Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Timothy 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Timothy 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Timothy 2
"Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with [me], as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully. The husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits. Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things." — 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (ASV)
As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good: our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause.
The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to gain mastery over our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active spend their zeal on outward forms and doubtful disputations.
But those who strive lawfully will be crowned at last. If we would partake of the fruits, we must labor; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God before we receive the promises, for which reason we need patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read.
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel: wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound. 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. Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him: if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us: if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself." — 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (ASV)
Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel.
If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honors, we will be forever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
"Of these things put them in remembrance, charging [them] in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear. Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: or whom is Hymenaeus an Philetus; men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness. Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master`s use, prepared unto every good work." — 2 Timothy 2:14-21 (ASV)
Those disposed to argue commonly do so about matters of little importance. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet, no matter how foolish or erroneous something is, it can overturn the temporary faith of some professing believers.
This foundation has two inscriptions on it. One speaks of our comfort: no one can overthrow the faith of any whom God has chosen. The other speaks of our duty: those who wish to have the comfort of this privilege must make their duty a matter of conscience. For Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:14). The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furnishings are of great value; some are of smaller value and put to more humble uses.
Some professing believers are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fullness of God. We must ensure that we are holy vessels. Everyone in the church whom God approves will be devoted to his Master's service and thus fitted for his use.
"after righteousness, faith, love, pace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes. And the Lord`s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will." — 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (ASV)
The more we follow that which is good, the faster and further we will flee from that which is evil. Maintaining the communion of saints will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practicing what God requires, than in subtle disputes.
Those are unfit to teach who are prone to strive, and are fierce and perverse. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error. The same God who reveals the truth, by His grace brings us to acknowledge it; otherwise, our hearts would continue to rebel against it. There is no uncertainty regarding God's pardoning those who repent; but we cannot be certain that He will give repentance to those who oppose His will.
Sinners are caught in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any yearn for deliverance, let them remember they can never escape, except by repentance, which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of Him by earnest, persevering prayer.
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