John Calvin Commentary 2 Timothy 3:2

"For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," — 2 Timothy 3:2 (ASV)

For men will be It is proper to note, first, what he says the hardship of those “dangerous” or “troublesome” times consists in: not in war, nor in famine, nor in diseases, nor in any calamities or inconveniences to which the body is subject, but in the wicked and depraved actions of men. And indeed, nothing is so distressingly painful to godly men, and to those who truly fear God, as to witness such corruptions of morals; for, as there is nothing they value more highly than the glory of God, so they cannot but suffer grievous anguish when it is attacked or despised.

Secondly, it should be noted who the people are of whom he speaks. Those whom he briefly describes are not external enemies, who openly attack the name of Christ, but those from within, who wish to be counted among the members of the Church. For God wishes to test His Church to such an extent that she carries such plagues within her bosom, though she abhors to harbor them. So, if today many whom we justly abhor are mixed among us, let us learn to groan patiently under that burden, when we are informed that this is the lot of the Christian Church.

Next, it is surprising that those people, whom Paul declares to be guilty of so many and such aggravated acts of wickedness, can maintain the appearance of piety, as he also states. But daily experience shows that we should not regard this as so surprising; for such is the amazing audacity and wickedness of hypocrites that, even in excusing the worst crimes, they are exceedingly impudent, after having once learned to falsely take refuge under the name of God. In ancient times, how many crimes abounded in the life of the Pharisees? And yet, as if they were pure from every stain, they enjoyed a reputation for outstanding holiness.

Even today, although the lewdness of the Popish clergy is such that it stinks in the nostrils of the whole world, still, in spite of their wickedness, they do not cease to proudly arrogate to themselves all the rights and titles of saints. Therefore, when Paul says that hypocrites, though they are guilty of the worst vices, nevertheless deceive under a mask of piety, this should not seem strange when we have examples before our eyes. And indeed, the world deserves to be deceived by these wicked scoundrels when it either despises or cannot tolerate true holiness. Besides, Paul lists those vices that are not visible at first glance, and that are even the usual companions of pretended holiness. Is there a hypocrite who is not proud, who is not a lover of himself, who is not a despiser of others, who is not fierce and cruel, who is not treacherous? But all these are hidden from human eyes.

To spend time explaining every word would be unnecessary, because the words do not need explanation. Let my readers only observe that φιλαυτία, self-love, which is placed first, may be regarded as the source from which all the vices that follow flow. He who loves himself claims superiority in everything, despises all others, is cruel, indulges in covetousness, treachery, anger, rebellion against parents, neglect of what is good, and the like. Since it was Paul’s design to brand false prophets with such marks, so that they might be seen and known by all, it is our duty to open our eyes, that we may see those who are pointed out with the finger.