VINCENT'S WORD STUDIES 2 TIMOTHY 2 PREVIOUS - NEXT CHAPTER - INDEX Robertson's Word Pictures in the NT - Greek NT CHAPTER II
vers 1. In the grace (en th cariti). Grace is the inward source of strength. Comp. the association of grace and strength in 2 Cor. xii. 9.
vers 2. Commit (paraqou). As a trust or deposit (paraqhkh). See on chapter i. 12,14. In Paul only 1 Cor. x. 27. Faithful (pistoiv). Not believing, but trusty, as appears from the context. See on 1 John i. 9; Apoc. i. 5; iii. 14. Able (ikanoi). In Pastorals only here. Very common in Luke and Acts: a few times in Paul. See on many, Rom. xv. 23.
vers 3. vers 4. Entangleth himself (empleketai). Only here and 2 Pet. ii. 20 (see note). This has been made an argument for clerical celibacy. In the affairs of this life (taiv tou biou pragmatiaiv). Better, affairs of life. Not as A.V. verse implies, in contrast with the affairs of the next life, but simply the ordinary occupations of life. In N.T., biov means either means of subsistence, as Mark. xii. 44; Luke viii. 43; 1 John iii. 17; or course of life, as Luke viii. 14. Biov P o . Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier (tw stratologhsanti). N.T.o . o LXX. Better, enrolled him as a soldier.
vers 5. Is he not crowned (ou stefanoutai). The verb only here and Hebrews ii. 7, 9. For stefanov crown, see on Apoc. ii. 9; iv. 4; 1 Pet. v. 4. Paul has stefanon labein, 1 Cor. ix. 25. Lawfully (nomimwv). Past o . See 1 Tim. i. 8. According to the law of military service which requires him to abandon all other pursuits. So the law of the ministerial office requires that the minister shall not entangle himself with secular pursuits. If he fulfills this requirement, he is not to trouble himself about his worldly maintenance, for it is right that he should draw his support from his ministerial labor: nay, he has the first right to its material fruits.
vers 6. Must be first partaker (dei prwton - metalambanein). Better, Must be the first to partake. His is the first right to the fruits of his labor in the gospel. The writer seems to have in his eye 1 Cor. ix. 7, where there is a similar association of military service and farming to illustrate the principle that they who proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel. Metalambanein to partake, o P, and only here in Pastorals. Paul uses metecein. See 1 Cor. ix. 10, 12; x. 17, 21, 30.
vers 7. And the Lord give thee understanding (dwsei gar o kuriov sunesin). More correctly, for the Lord shall give. 134 For sunesin understanding, see on Mark. xii. 33; Luke ii. 47; Col. i. 9.
vers 8. According to my gospel. Comp. Rom. ii. 16; xvi. 25, and see 1 Corinthians xv. 1; 2 Galatians. xi. 7; Gal. i. 11; ii. 2; 1 Tim. i. 11.
vers 9. As an evildoer (wv kakourgov). Only here and in Luke. Better, malefactor. The meaning is technical. Comp. Luke xxiii. 32, 33, 39. Unto bonds (mecri desmwn). Comp. Philippians. ii. 8, mecri qanatou unto death: Hebrews. xii. 4, mecriv aimatov unto blood. Const. with I suffer trouble But the word of God is not bound (alla o logov tou qeou ou dedetai). Nevertheless, although I am in bonds, the gospel which I preach will prevail in spite of all human efforts to hinder it. Word of God often in Paul. In Pastorals, 1 Tim. iv. 5; Tit. ii. 5. Bound, in Paul metaphorically, as here, Rom. vii. 2; 1 Cor. vii. 27, 39.
vers 10. That they may also (ina kai autoi). More correctly, they also may, etc. Also, as well as myself. Obtain the salvation (swthriav tucwsin). The phrase N T.o . Paul has peripoihsiv swthriav obtaining of salvation, 1 Thess. v. 9. Which is in Christ Jesus. The phrase salvation which is in Christ Jesus, N.T. For other collocations with in Christ Jesus in Pastorals, see 1 Timothy i. 14; iii. 13; 2 Tim. i. 1, 9, 13; ii. 3, 15. With eternal glory (meta doxhv aiwniou). The phrase eternal glory ony here and 1 Pet. v. 10. Paul has aijwnion barov doxhv eternal weight of glory, 2 Corinthians. iv. 17. Glory here is the eternal reward of Christians in heaven.
vers 11. For (gar). Faithful is the saying that the elect shall obtain salvation with eternal glory, for if we be dead, etc. 136 The following words to the end of verse 12 may be a fragment of a hymn or confession, founded on Romans vi. 8; viii. 17. If we be dead with him (ei sunapeqanomen). A.V. misses the force of the aorist. Better, if we died, etc. Comp. Rom. vi. 8; Col. ii. 20. For the verb, comp. Mark. xiv. 31; 2 Cor. vii. 3.
vers 12. If we deny him he also will deny us (ei arnhsomeqa. kakeinov arnhsetai hmav). The verb P o . Him must be supplied. The meaning of the last clause is, will not acknowledge us as his own. Comp. Luke ix. 26; Matt. x. 33.
vers 13. Faithful (pistov). True to his own nature, righteous character, and requirements, according to which he cannot accept as faithful one who has proved untrue to him. To do this would be to deny himself.
vers 14. Charging (diamarturomenov). In Paul only 1 Thess. iv. 6. Very frequent in Acts. See on Acts ii. 40; 20. 23. The sense is rather conjuring them by their loyalty to God. Paul uses the simple marturesqai in a similar sense. See Gal. v. 3; 1 Thess. ii. 12 (note); Ephesians iv. 17. Before God (enwpion tou qeou). See on 1 Tim. v. 4. Strive about words (logomacein). N.T.o . o LXX, o Class. Comp. logomaciav disputes of words, 1 Timothy. vi. 4, and see 1 Corinthians iv. 20. To no profit (ejp' oujden crhsimon). Lit. to nothing useful. Ep' oujden, o P. He uses eijv kenon to no purpose. See 2 Cor. vi. 1; Gal. ii. 2; Philip. ii. 16; 1 Thess. iii. 5. Crhsimov useful, N.T.o . To the subverting (epi katastrofh). Epi does not mean here to or for (purpose or object). but indicates the ground on which the unprofitableness of the wordy strife rests. Unprofitable because it works subversion of the hearers. Katastrofh subversion, transliterated into catastrophe, only here and 2 Pet. ii. 6. In LXX of the destruction or overthrow of men or cities. Katastrefein to overturn, Matt. xxi. 12; Mark. xi. 15; Acts xv. 16, cit. Paul uses kaqairesiv pulling down, 2 Corinthians x. 4, 8; xiii. 10
vers 15. To shew thyself approved (seauton dokimon parasthsai). Parasthsai, better, present. In Pastorals only here and chapter iv. 17. Often in Acts and Paul. See on Acts i. 3; Rom. xvi. 2; Eph. v. 27. Dokimon approved, only here in Pastorals, five times by Paul. See on James. i. 12. On dokimh approvedness, Rom. v. 4; and on dokimazein to approve on test, 1 Pet. i. 7. A workman (ergathv). In Paul, 2 Cor. xi. 13; Philippians. iii. 2. In Pastorals, 1 Tim. v. 18. That needeth not to be ashamed (anepaiscunton). N.T.o . o LXX, o Class. Lit. not made ashamed, as Philip. i. 20. A workman whose work does not disgrace him. Rightly dividing (orqotomounta). N.T.o . o Class. In LXX, Prov. iii. 6; xi. 5; both times in the sense of directing the way. From ojrqov straight and temnein to cut. Hence, to cut straight, as paths; to hold a straight course; generally, to make straight; to handle rightly. Vulg. recte tractare. The thought is that the minister of the gospel is to present the truth rightly, not abridging it, not handling it as a charlatan (see on 2 Corinthians ii. 17), not making it a matter of wordy strife verse 14), but treating it honestly and fully, in a straightforward manner. Various homiletic fancies have been founded on the word, as, to divide the word of truth, giving to each hearer what he needs: or, to separate it into its proper parts: or, to separate it from error: or, to cut straight through it, so that its inmost contents may be laid bare. Others, again, have found in it the figure of dividing the bread, which is the office of the household steward; or of dividing the sacrificial victims; or of cutting a straight furrow with the plough.
vers 16. Profane and vain babblings (bebhlouv kenofwniav). For profane, see on 1 Tim. i. 9. Vain is superfluous, being implied in babblings. For babblings, see on 1 Tim. vi. 20. Babble is a word of early origin, an imitative word, formed on the efforts of a young child to speak, and having its counterparts in many languages. It appears very early in English, as in Piers Plowman: "And so I bablede on my bedes." Vis. 2487. Bacon: "Who will open himself to a blab or a babbler? " Ess. vi Shakespeare: "Leave thy vain bibble babble." Twelfth X. iv. 2. They will increase (prokoyousin). See on Rom. xiii. 12, and Gal. i. 14. Ungodiness (asebeiav). The opposite of eujsebeia godliness, for which see on 1 Tim. ii. 2. In Pastorals, Tit. ii. 12. In Paul, Rom. i. 18; xi. 26, cit.
vers 17. "Solet immedicabile cancer Serpere, et illaesas vitiatis addere partes." Metam. ii. 826
vers 18. The resurrection (anastasin). Only here in Pastorals.
vers 19. Seal (sfragida). Mostly in Revelation. Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, Rom. iv. 11; 1 Cor. ix. 2. Used here rather in the sense of inscription or motto. Comp. Deuteronomy. vi. 9; xi. 20; Apoc. xxi. 14. There are two inscriptions on the foundation stone, the one guaranteeing the security, the other the purity, of the church. The two go together. The purity of the church is indispensable to its security. The Lord knoweth them that are his (egnw kuriov touv ontav autou). The first inscription: God knows his own. Comp. Num. xvi. 5; 1 Cor. xiii. 12. For egnw knoweth, see on Gal. iv. 9. Them that are his, his ejklektoi chosen; see verse 10; Tit. i. 1; Rom. viii. 33; Col. iii. 12; 1 Pet. ii. 9; Apoc. xvii. 14. Not, however, in any hard, predestinarian sense. 138 Comp. John x. 14; Matt. vii. 23; Luke xiii. 25, 27. Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The second inscription, concerning the purity of the church. For of Christ rend. of the Lord (kuriou). Onomazwn nameth, only here in Pastorals. It means to give a name to, to style, as Mark. iii. 14; Luke vi. 14; 1 Corinthians v. 11: to pronounce a name as having a special virtue, as in incantation. as Acts xix. 13: to utter a name as acknowledging and appropriating what the name involves, as a confession of faith and allegiance. So here. Comp. Rom. xv. 20; 1 Cor. v. 11; Isa. xxvi. 13. For onoma name, see on 1 Thess. i. 12. Aposthtw ajpo ajdikiav depart from iniquity. For the verb, see on 1 Tim. iv. 1. Mostly in Luke and Acts. Comp. Num. xvi. 26; Isaiah. 52. 11. Whatever may be implied in God's election, it does not relieve Christians of the duty of strict attention to their moral character and conduct. Comp. Philippians. ii. 12. The gift of grace (Eph. ii. 8) is exhibited in making one a coworker with God (1 Corinthians iii. 9). The salvation bestowed by grace is to be "carried out" (Philippians. ii. 12) by man with the aid of grace (Rom. vi. 8-19; 2 Corinthians vi. 1). What this includes and requires appears in Philippians. iii. 10; iv. 1-7; Eph. iv. 13-16, 22 ff.; Col. ii. 6, 7.
vers 20. House (oikia). As qemeliov foundation indicates the inward, essential character of the church, oijkia exhibits its visible, outward aspect. The mixed character of the church points to its greatness (megalh). Vessels (skeuh). See on Matt. xii. 29; Mark. iii. 27; Acts ix. 15; xxvii. 17; 1 Peter iii. 7. Of wood and of earth (xulina kai ostrakina). Xulinov wooden only here and Apoc. ix. 20. Ostrakinov of baked clay, only here and 2 Corinthians iv. 7 (note). Comp. the different metaphor, 1 Cor. iii. 12. Some to honor and some to dishonor. After Rom. ix. 21.
vers 21. From these (apo toutwn). From such persons as are described as;'vessels "unto dishonor." Some attempt to relieve the awkwardness of this figure by referring these to persons mentioned in vv. 16,17. Unto honor (eiv timhn). Const. with vessel, not with sanctified. Sanctified (hgiasmenon). Comp. 1 Tim. iv. 5. Set al art to noble and holy uses, as belonging to God. See on aJgiasmov sanctification, Romans vi. 19. For agiov holy, see on 1 Tim. v. 10. Meet (eucrhston). From euj well and crasqai to use. Hence, easy to make use of, useful. The A.V. meet, is fit, suitable. Rend. serviceable. In contrast with to no profit, verse 14. See Philemon 11, where the contrast with acrhstov useless is brought out. Only here, chapter iv. 11, Philemon 11. For the master's use (tw despoth). Use is superfluous. Rend. for the master. The master of the household. See on 1 Tim. vi. 1. Prepared (htoimasmenon). In Paul, 1 Corinthians 2 9; Philemon 22. Only here in Pastorals. Comp. Tit. iii. 1. Every good work. The phrase in Paul, 2 Cor. ix. 8; Col. i. 10; 2 Thess. ii. 17. In Pastorals, 1 Tim. v. 10; 2 Tim. iii. 17; Tit. i. 16; iii. 1.
vers 22. Follow (diwke). Pursue. Stronger than follow. A favorite word with Paul to denote the pursuit of moral and spiritual ends. See Rom. ix. 30, 31; xii. 13; 1 Cor. xiv. . 1; Philippians. iii. 12. Peace (eirhnhn). Not a distinct virtue in the list, but a consequence of the pursuit of the virtues enumerated. Const. with with them that call, etc. For peace with diwkein pursue, see Rom. xiv. 19; Heb. xii. 14, and Psalm xxxiv. 14, cit. 1 Pet. iii. 11. Call on the Lord (epikaloumenwn ton kurion). A Pauline phrase, only here in Pastorals. See Rom. x. 12, 13, 14; 1 Cor. i. 2. See also Acts ii. 21; ix. 14; xxii. 16. Out of a pure heart (ek kaqarav kardiav). Const. with call on the Lord. The phrase, 1 Tim. i. 5; 1 Pet. i. 22. Comp. Matt. v. 8.
vers 23. Unlearned (apaideutouv). Rev. ignorant is better; but the meaning at bottom is undisciplined: questions of an untrained mind, carried away with novelties: questions which do not proceed from any trained habit of thinking. Questions (zhthseiv). Better, questionings. See on 1 Tim. vi. 4. Avoid (paraitou). See on 1 Tim. iv. 7 Better, refuse or decline. Gender (gennwsi). Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, metaphorically, 1 Corinthians iv. 15; Philemon 10; Gal. iv. 24.
vers 24. Must not (ou dei). Moral obligation. Gentle (hpion). Only here and 1 Thess. ii. 7 (note). Apt to teach, patient (didaktikon, ajnexikakon). Didaktikov apt to teach, only here and 1 Timothy. iii. 2 (note). Anexikakia forbearing, N.T.o . Anexikakia forbearance Wisd. ii. 19. Rend. Forbearing.
vers 25. Those that oppose themselves (touv antidiatiqemenouv). N.T.o LXX. Class. only late Gleek. Themselves is wrong. The meaning is, those who oppose the servant of the Lord; Who carry on the ajntiqeseiv oppositions (1 Tim. vi. 20); =gainsayers (ajntilegontev Tit. i. 9). Paul's word is ajntikeisqai to oppose: see 1 Corinthains xvi. 9; Gal. v. 17; Philip. i. 28; 2 Thessalonians. ii. 4. Repentance (metanoian). Only here in Pastorals. See on repent) Matthew. iii. 2. To the acknowledging of the truth (eiv epignwsin alhqeiav). More correctly, the knowledge. The formula Past o . See 1 Tim. ii. 4 (note); 2 Timothy iii. 7. For eijv unto after metanoia repentance, see Mark. i. 4; Luke iii. 3; xxiv. 47; Acts xi. 18; xx. 21; 2 Cor. vii. 10.
vers 26. Out of the snare of the devil (ek thv tou diabolou pagidov). Comp. Psalm cxxiv. 7. The phrase snare of the devil, only here and 1 Tim. iii. 7 (note). The metaphor is mixed; return to soberness out of the snare of the devil. Who are taken captive (ezwgrhmenoi). Or, having been held captive. Only here and Luke v. 10 (note on thou shalt catch!. By him (up autou). The devil. At his will (eiv toekeinou qelhma). Better, unto his will: that is, to do his (God's) will. The whole will then read: "And that they may return to soberness out of the snare of the devil (having been held captive by him) to do God's will."
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