Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 3:1

"But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come." — 2 Timothy 3:1 (ASV)

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.