ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Timothy 2

2 Tim. 2:2 what you have heard from me. Throughout this letter, Paul emphasizes the message Timothy received from him (see 1:13; 2:8).

2 Tim. 2:4 This verse has at times been misinterpreted as a call away from “secular,” civilian pursuits. The Bible, however, does not separate life into “spiritual” and “secular” areas. All of life is to be lived in obedience to the Spirit according to the Word of God. Paul is warning Timothy not to allow anything to distract him from his task.

2 Tim. 2:7 Think . . . for the Lord will give you understanding. The believer’s efforts and God’s empowering work together.

2 Tim. 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ. Paul certainly doesn’t think that Timothy is in danger of forgetting Jesus! Rather, this is a call to remain mindful of the gospel message.

2 Tim. 2:10 endure everything. Paul suffered persecution, hunger, and prison to preach the gospel. for the sake of the elect. For those God saves. See notes on Rom. 8:29; 8:30; Eph. 1:11.

2 Tim. 2:11–13 In this context, to deny Christ means a final rejection of him. This is not merely a temporary lapse in one’s faith (if we are faithless).

2 Tim. 2:14–3:9 Dealing with False Teachers. These verses divide into two sections. In 2:14–26 Paul introduces the false teaching (2:16) and explains how Timothy should respond to it. In 3:1–9 he describes the false teachers in more detail. Having called Timothy to continued endurance (1:3–2:13), Paul addresses the problem of false teaching directly.

2 Tim. 2:14 Remind them. To this point Timothy has been the one who must “remember” (v. 8). Now Paul shifts to Timothy’s role in reminding the people under his care. not to quarrel about words. Paul is clearly willing to argue when the gospel is at stake (e.g., Gal. 2:11). What he prohibits here is pointless argument that has no positive, practical impact on people (see 2 Tim. 2:16–17).

2 Tim. 2:15 Do your best. Timothy must consistently and happily carry out the work God has given him to do. One way to do this is to make sure he is rightly handling Scripture. This contrasts with the meaningless disputes the false teachers engage in.

2 Tim. 2:17 spread like gangrene. This phrase pictures the false teaching killing as it spreads. This is in contrast to the “healthy” or “sound” teaching of Paul (see note on 1 Tim. 1:10; also 2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9). Hymenaeus was mentioned as a false teacher in 1 Tim. 1:20. Philetus is not mentioned elsewhere.

2 Tim. 2:18 The idea that the resurrection has already happened seems similar to some errors Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 15 (see especially 1 Cor. 15:12–20). Apparently some were teaching that believers had already entered the glorified post-resurrection state.

2 Tim. 2:19 God’s firm foundation. Probably the elect members of the church; see v. 10. bearing this seal. See note on John 6:27. The twofold inscription that follows emphasizes (1) divine sovereignty (preserving) and (2) human responsibility (persevering).

2 Tim. 2:20–21 Paul illustrates his call to “depart from iniquity” (v. 19). What is dishonorable includes both doctrinal and moral error, since Paul discusses both in this letter.

2 Tim. 2:22 youthful passions. Not only sinful sexual desire but sinful desires in general, especially those characteristic of youth. One of these might be the tendency to quarrel or be hotheaded (vv. 23–25). Christians need not fight such battles alone, but along with other believers.

2 Tim. 2:24–26 This is a key passage on how pastors should handle people who make trouble in the church.

2 Tim. 2:24 Servant is the common word for “slave” or “bondservant.” Paul also uses it to refer to those who, like himself, preach the gospel (Rom. 1:1).

2 Tim. 2:25 Most interpreters see these opponents as unbelievers who do not have a knowledge of the truth (that is, salvation; see note on 1 Tim. 2:4). Paul advises correcting the opponents in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1; Eph. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:15). This verse further emphasizes the sovereignty of God in granting repentance.

2 Tim. 2:26 come to their senses. Sin has a destructive effect on human reason. Salvation restores the ability to see reality. the snare of the devil. Paul often describes humanity as enslaved by the devil and in need of rescue (see 2 Cor. 4:4).