Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 4:3

"For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;" — 2 Timothy 4:3 (ASV)

Timothy is now warned that the time will come when people will not be able to tolerate “sound doctrine” (a key phrase in the Pastorals; cf. 1 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1). Timothy’s major task in Ephesus is to defend and proclaim doctrines in accord with the truth of God’s Word (v.2). He must do this constantly, since the time will come when people will not listen to the truth. Instead, “to suit their own desires, they will gather around them” many teachers who will say what they want them to say, in order to gratify their self-willed hearts.