John Calvin Commentary 2 Timothy 2:10

"Therefore I endure all things for the elect`s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." — 2 Timothy 2:10 (ASV)

Wherefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect. From the elect, he shows that his imprisonment is so far from being a ground of reproach, that it is highly profitable to the elect. When he says that he endures for the sake of the elect, this demonstrates how much more he cares for the edification of the Church than for himself; for he is prepared, not only to die, but even to be counted among wicked men, that he may promote the salvation of the Church.

In this passage, Paul teaches the same doctrine as in Colossians 1:24, where he says that he fills up what is wanting in the sufferings of Christ, for his body, which is the Church.

Therefore, the impudence of the Papists is abundantly refuted, who infer from these words that the death of Paul was a satisfaction for our sins, as if he claimed anything else for his death than that it would confirm the faith of the godly. For he immediately adds an exposition, by affirming that the salvation of believers is found in Christ alone.

But if any of my readers wish to see a more extended illustration of this subject, let them consult my Commentary on the chapter I have just quoted—the first of the Epistle to the Colossians.

With eternal glory. This is the goal of the salvation we obtain in Christ, for our salvation is to live to God. This salvation begins with our regeneration and is completed by our perfect deliverance, when God takes us away from the miseries of this mortal life and gathers us into His kingdom. To this salvation is added participation in heavenly, that is, divine glory; and therefore, to magnify the grace of Christ, he gave salvation the name of “eternal glory.”