John Calvin Commentary 2 Timothy 3:1

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

But know this. By this prediction, he intended to sharpen Timothy's diligence even more. For when matters go according to our wishes, we become more careless, but necessity urges us keenly. Paul, therefore, informs him that the Church will be subject to terrible diseases, which will require uncommon fidelity, diligence, watchfulness, prudence, and unwearied constancy from its pastors. This is as if he instructed Timothy to prepare for the arduous and deeply anxious contests that awaited him. And from this we learn that, far from giving way or being terrified because of any difficulties whatsoever, we ought, on the contrary, to arouse our hearts for resistance.

In the last days. Under “the last days,” he includes the universal condition of the Christian Church. Nor does he compare his own age with ours; on the contrary, he informs Timothy what the future condition of the kingdom of Christ will be, for many imagined some kind of condition that would be absolutely peaceful and free from any annoyance. In short, he means that even under the gospel, there will not be such a state of perfection that all vices will be banished and virtues of every kind will flourish. Therefore, the pastors of the Christian Church will have quite as much to do with wicked and ungodly men as the prophets and godly priests had in ancient times. From this it follows that there is no time for idleness or for repose.