John Calvin Commentary 2 Timothy 2:8

"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:" — 2 Timothy 2:8 (ASV)

Remember that Jesus Christ, being raised from the dead. He expressly mentions a part of his doctrine which he wished to be passed down to posterity, complete and uncorrupted. It is probable that he mainly refers to that part about which he was most concerned, as will also appear clearly from what follows when he discusses the error of “Hymenaeus and Philetus,” (2 Timothy 2:17). For they denied the resurrection, and in this confession, we have a sure pledge of it, as they falsely said that it was already past.

Ancient histories show how necessary this admonition of Paul was, for Satan exerted all his strength to destroy this article of our faith. This article has two parts: that Christ was born of the seed of David, and that he rose from the dead. Immediately after the time of the Apostles, Marcion arose, who labored to destroy the truth of Christ's human nature. Afterwards, he was followed by the Manichaeans, and even today, this plague is still spreading.

Regarding the resurrection, how many have been employed, and with what varied schemes, in laboring to overthrow the hope of it! This attestation, therefore, is as if Paul had said, “Let no one corrupt or falsify my gospel with slanders. I have taught this, I have preached this: that Christ, who was born a man of the seed of David, rose from the dead.”

According to my gospel. He calls it his gospel, not because he claims to be its author, but its minister. Now, in Christ's resurrection, we all have a sure pledge of our own resurrection. Accordingly, whoever acknowledges that Christ has risen affirms that the same will happen to us also, for Christ did not rise for himself, but for us. The head must not be separated from his members.

Besides, Christ's resurrection contains the fulfillment of our redemption and salvation, for it is added, from the dead. Thus Christ, who was dead, rose. Why? And for what purpose? Here we must apply this to ourselves, and here also the power and fruit of both his resurrection and his death are manifested. For we must always hold to this principle: that Scripture does not usually speak of these things coldly, as mere historical facts, but makes indirect reference to their fruit.

Of the seed of David. This clause not only asserts the reality of Christ's human nature but also claims for him the honor and name of the Messiah. Heretics deny that Christ was a real man; others imagine that his human nature descended from heaven, and still others think that he had nothing more than the appearance of a man.

Paul exclaims, on the contrary, that he was of the seed of David, by which he undoubtedly declares that he was a real man, the son of a human being (that is, of Mary). This testimony is so explicit that the more heretics labor to get rid of it, the more they reveal their own impudence. The Jews and other enemies of Christ deny that he is the person who was previously promised. However, Paul affirms that he is the son of David and that he is descended from that family from which the Messiah was to descend.