Sunday
Evening Bible Study
December 10, 2000
Introduction
Paul’s second letter to Timothy was the last New Testament letter written
by the apostle. We believe it was
written around AD 66, just prior to his death.
The account in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs:
“Paul, the apostle, who before was called Saul, after his great travail and
unspeakable labors in promoting the Gospel of Christ, suffered also in this
first persecution under Nero. Abdias, declareth that under his execution Nero
sent two of his esquires, Ferega and Parthemius, to bring him word of his
death. They, coming to Paul instructing the people, desired him to pray for
them, that they might believe; who told them that shortly after they should
believe and be baptized at His sepulcher. This done, the soldiers came and led
him out of the city to the place of execution, where he, after his prayers
made, gave his neck to the sword.”
2Timothy 3
:1 This know also, that in the last
days perilous times shall come.
last – eschatos –
extreme; last in time or in place; last in a temporal succession; the last;
last, referring to time. Paul is
talking about the times we are now living in, the “Last Days”.
shall come – enistemi – to
place in or among, to put in; to be upon, impend, threaten; close at hand;
present
times – kairos – due
measure; a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence:; a
fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the
decisive epoch waited for; a limited period of time; to what time brings, the
state of the times, the things and events of time
perilous – chalepos –
hard to do, to take, to approach; hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous; harsh,
fierce, savage. This word is used one
other time in the New Testament:
Mt 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into
the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming
out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that
way.
:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
lovers of their own selves – philautos (“love” + “self”) – loving one’s self; too intent on
one’s interest, selfish
covetous – philarguros (“love”
+ “silver”) – loving money, avarice
boasters – alazon –
an empty pretender, a boaster; who tells great things concerning his own
prowess and achievements, with the implied idea that many of his claims are
false. This word naturally describes a trait which is only evident when you are
around other people, not just something that lives secretly in a person’s
heart.
I’ve read articles about people claiming to be war heroes in various wars
can sometimes just be liars who have found a way to get attention.
proud – huperephanos –
showing one’s self above others, overtopping, conspicuous above others,
pre-eminent; with an overweening estimate of one’s means or merits, despising
others or even treating them with contempt, haughty; describes one who thinks
too highly of himself, describing a trait which is simply internal, not
referring primarily to external manifestation, although this is implied. It
means one who is proud, the external manifestation when it appears being
in the form of arrogance in dealing with others.
blasphemers – blasphemos
– speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing, abusive
to parents – goneus –
fathers, parent, the parents
disobedient – apeithes (“not”
+ “persuaded”) – impersuasible, not compliant, disobedient, contumacious
unthankful – acharistos
(“not” + “grace”) – ungracious; unpleasing; unthankful
unholy – anosios –
unholy, impious, wicked
From opposite of osiov, used of
persons or things, describes that which is in harmony with the divine
constitution of the moral universe. Hence, it is that which is in accordance
with the general and instinctively felt idea of right, "what is
consecrated and sanctioned by universal law and consent" (Passow), rather
than what is in accordance with any system of revealed truth. As contrary to osiov, i.e., as anosia, the Greeks regarded, e.g., a
marriage between brother and sister such as was common in Egypt, or the
omission of the rites of sepulture in connection with a relative.
We might almost say “unnatural”.
Going against what you know in your gut is right.
:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Without natural affection – astorgos (“not” + “love of kindred”) – without natural affection,
unsociable, inhuman, unloving
trucebreakers – aspondos
– without a treaty or covenant; of things not mutually agreed upon e.g.
abstinences from hostilities; that cannot be persuaded to enter into a
covenant, implacable; one who refuses to agree to any terms or suggestions of
peace. It implies a state of war, and a refusal of covenant or even of
armistice to end it permanently or temporarily. In the N.T. use both words
probably refer not to war in the strict sense so much as to discord and strife.
false accusers – diabolos
(here plural) – prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely; a
calumniator, false accuser, slanderer,; metaph. applied to a man who, by
opposing the cause of God, may be said to act the part of the devil or to side
with him; Satan the prince of the demons.
The word is used 38 times in the New Testament, 35 of those times it is
translated “devil” in the King James.
You could translate this, “men shall be … devils”
incontinent – akrates (“not”
+ “strength”) – without self-control, intemperate
The word translated “self-control” in Gal. 5:23 (one of the fruits of the
Spirit) means “strength in”. Here,
there is “no strength”, no self-control.
fierce – anemeros (“not”
+ “tame”) – not tame, savage, fierce
despisers of those that are good – aphilagathos (“not” + “love” + “good”) – opposed to goodness and
good men
I heard on the radio that the Boy Scouts are starting to have problems with
some of the cities and school districts around the nation because they won’t
allow homosexual men to be in leadership.
They are now being banned from using public facilities because they are
seen as “discriminatory”.
:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God;
Traitors – prodotes – a
betrayer, traitor
heady – propetes –
to fall forwards, headlong, sloping, precipitously; precipitate, rash,
reckless; headstrong
highminded – tuphoo –
to raise a smoke, to wrap in a mist; metaph.
to make proud, puff up with pride, render insolent; to be puffed up with
haughtiness or pride; to blind with pride or conceit, to render foolish or
stupid; beclouded, besotted
lovers of pleasures – philedonos
(“love” + “desires for pleasure”, “hedonism”) – loving pleasure
lovers of God – philotheos
(“love” + “God”) – loving God
:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away.
form – morphosis – a
forming, shaping; form; the mere form, semblance; the form befitting a thing or
truly expressing the fact, the very form
godliness – eusebeia –
reverence, respect; piety towards God, godliness
power – dunamis –
strength, power, ability
denying – arneomai –
to deny; not to accept, to reject, to refuse something offered
People will be religious, but won’t see God’s power in their lives.
Lesson
Be the real thing
God’s desire is that we don’t just “look godly”, but that we are godly.
Illustration
Not long ago I stood for a while in a cheese shop. Being in a fidgety mood,
and having a stick in my hand, I was not content with seeing but felt a need to
touch as well. My stick came gently upon a fine cheese in the window. To my
surprise a most metallic sound emanated from it. The sound was rather hollow,
and there was a sort of crockery jingle in the sound, like the ring of a huge
bread or milk pan. I came to the very correct conclusion that I had found a
very well disguised hypocrite in the shop window. And ever since that time,
when I pass by, I mentally whisper, “Pottery.” Even if the fakes have been
exchanged for real cheeses, it will take a long time to convince me. In my mind
the stock has become potsherds, and the fine show in the window only suggests
the potter’s vessel. This illustration is simply introduced because we find
people of this sort in our churches, looking extremely like what they should
be, yet having no substance in them, so that if, accidentally, one happens to tap
them somewhere or other with sudden temptation or stern duty, the baked earth
gives forth its own ring, and the pretender is esteemed no longer.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable
Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, Inc, 1990)
Illustration
Profession without practice was not only the curse of the Jews; it has been
throughout the ages the curse of the Church.
During his early days in South Africa (in Pretoria) Gandhi inquired into
Christianity. For several Sundays he
attended a Christian Church, but, he says, "the congregation did not
strike me as being particularly religious; they were not an assembly of devout
souls, but appeared rather to be worldy-minded people going to Church for
recreation and in conformity to custom."
He, therefore, concluded that there was nothing in Christianity which he
did not already possess -- and so Gandhi was lost to the Christian Church with
incalculable consequences to India and to the world.
-- Commentary on Gospel of Matthew, By William Barclay, p. 254-255
Illustration
A woman wanting to impress the pastor when he came to visit, said to her
little girl, “Honey, go get the book that Mommy loves so much.” The little girl
soon returned carrying the new Sears catalog.
Illustration
American Methodism had recorded one of the most astounding growth records
in the history of Christianity, exploding from a membership of 14,988 in 1784
to 7,729,791 in 1939! Robert Coleman
notes, "Above all, undergirding the Wesleyan way of life and constraining
their outreach was a simple faith in the gospel of salvation."
But as theology changed, both the rate of growth and the commitment to
evangelism began to suffer. Wesley had
once given his followers a prophetic warning.
He said, "I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should
ever cease to exist in Europe or America.
But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the
form of religion without the power. And
this undoubtedly will be the case, unless they hold fast both the doctrine,
spirit, and discipline with which they first set out."
-- Quoted in Luke Tyerman, The Life and Times of the Rev. John Wesley, 3
vols. (New York: Harper & Bros. 1872), 3:519.
Lesson
We are in the “last days”
Does this list sound like today?
Certainly.
Illustration
In an article titled "Quantifying America's Decline," William J.
Bennett, former secretary of education, refers to a statistical portrait of the
moral, social, and behavioral conditions of modern American society. Mr.
Bennett concludes that "America's cultural condition is far from
healthy," adding that "what is shocking is just how precipitously
American life has declined in the past 30 years." Here are some of the
cultural indicators:
1960 1990
Average daily TV viewing 5
hours 7 hours
SAT scores 975 899
Percent of illegitimate births 5.3% 26.2%
Children with single mothers 8.0% 22.0%
Children on welfare 3.5% 11.9%
Teen suicide rate 3.6% 11.3%
Violent crime rate (per 10,000) 16.1 75.8
The average prison sentence given for serious crimes such as murder, rape,
robbery, and assault has decreased 35 percent since 1960.
-- The Church Around The World, January 1994, Vol.
24:2.
turn away – apotrepo – to
turn one’s self away from; to shun, avoid
Lesson
People to avoid
Not just this list of sins, but especially the “religious” people who don’t
know the power of God.
:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive
silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
creep – enduno – to put
on, to envelop in, to hide in; to creep into, insinuate one’s self into, to
enter
The idea seems to be that of creeping into a house like a person slips into
a coat.
lead captive – aichmaloteuo (“with
a spear” + “take captive”) – to make captive, take captive, capture
silly women – gunaikarion
– a little woman: used contemptuously
laden – soreuo – to heap
together, to heap up; to overwhelm one with a heap of anything; metaph. to load
one with the consciousness of many sins
lusts – epithumia –
desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust
divers – poikilos – a
various colours, variegated; of various sorts
:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
ever – pantote – at all
times, always, ever
learning – manthano – to
learn, be appraised; to increase one’s knowledge, to be increased in knowledge;
to hear, be informed
never – medepote – never
knowledge – epignosis –
precise and correct knowledge; used in the NT of the knowledge of things
ethical and divine
able – dunamai – to be
able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a
state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or
custom; to be able to do something; to be capable, strong and powerful
Lesson
Knowledge without understanding
Illustration
In his book, Growing Deep in the Christian Life Charles Swindoll
tells how we got cars:
Many, many centuries ago, all this iron, glass, rubber, plastic, fabric,
leather, and wires came up out of the ground. Furthermore, each substance fashioned
itself into various shapes and sizes.
Holes evolved at just the right places, and the upholstery began to
weave itself together. After a while
threads appeared on bolts and nuts and—amazing as it may seem—each bolt found
nuts with matching threads. And
gradually everything sort of screwed up tightly in place. A little later correctly shaped glass glued
itself in the right places. And you see
these tires? They became round over the
years. And they found themselves the
right size metal wheels. And they sort
of popped on. They also filled
themselves with air somehow. And the thing began to roll down the street.
And one day, many, many years ago—centuries, really—some people were
walking along and they found this vehicle sitting under a tree. And one of them looked at it and thought,
“how amazing. I think we should call it
‘automobile.’” But there’s more! These little automobiles have an amazing way
of multiplying themselves year after year, even changing ever so slightly to
meet the demands of the public.
Actually, that process is called “automutations.”
:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the
truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
Jannes – Iannes – “he
vexed”; he and Jambres, were two Egyptian magicians who in the presence of
Pharaoh imitated the miracles of Aaron in order to destroy his influence with
the king. The author of the epistle derived their names from the tradition of
the Talmudists and the Rabbins
Jambres – Iambres – “foamy
healer”
withstood – anthistemi –
to set one’s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose; to set against
resist – anthistemi – to
set one’s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose; to set against
corrupt – katphtheiro – to
corrupt, deprave; corrupted in mind
reprobate – adokimos – not
standing the test, not approved; properly used of metals and coins; that which
does not prove itself such as it ought; unfit for, unproved, spurious,
reprobate
:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest
unto all men, as theirs also was.
proceed – prokopto – to
beat forward; metaph. to promote, forward, further; to go forward, advance,
proceed; metaph. to increase, make progress
folly – anoia – want of
understanding, folly; madness expressing itself in rage
manifest – ekdelos –
evident, clear, conspicuous
:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience,
hast fully known – parakoloutheo
– to follow after; so to follow one as to be always at his side; to follow
close, accompany; to follow up a thing in mind so as to attain to the knowledge
of it; to understand, (cf our follow a matter up, trace its course); to examine
thoroughly, investigate; to follow faithfully i.e a standard or rule, to
conform one’s self to
doctrine – didaskalia –
teaching, instruction
manner of life – agoge – a
leading; metaph.: conduct; a conducting, training, education, discipline; the
life led, way or course of life
purpose – prothesis – a
setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view; a purpose
faith – pistis – faith;
fidelity, faithfulness
longsuffering – makrothumia –
patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance; patience,
forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs; patience with
difficult people.
charity – agape –
brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence
patience – hupomone –
steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the NT the characteristic of a man who
is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety
by even the greatest trials and sufferings; a patient, steadfast waiting for; a
patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
:11 Persecutions, afflictions,
persecutions – diogmos –
persecution
afflictions – pathema –
that which one suffers or has suffered; externally, a suffering, misfortune,
calamity, evil, affliction; of an inward state, an affliction, passion; an
enduring, undergoing, suffering
:11 which came unto me at Antioch,
at Iconium, at Lystra;
It was on Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas that he faced
persecution at these three cities in Asia Minor.
Antioch –
(Acts 13:44-52 KJV) And the next sabbath day came almost the
whole city together to hear the word of God. {45} But when the Jews saw the
multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which
were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. {46} Then Paul and Barnabas
waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have
been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves
unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. {47} For so hath the
Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that
thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. {48} And when the
Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as
many as were ordained to eternal life believed. {49} And the word of the Lord
was published throughout all the region. {50} But the Jews stirred up the devout
and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution
against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. {51} But they
shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. {52} And
the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Iconium –
(Acts 14:1-6 KJV) And it came to pass in Iconium, that they
went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great
multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. {2} But the
unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected
against the brethren. {3} Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the
Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and
wonders to be done by their hands. {4} But the multitude of the city was
divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. {5} And when
there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their
rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, {6} They were ware of it,
and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that
lieth round about:
Lystra –
(Acts 14:8-20 KJV) And there sat a certain man at Lystra,
impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had
walked: {9} The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and
perceiving that he had faith to be healed, {10} Said with a loud voice, Stand
upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. {11} And when the people saw what
Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia,
The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. {12} And they called
Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. {13}
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and
garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. {14}
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes,
and ran in among the people, crying out, {15} And saying, Sirs, why do ye these
things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye
should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and
earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: {16} Who in times past
suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. {17} Nevertheless he left not
himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and
fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. {18} And with
these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done
sacrifice unto them. {19} And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and
Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the
city, supposing he had been dead. {20} Howbeit, as the disciples stood round
about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed
with Barnabas to Derbe.
It wasn’t until Acts 16:1-3 that Paul meets young Timothy in Derbe and
Lystra on his second missionary journey with Silas. Timothy would join Paul and become his disciple. But it’s possible that Timothy as a young
man had witnessed some of Paul’s persecutions in Lystra, before he was one of Paul’s
companions.
:11 what persecutions I endured:
but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
I endured – hupophero – to
bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one’s shoulders); to bear
patiently, to endure
delivered – rhoumai – to
draw to one’s self, to rescue, to deliver
:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.
will – thelo – to will,
have in mind, intend; to be resolved or determined, to purpose; to desire, to
wish; to love; to like to do a thing, be fond of doing; to take delight in,
have pleasure
godly – eusebos – piously,
godly
live – zao – to live,
breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); to enjoy real life;
metaph. to be in full vigour; to be fresh, strong, efficient
shall suffer persecution – dioko
– to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away; to run swiftly in
order to catch a person or thing, to run after; in any way whatever to harass,
trouble, molest one; to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of
something
Lesson
Living right brings trouble
We have this notion that if we want to live in a way that pleases God, that
life ought to be better and easier. But
it seems that in reality, just the opposite is true.
:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived.
evil – poneros – full of
labours, annoyances, hardships; bad, of a bad nature or condition; in an
ethical sense: evil wicked, bad
seducers – goes – a
wailer, a howler; a juggler, enchanter (because incantations used to be uttered
in a kind of howl); a deceiver, imposter
shall wax – prokopto – to
beat forward; to lengthen out by hammering (as a smith forges metals); metaph.
to promote, forward, further; to go forward, advance, proceed; metaph. to
increase, make progress
worse – cheiron – worse;
comparative of kakos (“bad”)
deceiving – planao – to
cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way; metaph. to lead away from the truth, to lead into
error, to deceive
Sometimes we wonder how wicked people can keep going and not get
caught. We get discouraged.
:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
continue – meno – to
remain, abide
learned – manthano – to
learn, be appraised
hast been assured of – pistoo –
to make faithful, render trustworthy; to be firmly persuaded of; to be assured
of
:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
child – brephos – an
unborn child, embryo, a fetus; a new-born child, an infant, a babe
Timothy had been taught about the Lord from an early age.
holy – hieros – sacred,
consecrated to the deity, pertaining to God
scriptures – gramma – a
letter; any writing, a document or record; the sacred writings (of the OT)
Lesson
Children can know
So teach them.
:15 which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
are able – dunamai – to be
able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a
state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or
custom; to be able to do something; to be capable, strong and powerful
make … wise – sophizo – to
make wise, teach; to become wise, to have understanding
Lesson
The gospel
It starts with the Scriptures, knowing what they say about salvation.
:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
all – pas – individually;
each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything;
collectively
scripture – graphe – a
writing, thing written; the Scripture, used to denote either the book itself,
or its contents; a certain portion or section of the Holy Scripture
given by inspiration of God – theopneustos
(“God” + “breathed”) – inspired by God; the contents of the scriptures
(2 Pet 1:21 KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 1:16 KJV) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs
have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before
concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
profitable – ophelimos –
profitable
doctrine – didaskalia –
teaching, instruction
reproof – elegchos – a
proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction
correction – epanorthosis (“upon”
+ “straighten”) – restoration to an upright or right state; correction,
improvement of life or character
instruction – paideia –
the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation
of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions,
now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body;
whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and
curbing passions.; instruction which aims at increasing virtue; chastisement,
chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)
in righteousness – dikaiosune –
in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the
condition acceptable to God
:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works.
perfect – artios – fitted;
complete, perfect; having reference apparently to “special aptitude for given
uses”; specially adapted
thoroughly furnished – exartizo
– to complete, finish; to furnish perfectly; to finish, accomplish, (as it
were, to render the days complete)
2Timothy 4
:1 I charge thee therefore before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his
appearing and his kingdom;
You now get the idea as Paul is winding up his letter that he feels that
this is the last thing he’ll every write to Timothy his beloved son in the
faith.
charge – diamarturomai –
to testify; earnestly, religiously to charge; to attest, testify to, solemnly
affirm
shall – mello – to be about;
to be on the point of doing or suffering something
quick – zao – to live,
breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); to enjoy real life
appearing – epiphaneia –
an appearing, appearance
:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
preach – kerusso – to be a
herald, to officiate as a herald; to proclaim after the manner of a herald;
always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be
listened to and obeyed
be instant – ephistemi –
to place at, place upon, place over; to stand by, be present; to be at hand; be
ready
in season – eukairos –
seasonably, opportunely; when the opportunity occurs
out of season – akairos
– unseasonable
reprove – elegcho –
to convict, refute, confute; generally with a suggestion of shame of the person
convicted; by conviction to bring to the light, to expose; to find fault with,
correct; to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove; to call to account,
show one his fault, demand an explanation.
Not just to rebuke, but to bring the person to a confession and
conviction of sin.
God is concerned that people not be deceived into thinking that they are
going to get away with their sins. He
will bring judgment against sin and He longs for people to be reminded to
repent from their sins.
(Lam 2:14 NASB) Your prophets have seen for you False and
foolish visions; And they have not exposed your iniquity So as to restore you
from captivity, But they have seen for you false and misleading oracles.
The people should have been reminded by the prophets of their sins so they
could repent, but instead they were told “foolish visions” and the people did
not turn from their sin. They ended up
in captivity in Babylon as a result.
rebuke – epitimao –
to show honour to, to honour; to raise the price of; to adjudge, award, in the
sense of merited penalty; to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove,
censure severely; to admonish or charge sharply. To simply rebuke, whether or not it brings a change in the other
person.
Sometimes you have to say hard things to a person, even when you know it
won’t have any effect on them.
exhort – parakaleo –
to call to one’s side, call for, summon; to address, speak to, (call to, call
upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort,
instruction, etc.; to admonish, exhort; to console, to encourage and strengthen
by consolation, to comfort
longsuffering – makrothumia –
patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance; patience,
forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs. This is patience with people.
To keep ministering to people, even when they’re difficult.
doctrine – didache –
teaching; that which is taught; doctrine, teaching, concerning something; the
act of teaching, instruction
Not only to be bringing out people’s sins, but to also build them up with
good teaching.
:3 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;
time – kairos – due
measure; a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of tim; a fixed and
definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch
waited for; opportune or seasonable time
Timothy was to be ready “in season and out of season”, or, “in good times
and bad times”. This will be one of the
bad times.
sound – hugiaino –
to be sound, to be well, to be in good health; metaph. of Christians whose opinions are free from
any mixture of error
doctrine – didaskalia –
teaching, instruction; that which is taught, doctrine
endure – anechomai – to
hold up; to hold one’s self erect and firm; to sustain, to bear, to endure
lusts – epithumia –
desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust
own – idios – pertaining
to one’s self, one’s own, belonging to one’s self
heap – episoreuo (“upon” +
“heap”) – to heap up, accumulate in piles
teachers – didaskalos – a
teacher
itching – knetho – to
scratch, tickle, make to itch; to itch; desirous of hearing something pleasant
Lesson
Be careful about people who always
tell you what you want to hear.
Some people don’t like to hear about their sin, but they feel like they
need to be religious. So they will find
a church that won’t talk about “sin”.
Illustration
The popular evangelist, Wilbur Chapman, told of a preacher friend who
delivered a powerful sermon on the subject of sin. After the service, one of
the church officers confronted the minister in his study and offered what he
thought was some needed counsel.
“Pastor,” he said, “we don’t want you to talk as openly as you do about
man’s guilt and corruption, because if our boys and girls hear you discussing
that subject they will more easily become sinners. Call it a mistake, if you will, but do not speak so plainly about
sin.” The pastor removed a small bottle
from a shelf behind his desk. Showing
it to the man, he said, “You see this label?
It says ‘Strychnine,’ and underneath in bold, red letters is the word
‘poison.’ What you are asking me to do
would be like changing this label.
Suppose I write over it ‘Essence of Peppermint.’ Someone who doesn’t know the danger might
use it and become very ill. The milder
the label, the more dangerous the poison!”
:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
turn away – apostrepho –
to turn away; to remove anything from anyone; to turn him away from allegiance
to any one; tempt to defect
turned unto – ektrepo – to
turn or twist out; in a medical sense used of dislocated limbs; to turn off or
aside; to be turned aside
fables – muthos – a
speech, word, saying; a narrative, story; a true narrative; a fiction, a fable;
an invention, a falsehood
I think it’s interesting that this word is only found five times in the New
Testament, three of them written to Timothy, one to Titus, and the other used
by Peter in his second letter. All four
letters were written on the late side, after AD 60. I kind of get the idea that Paul and Peter were concerned about
the “myths” that had begun to creep into the church.
1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables <3454> and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than
godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1Ti 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables <3454>, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears
from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables <3454>.
Tit 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables <3454>, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised
fables <3454>, when we made known unto you the power and
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
There are other writings called pseudopigrapha (“false writings”),
things written around this time by people claiming to be Christians or even
claiming to be important people like Thomas and Barnabas. These writings were beginning to circulate
around the church and the church flatly rejected them as false, as
“myths”. I find it interesting that there
are scholars who want to look at these things and try to put them back into the
church.
Fables – I think of some of the garbage that has gotten into the
church regarding how the Bible was written, the authority of the Scriptures,
questioning the life of Jesus, etc.
:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
watch thou – nepho –
to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate,
dispassionate, circumspect
endure afflictions – kakopatheo
(“evil” + “suffer”) – to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles); to be
afflicted
This was what Paul had encouraged Timothy to do earlier in the epistle:
(2 Tim 1:8 KJV) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the
testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the
afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Tim 2:3 KJV) Thou therefore endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ.
work – ergon – business,
employment, that which any one is occupied; an act, deed, thing done: the idea
of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work
evangelist – euaggelistes –
a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist; the name given to the NT heralds of
salvation through Christ who are not apostles
ministry – diakonia –
service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
make full proof – plerophoreo –
to bear or bring full, to make full; to cause a thing to be shown to the full;
to fulfil the ministry in every part; to carry through to the end, accomplish
“fulfill your ministry”
:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
ready to be offered – spendo
– to pour out as a drink offering, make a libation; in the NT to be offered
as a libation; fig. used of one whose blood is poured out in a violent death
for the cause of God. Present tense, he
is being poured out as a drink offering.
time – kairos – due
measure; a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time
departure – analusis –
an unloosing (as of things woven); a dissolving (into separate parts);
departure; a metaphor drawn from loosing from moorings preparatory to setting
sail
Paul is talking about his own soon death.
is at hand – ephistemi –
to place at, place upon, place over; to stand by, be present
:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
good – kalos – beautiful,
handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable,
commendable, admirable
fight – agon – an
assembly; the assembly of the Greeks at their national games; hence the contest
for a prize at their games; generally, any struggle or contest; a battle; an
action at law, trial
fought – agonizomai –
to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games; to contend with
adversaries, fight; metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and
dangers; to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
course – dromos – a
course; in the NT figuratively, the course of life or of office
finished – teleo – to
bring to a close, to finish, to end; to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so
that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
kept – tereo – to attend
to carefully, take care of; to guard; metaph. to keep, one in the state in
which he is
:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but
unto all them also that love his appearing.
love – agapao – to
welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly; to be well pleased, to be
contented at or with a thing
appearing – epiphaneia –
an appearing, appearance
Lesson
Are you looking for Jesus to return?
:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
do thy diligence – spoudazo –
to hasten, make haste; to exert one’s self, endeavour, give diligence
Paul is lonely for his friend Timothy.
:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is
departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Demas – Demas – “governor
of the people”
Demas had been one of Paul’s companions the last time he was in Rome.
(Col 4:14 KJV) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas,
greet you.
But he abandoned Paul this time.
forsaken – egkataleipo –
abandon, desert; leave in straits, leave helpless; totally abandoned, utterly
forsaken; to leave behind among, to leave surviving
having loved – agapao – to
welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly; to be well pleased, to be
contented at or with a thing
this present – nun – at
this time, the present, now
world – aion – for ever,
an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity; the worlds, universe; period of
time, age
Thessalonica – a city in Macedonia, northern Greece.
Crescens – Kreskes –
“growing”; an assistant of Paul, said to be one of the seventy disciples
Galatia – an area in Asia Minor.
Titus – one of Paul’s assistants
Dalamatia – An area north of Greece. Perhaps to look for missing puppies? J
:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
profitable to me for the ministry.
Luke – Loukas – Lucus =
“light-giving”. Dr. Luke, Paul’s
companion and author of the book of Luke and Acts.
I think Paul means that of his ministry team, only Luke is with him. There are others who live in Rome who are
with Paul, like Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia (2Tim. 4:21).
Mark – Markos – “a
defense”. Cousin to Barnabas, author of
the book of Mark. Apparently Mark is
with Timothy in Ephesus.
profitable – euchrestos –
easy to make use of, useful
ministry – diakonia –
service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
Lesson
God’s not done with you
Mark had been the source of a problem for Paul.
(Acts 15:36-40 KJV) And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas,
Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the
word of the Lord, and see how they do. {37} And Barnabas determined to take
with them John, whose surname was Mark. {38} But Paul thought not good to take
him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to
the work. {39} And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed
asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
{40} And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto
the grace of God.
Barnabas and Paul split up over a dispute over whether or
not Mark was good for ministry. Paul
didn’t want to use Mark because he had abandoned them earlier.
But now Paul thinks that Mark is “useful”.
Because you’ve had past failures doesn’t mean that God can’t use you in the
future.
:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Tychicus – Tuchikos –
“fateful”. One of Paul’s companions, he
was from Asia Minor (Acts 20:4), the area of Ephesus. Paul used him often to send messages and find out about churches.
(Eph 6:21 KJV) But that ye also may know my affairs, and
how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall
make known to you all things:
(Col 4:7 KJV) All my state shall Tychicus declare unto
you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the
Lord:
(Titus 3:12 KJV) When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or
Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there
to winter.
Keep in mind, Paul is writing to Timothy, who is in Ephesus.
:13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring
with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
cloak – phelones – a
travelling cloke, used for protection against stormy weather
Paul is facing wintertime in Rome (2Tim. 4:21), and wants Timothy to bring
his heavy coat.
books – biblion – a small
book, a scroll, a written document; a sheet on which something has been
written. Probably written on
papyrus. Could be copies of Old
Testament Scriptures and maybe even some of his own letters.
parchments – membrana –
parchment, made first of dressed skins at Pergamos, hence its name. More expensive than papyrus, probably
including copies of the Old Testament books and possibly the sayings of Jesus.
Lesson
What’s your treasure?
For Paul, it seems to have been his “books”.
:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works:
Alexander – Alexandros –
“man defender”. We don’t know anything
about this individual except what Paul says here.
coppersmith – chalkeus – a
worker in copper or iron, a smith
evil – kakos – of a bad
nature; base, wrong, wicked; troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive,
baneful
did – endeiknumi – to
point out; to manifest, display, put forth
reward – apodidomi – to
deliver, to give away for one’s own profit what is one’s own, to sell; to pay
off, discharge what is due; to requite, recompense in a good or a bad sense
Paul is putting Alexander into God’s hands. He’s letting God deal with Alexander.
:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
be thou ware – phulasso –
to guard; to watch, keep watch; to guard or watch, have an eye upon: lest he
escape; to observe for one’s self something to escape; to avoid, shun flee from
greatly – lian – greatly,
exceedingly, exceedingly beyond measure
withstood – anthistemi –
to set one’s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose; to set against
Lesson
It’s okay to warn others
Paul actually mentions Alexander by name.
He owes it to Timothy to warn him of this man.
:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray
God that it may not be laid to their charge.
answer – apologia –
verbal defence, speech in defence; a reasoned statement or argument
Paul is talking about his first defense hearing before Caesar, when nobody
stood up for him.
stood with – sumparaginomai –
to come together; to come to one’s help
forsook – egkataleipo –
abandon, desert; leave in straits, leave helpless; totally abandoned, utterly
forsaken; to leave behind among, to leave surviving
may not be laid to their charge – logizomai – to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over
“may it not be counted”. Sounds
like the current election.
: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 lion.
stood with – paristemi –
to place beside or near; to stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be
present
strengthened – endunamoo –
to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen; to receive strength, be
strengthened, increase in strength
might be fully known – plerophoreo
– to bear or bring full, to make full; to cause a thing to be shown to the
full; to fulfil the ministry in every part; to carry through to the end,
accomplish
delivered – rhoumai – to
draw to one’s self, to rescue, to deliver; the deliverer
Lesson
Jesus stands with you.
Others may forsake you, but Jesus won’t.
(Psa 27:10 KJV) When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take me up.
Makes me think of some of the stories in Daniel
Dan. 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego thrown into the fiery furnace for
taking a stand. But they weren’t alone
in the furnace, there was another with them.
Dan. 6 – Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den for praying. He is rescued from the lions by the Lord.
:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve
me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
shall deliver – rhoumai –
to draw to one’s self, to rescue, to deliver; the deliverer
will preserve – sozo – to
save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
Lesson
The real victory
We might get confused at Paul’s confidence because we know that he would be
shortly put to death. Was Paul
wrong? Did God let him down? No.
God delivered Paul right into heaven.
The evil didn’t touch Paul. Paul
died, but Satan couldn’t keep Paul from the Lord.
We might think that God’s victory means that our tough circumstances need
to change. What if God wants to deliver
you by making it worse?
:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Prisca – Priska –
“ancient”, also known as Priscilla, the wife of Aquila.
Aquila – Akulas – “an
eagle”; a Jew of Pontus, a tent maker convert to Christ, companion and ally of
Paul in propagating Christianity
Onesiphorus – Onesiphoros –
“bringing profit”. A Christian who had
come to Paul in Rome and had “refreshed” him (2Tim. 1:16-18)
:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Erastus – Erastos –
“beloved”. A travelling companion of
Paul and Timothy.
(Acts 19:22 KJV) So he sent into Macedonia two of them that
ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a
season.
Corinth – in Achaia, southern Greece
Trophimus – Trophimos –
“nutritious”. One of Paul’s travelling
companions (Acts 20:4) from Ephesus. He
was involved in Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:29) because some people
thought that he, as a Gentile, had been taken into the Jewish temple in
Jerusalem by Paul.
Miletum – the city of Miletus, near Ephesus.
sick – astheneo – to be
weak, feeble, to be without strength, powerless; to be weak in means, needy,
poor; to be feeble, sick
:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and
Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
do thy diligence – spoudazo –
to hasten, make haste; to exert one’s self, endeavour, give diligence
winter – cheimon – winter;
stormy or rainy weather, a tempest; winter, the winter season
Eubulus – Euboulos –
“prudent”. We know nothing else of this
man.
Pudens – Poudes –
“modest”; a Christian friend of Timothy at Rome, and may have been one of the
seventy disciples
Linus – Linos – “a net”; a
Christian at Rome, known to Paul and to Timothy, who was the first bishop of
Rome after the apostles (A.D. 64). I
think he had a friend named Charlie Brown J
Claudia – Klaudia –
“lame”; a Christian woman
:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.