Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 2:22

"after righteousness, faith, love, pace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." — 2 Timothy 2:22 (ASV)

Flee also youthful lusts. These are passions to which youth are subject. Regarding the word flee and the relevance of its use in such a connection, see the notes on 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Paul felt that Timothy, then a young man, was subject to the same passions as other young men. Therefore, he repeatedly cautioned him to avoid all those things arising from his youth that might cause scandal. (Compare to the notes on 1 Timothy 4:12; see also the notes on 1 Timothy 5:2).

It should be remembered that this epistle is applicable to other ministers, as well as to Timothy. To a young man in the ministry, no counsel could be more appropriate than to Flee from youthful lusts; not to indulge for a moment in those corrupt passions to which youth are subject, but to cultivate the pure and sober virtues that are fitting for the ministerial office.

But follow righteousness, etc. (Compare to the notes on Hebrews 12:14).

The general meaning here is that he was to practice all that is good and virtuous. He was to practice righteousness (that is, justice and equity) in all his dealings with men; faith (that is, fidelity in his duties); charity (that is, love to all men; see the notes on 1 Corinthians 13:1 and following); and peace (that is, harmony and concord with all others). What virtues could be more appropriate for a minister of the gospel?

With them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. This means with all Christians, who are often characterized as those who call on the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:2). In all his dealings with them, Timothy was to manifest the virtues recommended above. But not with them alone. It would be incumbent on him to exhibit the same virtues in his dealings with all people.