Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 3

Second Timothy Chapter 3

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER.

In the first part of this chapter (2 Timothy 3:1–8), Paul reminds Timothy of the great apostasy that was to be expected in the church and states some of its characteristics. In 2 Timothy 3:9, he says that this apostasy would not always continue but would at some time be arrested, and so arrested as to show all people the folly of those who were concerned in it.

In 2 Timothy 3:10–11, he refers Timothy to his own manner of life in the midst of persecutions as an encouragement for him to bear the trials that might be expected to occur to him in a similar way. Perilous times were to come, and Timothy might be expected to be called to pass through trials similar to those Paul himself had experienced.

In those times, the remembrance of his example would be invaluable. In 2 Timothy 3:12–13, he assures Timothy that persecutions and trials were to be expected by all who aimed to lead holy lives, and that it was certainly to be expected that evil people would become worse and worse.

And in 2 Timothy 3:14–17, he exhorts him to be steadfast in maintaining the truth. To encourage him in this, he reminds him of his early training in the Holy Scriptures and of the value of those Scriptures. To the Scriptures he could go in all times of trial and find support in the Divine promises. What he had learned there was the inspired truth of God and was able to make him wise and to equip him abundantly for all that he was to do or to suffer.

This know also. The object of this reference to the perilous times that were to occur was evidently to show the necessity of using every precaution to preserve the purity of the church, from the fact that such sad scenes were to come upon it. The apostle had dwelt on this subject in his first epistle to Timothy (1 Timothy 4), but its importance leads him to refer to it again.

In the last days. This refers to the period under the gospel dispensation, some time in that era during which the affairs of the world will be brought to a close. (See the notes on 1 Timothy 4:1 and Hebrews 1:2).

Perilous times shall come. These are times of danger, persecution, and trial. On the general meaning of this passage and the general characteristics of those times, the reader may consult the notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:1 and following, and 1 Timothy 4:1 and following. There can be no doubt that in all these passages, the apostle refers to the same events.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves. It will be one of the characteristics of those times that men will be eminently selfish, evidently under the garb of religion (2 Timothy 3:5).

The word used here, filautov—does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means a lover of one's self, selfish.

Such a love of self as to lead us to secure our salvation is proper. But this interferes with the rights and happiness of no other persons.

The selfishness which is condemned is that regard for our own interests which interferes with the rights and comforts of others, which makes self the central and leading object of living, and which tramples on all that would interfere with that.

As such, it is a base and hateful and narrow passion; but it has been so common in the world that no one can doubt the correctness of the apostle's prophecy that it would exist in the last times.

• Covetous. Greek: Lovers of silver; that is, of money . See the commentary on 1 Timothy 6:10.
• Boasters. See the commentary on Romans 1:30.
• Proud. See the commentary on Romans 1:30.
• Blasphemers. See the commentary on Matthew 9:3.
• Disobedient to parents. See the commentary on Romans 1:30.
• Unthankful. . The word used here occurs in the New Testament only in these two places. Ingratitude has always been regarded as one of the worst crimes. It is said here that it would characterize that wicked age of which the apostle speaks, and its prevalence would, as it always does, indicate a decline of religion. Religion makes us grateful to every benefactor—to God, and to man.
• Unholy. See the commentary on 1 Timothy 1:9.

Without natural affection. See Barnes on Romans 1:31.

Trucebreakers. The same word in Romans 1:31 is rendered implacable. See Barnes on Romans 1:31.

It properly means without treaty; that is, those who are averse to any treaty or compact. It may thus refer to those who are unwilling to enter into any agreement; that is, either those who are unwilling to be reconciled to others when there is a variance—implacable; or those who disregard treaties or agreements. In either case, this marks a very corrupt condition of society. Nothing would be more indicative of the lowest state of degradation than that in which all compacts and agreements were utterly disregarded.

False accusers. Margin, makebates. The word makebate means one who excites contentions and quarrels. Webster. The Greek here is diaboloi—devils—the primitive meaning of which is calumniator, slanderer, accuser. Compare 1 Timothy 3:11, where the word is rendered slanderers.

Incontinent. 1 Corinthians 7:5. Literally, without strength; that is, without strength to resist the solicitations of passion, or one who readily yields to it.

Fierce. The Greek word used here—anhmerov—does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means ungentle, harsh, severe, and is the opposite of gentleness and mildness. Religion produces gentleness; the lack of it makes men rough, harsh, cruel. See Barnes on 2 Timothy 2:24.

Despisers of those that are good. In Titus 1:8, it is said of a bishop that he must be a lover of good men. This, in every condition of life, is a virtue; and hence the opposite of it is here set down as one of the characteristics of that evil age of which the apostle speaks.

Traitors. This word is used in the New Testament only here and in Luke 6:16 and Acts 7:52. It means anyone who betrays—whether it is a friend or their country. Treason has been in all ages regarded as one of the worst crimes that a person can commit.

Heady. The same word in Acts 19:36 is rendered rashly. It occurs only there and in this place in the New Testament. It properly means falling forwards; prone, inclined, ready to do anything; then precipitate, headlong, rash. It is opposed to what is deliberate and calm. Here it means that people would be ready to do anything without deliberation or concern for the consequences. They would engage in enterprises that would only disturb society or prove their own ruin.

High-minded. Literally, puffed up. In 1 Timothy 3:6, the same word is rendered lifted up with pride. The meaning is that they would be inflated with pride or self-conceit.

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. This refers to sensual pleasures or vain amusements.

This has been, and is, the characteristic of a great part of the world, and has often distinguished even many who profess religion.

It may be said of a large portion of humankind that this is their characteristic: they live for pleasure. They have no serious pursuits; they tolerate no restraints that interfere with their amusements. Furthermore, they greatly prefer the pleasures found in frivolous social gatherings, in the ballroom, or in places of low dissipation, to the friendship of their Creator.

Having a form of godliness. That is, they profess religion, or are in connection with the church. This shows that the apostle referred to some great corruption in the church, and there can be little doubt that he had his eye on the same great apostasy to which he refers in 2 Thessalonians 2 and 1 Timothy 4.

All these things to which he refers here have been practiced and tolerated in that apostate church, while no group of people, at any time, has been more zealous in maintaining a form of godliness—that is, in keeping up the forms of religion.

But denying the power thereof. This means opposing the real power of religion and not allowing it to exert any influence in their lives. It imposes no restraint on their passions and carnal propensities. In all respects, except in the form of religion, they live as if they had none.

This has been common in the world. The most regular and bigoted adherence to the forms of religion provides no evidence in itself that there is any true piety in the heart, or that true religion has any actual control over the soul. It is much easier for people to observe the forms of religion than it is to bring the heart under its controlling influence.

From such turn away. Have no dealings with them as if they were Christians; show no approval of their religion; do not associate with them. Compare 2 John 1:10–11; see also the notes on 2 Corinthians 6:17.