Notes on Second Timothy
From the Original 1599 Geneva Bible Notes
2Ti 1:1
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, {a} according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
(a) Sent of God to preach that life which he promised in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 1:3
1:3 {1} I thank God, whom I serve from [my] {b} forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
(1) The purpose that he aims at in this epistle is to confirm Timothy to continue constantly and bravely even to the end. And he sets first before him the great good will he has for him, and then reckons up the excellent gifts which God would as it were have to be in Timothy by inheritance, and his ancestors, which might so much the more make him bound to God.
(b) From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for he speaks not of Pharisaism, but of Christianity.
2Ti 1:6
1:6 {2} Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou {c} stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
(2) He urges us to set the invincible power of the Spirit which God has given us, against those storms which may, and do come upon us.
(c) The gift of God is as it were a certain living flame kindled in our hearts, which the flesh and the devil go about to put out: and therefore we as their opponents must labour as much as we can to foster and keep it burning.
2Ti 1:7
1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of {d} fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(d) To pierce us through, and terrify us, as men whom the Lord will destroy.
2Ti 1:8
1:8 {3} Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me {e} his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the {f} gospel according to the {g} power of God;
(3) He proves that the ignominy or shame of the cross is not to be ashamed of, and also that it is glorious and most honourable: first, because the Gospel for which the godly are afflicted is the testimony of Christ: and secondly because at length the great virtue and power of God appears in them.
(e) For his sake.
(f) This Gospel is said to be in a way afflicted in those that preach it.
(g) Through the power of God.
2Ti 1:9
1:9 {4} Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was {h} given us in Christ Jesus {i} before the world began,
(4) He shows with how great benefits God has bound us to maintain boldly and constantly his glory which is joined with our salvation, and reckons up the causes of our salvation, that is, that free and eternal purpose of God, to save us in Christ who was to come. And by this it would come to pass, that we would at length be freely called by God through the preaching of the Gospel, to Christ the destroyer of death and author of immortality.
(h) He says that that grace was given to us from everlasting, to which we were predestinated from everlasting. So that the doctrine of foreseen faith and foreseen works is completely contrary to the doctrine which preaches and teaches the grace of God.
(i) Before the beginning of years, which has run on ever since the beginning of the world.
2Ti 1:10
1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to {k} light through the gospel:
(k) Has caused life and immortality to appear.
2Ti 1:11
1:11 {5} Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
(5) That is, the Gospel which the apostle preached.
2Ti 1:12
1:12 {6} For the which cause I also suffer these things: {7} nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
(6) He confirms his apostleship by a strange argument, that is, because the world could not abide it, and therefore it persecuted him that preached it.
(7) By setting his own example before us, he shows us how it may be, that we will not be ashamed of the cross of Christ, that is, if we are sure that God both can and will keep the salvation which he has as it were laid up in store by himself for us against that day.
2Ti 1:13
1:13 {8} Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
(8) He shows in what he ought to be most constant, that is, both in the doctrine itself, the essential parts of which are faith and charity, and next in the manner of teaching it, a living pattern and shape of which Timothy knew in the apostle.
2Ti 1:14
1:14 {9} That good thing which was committed unto thee keep {10} by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
(9) An amplification, taken from the dignity of so great a benefit committed to the ministers.
(10) The taking away of an objection. It is a hard thing to do it, but the Spirit of God is mighty, who has inwardly endued us with his power.
2Ti 1:15
1:15 {11} This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
(11) He prevents an offence which arose by the means of certain ones that fell from God and the faith, and utters also their names that they might be known by all men. But he sets against them the singular faith of one man, that one good example alone might counterbalance and weigh down all evil examples.
2Ti 2:1
2:1 Thou {1} therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
(1) The conclusion of the former exhortation which has also a declaration added to it: how those who do not keep that worthy thing that is committed to them, who keep it to themselves, but rather those who do most freely communicate it with others, to the end that many may be partakers of it, without any man's loss or hindrance.
2Ti 2:2
2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among {a} many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
(a) When many were there, who can bear witness of these things.
2Ti 2:3
2:3 {2} Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
(2) Another admonition: that the ministry of the word is a spiritual warfare, which no man can so travail in that he pleases his captain, unless he abstains from and parts with all hindrances which might draw him away from it.
2Ti 2:4
2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of {b} [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
(b) With affairs of household, or other things that belong to other ordinary businesses.
2Ti 2:5
2:5 {3} And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
(3) The third admonition: the ministry is similar to a game in which men strive for the victory, and no man is crowned, unless he strive according to the laws which are prescribed, be they ever so hard and painful.
2Ti 2:6
2:6 {4} The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
(4) Another similarity with respect to the same matter: no man may look for the harvest, unless he first take pains to plow and sow his ground.
2Ti 2:7
2:7 {5} Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
(5) All these things cannot be understood, and much less practised, unless we ask of God and he gives us understanding.
2Ti 2:8
2:8 {6} Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
(6) He confirms plainly two principles of our faith, which are alway assaulted by heretics, the one of which (that is, that Christ is the true Messiah, made man of the seed of David) is the ground of our salvation: and the other is the highest part of it, that is, that he is risen again from the dead.
2Ti 2:9
2:9 {7} Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
(7) The taking away of an objection: it is true that he is kept in prison as an evildoer, yet there is no reason why some should therefore go about to take away credit from his Gospel. And this is because God has blessed his ministry; indeed, the example of this his captivity and patience, did rather in different ways strengthen and encourage his Church in the hope of a better life.
2Ti 2:11
2:11 {8} [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be {c} dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:
(8) The fourth admonition: we ought not to contend upon words and questions, which are not only unprofitable, but also for the most part hurtful: but rather upon this, how we may compose ourselves to every manner of patience, and to die also with Christ (that is to say, for Christ's name) because that is the plain way to the most glorious life. And contrary to this, the falling away of men can diminish no part of the truth of God, even though by such means they procure most certain destruction to themselves.
(c) If we are afflicted with Christ, and for Christ's sake.
2Ti 2:14
2:14 Of these things put [them] in remembrance, {d} charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.
(d) Call God to witness, or as a Judge: as Moses, Joshua, Samuel, and Paul himself did, in Acts 13.
2Ti 2:15
2:15 {9} Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, {e} rightly dividing the word of truth.
(9) The fifth admonition: a minister must not be an idle disputer, but a faithful steward in correctly dividing the word of truth, in so much that he must stop the mouths of other vain babblers.
(e) By adding nothing to it, neither deleting anything, neither mangling it, nor rending it apart, nor distorting it: but marking diligently what his hearers are able to bear, and what is fit to edifying.
2Ti 2:16
2:16 {f} But shun profane [and] vain babblings: {10} for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
(f) Mark and watch, and see that they do not creep on further.
(10) He reveals the subtilty of Satan, who beginning with these principles, draws us by little and little to ungodliness through the means of that wicked and profane babbling, which gradually increases. And this he proves by the horrible example of those that taught that the resurrection was already past.
2Ti 2:19
2:19 {11} Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that {g} nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
(11) A digression, in which he heals the offence that rose by their falling away. Firstly, he shows that the elect are out of all danger of any such falling away. Secondly, that they are known to God, and not to us: and therefore it is no marvel if we often mistake hypocrites for true brethren. But we must take heed that we are not like them, but rather that we are indeed such as we are said to be.
(g) That serves and worships him, and as it were named of him, a faithful man or Christian.
2Ti 2:20
2:20 {12} But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
(12) The taking away of an objection: it is not dishonour to the good man of the house, that he has not in a great house all vessels of one sort and for one service, but we must look to this, that we are found vessels prepared to honour.
2Ti 2:21
2:21 If a man therefore {h} purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
(h) By these words is meant the execution of the matter, and not the cause: for in that we purge ourselves, it is not to be attributed to any free will that is in us, but to God, who freely and wholly works in us, a good and an effectual will.
2Ti 2:22
2:22 {13} Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, {14} peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
(13) Returning to the matter from where he digressed in 2Ti 2:16 , he warns him to exercise himself in serious matters, and such as pertain to godliness.
(14) The sixth admonition: we must above all things avoid all bitterness of mind, both in teaching all men, and also in calling those back who have gone out of the way.
2Ti 2:24
2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, {i} patient,
(i) To win them through our patient bearing with them, but not to please them or excuse them in their wickedness.
2Ti 2:25
2:25 In meekness instructing those that {k} oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
(k) He means those who do not yet see the truth.
2Ti 3:1
3:1 This {1} know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
(1) The seventh admonition: we may not hope for a Church in this world without corruption: but there will be rather great abundance of most wicked men even in the very bosom of the Church, who will nonetheless make a show and countenance of great holiness, and charity.
2Ti 3:2
3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, {a} unholy,
(a) Who make no account, either of right or honesty.
2Ti 3:5
3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: {2} from such turn away.
(2) We must not tarry with those men who resist the truth not from simple ignorance, but from a perverse mind, (which thing appears by their fruits which he graphically displays here); rather, we must turn away from them.
2Ti 3:9
3:9 {3} But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.
(3) He adds a comfort: the Lord will at length take off all their masks.
2Ti 3:10
3:10 {4} But thou hast {b} fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
(4) So that we are not deceived by such hypocrites, we must set before us the virtues of the holy servants of God, and we must not be afraid of persecution which they suffered willingly, and which always follows true godliness. But we must especially hold fast the doctrine of the apostles, the sum of which is this, that we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus.
(b) You thoroughly know not only what I taught and did, but also how I thought and was inclined.
2Ti 3:11
3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at {c} Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.
2Ti 3:13
3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax {d} worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
(d) Their wickedness will daily increase.
2Ti 3:16
3:16 {5} All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(5) The eighth admonition which is most precious: a pastor must be wise by the word of God alone: in which we have perfectly delivered to us, whatever pertains to discerning, knowing and establishing true opinions, and to prove which opinions are false: and furthermore, to correct evil manners, and to establish good.
2Ti 3:17
3:17 That the {e} man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(e) The Prophets and expounders of God's will are properly and distinctly called, men of God.
2Ti 4:1
4:1 I {1} charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
(1) The principal and chief of all admonitions, being therefore proposed with a most earnest charge, is this: that the word of God is explained and set forth with a certain holy urgent exhorting, as necessity requires: but in such a way that a good and true ground of the doctrine is laid, and the vehemency is tempered with all holy meekness.
2Ti 4:3
4:3 {2} For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(2) Faithful pastors in times past took all occasions they could, because men were very prompt and ready to return to their fables.
2Ti 4:4
4:4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto {a} fables.
(a) To false and unprofitable doctrines which the world is now so bewitched with, that it would rather have the open light of the truth completely put out, than it would come out of darkness.
2Ti 4:5
4:5 {3} But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, {b} make full proof of thy ministry.
(3) The wickedness and falling away of the world ought to cause faithful ministers to be so much the more careful.
(b) Prove and show by good and substantial proof, that you are the true minister of God.
2Ti 4:6
4:6 {4} For I am now ready to be {c} offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
(4) He foretells his death to be at hand, and sets before them an excellent example, both of invincible constancy, and sure hope.
(c) To be offered for a drink offering: and he alludes to the pouring out of blood or wine which was used in sacrifices.
2Ti 4:9
4:9 {5} Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
(5) The last part of the epistle, setting forth grievous complaints against certain ones, and examples of singular godliness in every place, and of a mind never wearied.
2Ti 4:10
4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having {d} loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
(d) Contented himself with this world.
2Ti 4:17
4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the {e} lion.
2Ti 4:18
4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every {f} evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his {g} heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(f) Preserve me pure from committing anything unworthy of my apostleship.
(g) To make me partaker of his kingdom.
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