biblenote.com

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible

2 Timothy Ch.2 / 4 Ch.s


2TI:2

* 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.