1Timothy is exhorted to constancy and perseverance in the discharge of his duty, as a good soldier of Christ, looking for a certain reward of his fatigues and sufferings; 15to divide the word of truth rightly, and to shun profane and vain babblings. 17The dangerous error of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 19The foundation of God standeth sure. 20Of vessels honourable and dishonourable. 22Timothy is taught what to flee, and what to follow, and how the servant of Christ must behave toward all men.
1THOU therefore, 1my son, be 2strong 3in the grace 4that is in Christ Jesus.
1 See of this appellation 1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2 and 2 Tim. 1:2.
2 Or, strengthened, that is, endued with strength and power, namely, to endure the labor of the ministry, and to suffer all manner of afflictions with steadfastness.
3 Or, by the grace.
4 That is, which God has showed and testified to us by Jesus Christ.
2And the things that thou hast heard of me 5among many witnesses, the same 6commita thou to 7faithful men, who 8shall be able to teach others also.
5 Gr. by many witnesses, as 2 Cor. 2:4; 3:11; that is, which you have heard publicly in the presence of so many of my hearers, who all can testify that, what you teach, you have heard and received the same from me.
6 Or, lay it up with faithful, etc.
a Titus 1:5.
7 Namely, in the keeping and propounding of the pure doctrine and in the administration of their office.
8 That is, who are not only well exercised in the doctrine, but also have the ability to set forth the same for edification.
3Thou therefore 9endure hardness, as a 10good soldier of Jesus Christ.
9 Gr. suffer evil, as also in verse 9. 2 Tim. 4:5.
10 That is, serve the Lord Christ, and under Christ, in a spiritual war against His and His elect’s enemies. See 2 Cor. 10:3, 4, etc.; 1 Tim. 1:18. For, a true soldier must not avoid labor, pains, hardship, or perils.
411Nob man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him 12who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
11 That is, even as soldiers cannot trouble themselves with commerce, trades or husbandry, whereby a living or sustenance is commonly obtained, but must always attend upon their watches, marches and other services concerning the war, according to the order of their commanders, so also must a faithful teacher of the Gospel do the same, and not trouble himself with any other worldly things to administer his office faithfully, that he may be acceptable unto God, 2 Cor. 5:9.
b 1 Cor. 9:25.
12 That is, his commander or captain.
5And if a man also 13strive for masteries, yet 14is he not crowned, except he strive 15lawfully.
13 Namely, with wrestling, running, or such similar games, which are set up for a prize. See 1 Cor. 9:24.
14 That is, receives not the prize, which was commonly a plaited crown.
15 That is, according to the regulations made for such exercises, if he has not dully fulfilled them.
616Thec husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
16 This is, as a husbandman must first plow, harrow, sow, weed, reap, plant, water, etc., before he can receive the fruits, so also a teacher of the Gospel must first put forth diligent labor, before he can receive any fruit either for the congregation or for himself. Psalm 126:6; Isa. 65:23; Mat. 13:3, etc.; 1 Cor. 9:10.
c 1 Cor. 9:10.
7Consider what 17I say; and 18the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
17 That is, means to say by these by similitudes, to apply them to yourself in your ministry.
18 But seeing by nature we cannot comprehend those things which are of the Spirit of God, and are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2:14, I pray unto God that He would enlighten your understanding both in these and all other things concerning salvation and your office, to comprehend all things rightly and perfectly.
819Remember 20that Jesus Christ of the seedd of David was raised from the dead 21according to my gospel:
19 That is, be always mindful to meditate and to inculcate diligently this article of faith often, for your own comfort and the congregation as well as for the confutation of false teachers who deny the resurrection. See verse 18. 1 Cor. 15:12, 13, etc.
20 Or, that Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, is of the seed of David.
d 2 Sam. 7:12; Psalm 132:11; Isa. 11:1; Mat. 1:1; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Rom. 1:3.
21 That is, according to the doctrine of the Gospel which I have always and steadfastly taught, whereof this article is one of the most important.
922Whereine I suffer trouble, as 23an evil doer, even 24untof bonds; but 25the word of God is not bound.
22 Gr. in which; an Hebraism.
e Eph. 3:13; Col. 1:24.
23 That is, am so treated as if I had committed some wicked deeds.
24 That is, so much and so far, that I am therefore brought prisoner here at Rome, and am bound and kept with a chain to be judged by the emperor.
f Eph. 3:1; 4:1; Philip. 1:7; Col. 4:3, 18; 2 Tim. 1:8.
25 That is, the preaching of the Gospel does go forward nevertheless, notwithstanding my imprisonment. See Philip. 1:12, 13.
10Therefore I endure all things 26for the elect’s sakes, 27that they may also obtain the salvation 28which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
26 That is, for the good and service of the elect, not thereby to satisfy for them, for their reconciliation with God; for Christ has done that only and perfectly, Isa. 63:3; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5, but for their edification and confirmation in the faith. see Col. 1:24.
27 Namely, being strengthened in the faith by my steadfastness in suffering for the Gospel’s sake.
28 That is, which Christ has merited and procured for us, and which is freely given to the elect for Christ’s sake.
11It is 29a faithful saying: Forg if we be dead 30with him, we shall also 31live with him:
29 See 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Titus 3:8.
g Rom. 6:8.
30 That is, shall innocently be afflicted or put to death for His sake, Rom. 8:36; 2 Cor. 4:10, as is further declared in the following verse.
31 Namely, hereafter eternally.
12Ifh we 32suffer, we shall also 33reign with him: ifi we deny 34him, he also will deny us:
h Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 4:10; Philip. 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13.
32 Namely, all manner of tribulations, with patience and steadfastness in the faith.
33 Gr. rule as kings, or reign.
i Mat. 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; 12:9.
34 Namely, Christ, or His doctrine. See Mat. 10:33.
13Ifj we 35believe not, yet 36he abideth faithful: he cannot deny 37himself.
j Num. 23:19; Rom. 3:3; 9:6.
35 Namely, in adhering to and confessing Him steadfastly, or in serving Him faithfully. Or, are unfaithful, that is, believe not, or trust not in His promises.
36 Namely, nevertheless, in all His words, threats and promises. Rom. 3:3, 4.
37 That is, do anything that is contrary to the perfection of His nature; as it would be if He would say or promise or threaten anything, and would not accomplish it. Num. 23:19.
14Of these things 38put them in remembrance, charging them 39before the Lord that they 40strive not about words 41to no profit, but to the 42subverting of the hearers.
38 Or, cause them to remember these things. Namely, inculcating the same to the congregation upon all occasions.
39 That is, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and as in His presence, as they love the Lord.
40 See of this, 1 Tim. 6:4.
41 That is, not unto edification of the congregation in the faith or godliness.
42 That is, entangling, offending, weakening of the faith, or also turning them away from sound doctrine.
15Study to shew thyself 43approved unto God, 44a workman that needeth not to be 45ashamed, 46rightly dividing 47the word of truth.
43 That is, after long trial by labor and tribulations, found faithful and upright.
44 Namely, in the work of the Lord, in the preaching of God’s Word, in all diligence and faithfulness.
45 That is, who by reason of any negligence, impurity, or unfaithfulness, has no need to be ashamed.
46 That is, proposes orderly and applies all the main articles and parts of the same, according to the comprehension and occasion of the hearers. A similitude taken either from the priests of the Old Testament, who capably dismembered and divided the animals slain for sacrifice, or, from householders, who cut out and distribute meat to their family, to everyone according to one’s need. See 1 Cor 3:2; Heb. 5:12, etc.
47 That is, the pure and true doctrine of the Gospel. See 2 Cor. 6:7; Col. 1:5; James 1:18.
16Butk48shun 49profane and 50vain babblings: for they will 51increase unto more ungodliness.
k 1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 6:20; Titus 1:14; 3:9.
48 Gr. stand about, that is, not only take heed of it, but reprove and hinder it also in others.
49 That is, which induces not to godliness, but much rather hinders it, and therefore does not become godly teachers.
50 Whereof see, 1 Tim. 6:20.
51 Namely, if it at one time takes place in them, and it is not right away checked in them.
17And 52their 53word will 54eat as doth a 55canker:l of whom is 56Hymenaeus and Philetus;
52 Namely, of the vain blabbers.
53 That is, false doctrine, which they embellish and indoctrinate with such vain crying and human eloquence.
54 That is, be spread throughout the body of the congregation and destroy the same. A similitude taken from festering swellings or diseases, which consume the flesh of the body, and always spread forward, as the following word declares.
55 Gr. gangraina, which disease is not properly that which one calls a cancer, although it, like a cancer, always creeps along and consumes the flesh, but what is commonly called the dead gangrene, which very speedily spreads forth, and takes away the flesh, life and sense, except one seeks to take it away immediately.
l cancer, ulcerous disease
56 Of this person see 1 Tim. 1:20. He mentions here the main vain blabbers, in order they, being known, may the better be avoided.
18Who concerning 57the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is 58past already; and overthrow the 59faith of some.
57 That is, from the orthodox doctrine of the Gospel, which before they had professed.
58 That is, that there shall then be no resurrection of the flesh, and that all what the Scripture speaks of the resurrection, must be understood of the spiritual resurrection of the souls from the death of sin.
59 That is, their historical knowledge and assent which they have had of the true doctrine. See of such a faith Mat. 13:21; James 2:19.
1960Nevertheless 61the foundation of God 62standeth sure, having 63this seal, Them Lord 64knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one 65that nameth the name of Christ depart 66from iniquity.
60 Namely, although some turn away from the truth, and the faith of some is overthrown, yet we must not be offended at it, as if the salvation of the elect was uncertain, seeing it appears from this that such were not of the number of the elect, who cannot be deceived, Mat. 24:24.
61 That is, God’s purpose of eternal election, which is firm and unchangeable, Isa. 14:27; 46:10; Mal. 3:6; James 1:17, and as a well laid foundation of a building that is immovable; on which purpose, as on a firm foundation, rests the salvation of the elect. This foundation is contrasted to what is said before, that the faith of some is perverted or overthrown, as a house that has no firm foundation. See Mat. 7:24, etc.; Luke 10:20.
62 That is, is permanent, firm and certain, 1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Cor. 1:24; Philip. 1:27; 4:1.
63 That is, this sign, wherewith the book of life, in which the names of the elect are written, is confirmed as with a seal; and wherewith the number of the elect is sealed in the foreknowledge of God, as in a book shut up, Rev. 22:10. Or, whereby is made known whether a person is elected by God or not. Rev. 7:3, 4.
m John 10:14.
64 That is, knows, has chosen, and loves whom He accounts for His people, Psalm 1:6; Mat. 7:23; John 13:18, and causes also oftentimes that some, who by the people were looked upon for elect by their turning away from sound doctrine and falling to ungodliness, are known never to have been such. See Num. 16:5 and 1 John 2:19.
65 That is, who passes oneself off to be a believing Christian, and consequently elected by God.
66 That is, from all manner of sin, which is iniquity, 1 John 3:4, and especially from false doctrine, as there was the heresy of Hymenæus and Philetus. This therefore is an evidence of our election, when we turn away from sin and false doctrine, exercise true godliness, and continue constantly in the pure doctrine. And he, who does it not, cannot be assured that he is elected.
20Butn67in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some 68to honour, and some 69to dishonour.
n Rom. 9:21.
67 That is, even as in a large house or palace, which is inhabited by a rich or mighty man, there are all kinds of vessels of different matter, worth and use, so also in the outward and visible congregation, which is the house of God, 1 Tim. 3:15, are found not only true believers, chosen by God for His honor, but also hypocrites, who were never acknowledged by God for His own, and in due time are discovered. See Mat. 3:12; 13:26, 47; 22:11, 14; 25:1.
68 That is, which are used for honorable or excellent services, unto which the elect are compared.
69 That is, which are used for inferior and sordid services. To these hypocrites and reprobates are compared. See similarly Rom. 9:21.
21If a man therefore 70purge 71himself 72from these, he 73shall be a vessel unto honour, 74sanctified, and 75meet for the master's use, and 76prepared unto 77every good work.
70 That is, distance himself from them, or takes heed that he is not defiled with them.
71 Hereby is not held forth that any man is able by his own abilities to purify himself; for, that must be done by the grace of the Holy Spirit, which purifies us as pure water, Ezek. 36:25; 1 Cor. 6:11; but that we must not look upon others who fall away, to be offended thereat, but that everyone must so carry himself in purity, that hereby he may be assured of his election.
72 Namely, persons who are vessels of dishonor, that is, from ungodly and reprobate hypocrites, and from these deceivers, as Hymenæus and Philetus were. Or, from these things which are found in these persons, that is, from these errors, vain babblings and ungodliness.
73 That is, shall show thereby that he is truly such a vessel; that is, elected, and shall be acknowledged as such. See similar phrase John 15:8.
74 That is, purified from the filthiness of sin, and consecrated to the service of the Lord.
75 That is, that may be used unto honorable and excellent services by the master of the house.
76 Namely, by God, through His grace, 1 Cor. 4:7; Eph. 2:10.
77 That is, unto a holy and godly deportment, and unto the exercise of all manner of good works.
22Fleeo also youthful 78lusts: but 79follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, 80with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
o 1 Tim. 6:11.
78 That is, which young persons are most subject to, such as are ambition, haughtiness, unsteadiness, vainglory, voluptuousness and the like.
79 Or, pursue.
80 That is, with true believers, namely, especially; for, otherwise we must also live in peace with all men. Rom. 12:18.
23Butp foolish and 81unlearned 82questions avoid, knowing that they do genderq83strifes.
p 1 Tim. 1:4; 6:4; Titus 3:9.
81 Or, without learning, that is, which cannot teach us that which serves or is needful for our edification.
82 That is, questions about which they dispute.
q produce
83 Gr. combats, namely, with words.
24And 84the servant of the Lord must not 85strive; but be gentle unto all men, aptr to teach, 86patient,
84 That is, who serves the Lord in the office of teaching.
85 Gr. fight; as in the previous verse, that is, make much brawling for vain things, or maintain the truth with contentious cavils.
r 1 Tim. 3:2.
86 Or, and who can bear with the evils; namely, from reproach and persecution.
25Ins meekness instructing those 87that oppose themselves; 88if God peradventure will give them 89repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
s Gal. 6:1.
87 Namely, the wholesome doctrine of the Gospel. Or, who are of a contrary opinion.
88 Hereby is shown how difficult anyone can be brought from errors to the knowledge of the truth.
89 Namely, of their errors.
26And that they may 90recover themselves out of 91the snare of the devil, who are taken 92captive by him 93at his will.
90 The Greek word signifies properly to be sober again out of drunkenness. A similitude taken from the body to apply it to the soul.
91 That is, out of the ignorance, errors or heresies wherewith Satan holds them ensnared.
92 The Greek word signifies to be caught alive, as wild animals are taken by hunters in snares or nets.
93 That is, to do the will of Satan, whereunto they are given up by God by a righteous judgment. John 8:44; Eph. 2:2.