force him into the sexual act. Joseph would have no part of it but he fled from her leaving his cloak in her hands.

We are not only to flee evil but we are to run after or pursue (Gk. dioko) good things like righteousness, faith, love and peace. "We are both to run away from spiritual danger and to run after spiritual good."^(F43)

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels" (2:23). The term for foolish is moros. It means dull, sluggish or stupid.^(F44) Obviously, it is from this Greek word that we derive our word "moron." It is moronic to engage in arguments. We should be aware that the one who wants to argue with us is probably a real expert in arguing and debating. We would no doubt lose the argument anyway. Also, arguing never wins people to Christ and it does not convince them of Christian truth. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."

"And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful" (2:24). There can be no quarreling among the Lord's people or among the ministry. "Charles Spurgeon spoke about those in his day whom, he said, '…went about with theological revolvers in their ecclesiastical trousers'"^(F45) There also can be no quarreling among the flock of God.

The term "servant" is the Greek word doulos or the word for slave. In ancient times the slave was the sole property of his master. He literally had no will or rights of his own. A slave who was arguing with other slaves was thus a contradiction. That slave's will and his words were really reserved for service to his master (Titus 2:9). We simply cannot tell how much damage arguing and quarreling has done over the centuries. Stott says, "The combination of unbiblical speculations and uncharitable polemics has done great damage to the cause of Christ."^(F46)

So, we must not be argumentative or resentful. Instead we must be kind and considerate to everyone and be able to instruct others in the way of righteousness. We will be able to teach and instruct (Gk. didaktikos) if we express these other good qualities. Calvin says, "There will be no room for instruction, if he have not moderation and some equability of temper."^(F47) Here we are reminded of Isaiah's Servant Messiah. It was said of him in Isaiah 42:2, "He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets." Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:29, "…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Paul finishes up this chapter saying, "Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" (2:25-26). It is clear that humanity is greatly deceived. The scripture says, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4). The glory of God is displayed everywhere in creation but these cannot see. No one likes to be told that he or she is blind, so it is important that we gently instruct others, always being careful to show humility, concern and pure unfailing love.

The purpose of course is to bring these to repentance (Gk. metanoian) and into a knowledge of the truth. The Greek word here for knowledge is epignosis, and it means a "precise, experiential knowledge."^(F48) The citizens of this evil age are blind, deaf, confused and are being carried off to an eternal hell in the devil's chains. The Greek word sogreo means to be captured alive and most commentators see this as being captured by the devil.^{2 Corinthians 4:4), and, stumbling along, have been caught in his trap (see also 1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:9)."">(F49)} We must get the saving word, the saving knowledge to them before it is too late.