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1
The Form Without the Power
Commentators explain that "a form of godliness" refers to people who maintain the outward appearance of Christianity—attending church, professing faith, and following rituals. However, they "deny its power" by living lives unchanged by the gospel. Their faith has no real influence over their hearts or actions, failing to restrain sin. As one scholar puts it, it's the outward shape without the reality.
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Book Overview
2 Timothy
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 2 Timothy 3:5
18th Century
Theologian
Having a form of godliness. That is, they profess religion, or are in connection with the church. This shows that the apostle referred to …
AT Robertson
On 2 Timothy 3:5
A form of godliness (μορφωσιν ευσεβειας). For μορφωσιν, see Ro 2:20. The outward shape without the reality.
Having …
Charles Ellicott
On 2 Timothy 3:5
19th Century
Bishop
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.—Keeping up a show of observing the outward forms of religion, …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 2 Timothy 3:5
Yet they are religious—“having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Timothy is told to turn away from such hypocrites.
John Calvin
On 2 Timothy 3:5
16th Century
Theologian
From those turn away. This exhortation sufficiently shows that Paul does not speak of a distant posterity, nor foretell what would happen …
John Gill
On 2 Timothy 3:5
17th Century
Pastor
Having a form of godliness
Either a mere external show of religion, pretending great piety and holiness, being outwa…
Matthew Henry
On 2 Timothy 3:1–9
17th Century
Minister
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; because of persecution from without, and still more because of corruptions within. Men love to …