Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Timothy 3
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Timothy 3
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Timothy 3
"But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away. For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further. For their folly shall be evident unto all men, as theirs also came to be." — 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (ASV)
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; because of persecution from without, and still more because of corruptions within. Men love to gratify their own lusts more than to please God and do their duty. When every man is eager for what he can get, and anxious to keep what he has, this makes men dangerous to one another. When men do not fear God, they will not regard man.
When children are disobedient to their parents, that makes the times perilous. Men are unholy and without the fear of God, because they are unthankful for the mercies of God. We abuse God's gifts if we make them the food and fuel of our lusts. Times are perilous also when parents are without natural affection toward children. And when men have no rule over their own spirits, but despise what is good and honourable.
God is to be loved above all; but a carnal mind, full of enmity against him, prefers anything over him, especially carnal pleasure. A form of godliness is very different from the power; from those who are found to be hypocrites, real Christians must withdraw. Such persons have been found within the outward church, in every place, and at all times. There have always been artful men, who, by pretences and flatteries, creep into the favour and confidence of those who are too quick to believe, ignorant, and fanciful.
All must be ever learning to know the Lord; but these follow every new notion, yet never seek the truth as it is in Jesus. Like the Egyptian magicians, these were men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and found to be quite without faith. Yet though the spirit of error may be let loose for a time, Satan can deceive the nations and the churches no further, and no longer, than God will permit.
"But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings. What things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." — 2 Timothy 3:10-13 (ASV)
The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ, as taught by the apostles, the more closely we will hold fast to it. When we know the afflictions of believers only in part, they tempt us to abandon the cause for which they suffer.
A form of godliness, a profession of Christian faith without a godly life, is often allowed to pass, while an open profession of the truth as it is in Jesus, and resolute attention to the duties of godliness, stir up the scorn and hostility of the world.
As good people, by the grace of God, grow better, so wicked people, through the craft of Satan and the power of their own corruptions, grow worse. The way of sin is downhill; they continue from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Those who deceive others also deceive themselves, as they will find in the end, to their cost.
The history of the visible church powerfully demonstrates that the apostle spoke this as he was moved by the Holy Spirit.
"But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ASV)
Those who seek to learn the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the Holy Scriptures, for they are the Divine revelation. The age of children is the age to learn; and those who seek to acquire true learning must get it from the Scriptures. They must not be neglected by us, seldom or never consulted.
The Bible is a sure guide to eternal life. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but delivered what they received from God (2 Peter 1:21). It is profitable for all purposes of the Christian life. It is of use to all, for all need to be taught, corrected, and reproved.
There is something in the Scriptures suitable for every case. Oh, that we may love our Bibles more and keep closer to them! Then we shall find benefit, and at last gain the happiness promised in them by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the main subject of both Testaments. We best oppose error by promoting a solid knowledge of the word of truth; and the greatest kindness we can do for children is to make them know the Bible from an early age.
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