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2 Timothy Chapter 2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 26 Verses

What is 2 Timothy 2 about?

Paul's final letter — a solemn charge to Timothy to guard the deposit of the faith and preach the Word in season and out. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And 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.
3Suffer hardship with [me], as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
5And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully.
6The husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits.
7Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.
8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
9wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
10Therefore I endure all things for the elect`s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him:
12if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:
13if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.
14Of 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.
15Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.
16But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
17and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: or whom is Hymenaeus an Philetus;
18men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.
19Howbeit 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.
20Now 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.
21If 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.
22after righteousness, faith, love, pace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
24And the Lord`s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,
25in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
26and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.
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What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Thou therefore, my son, etc.] The illative particle, “therefore”, shows the connection between this and the preceding chapter; the appellation, “thou, my son”, expresses the apostle's tender affection for Timothy, and is the rather used to engage his attention to the advice he was about to give him; which is, that since he had received the true grace of God, and unfeigned faith dwelt in him; and since he had such gifts, qualifying him for the work of the ministry; and since so good a thing as the glorious Gospel of the blessed God was committed to his trust; and since there were so many who had departed from it,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“EXHORTATIONS; TO FAITHFULNESS AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST; ERRORS TO BE SHUNNED; THE LORD'S SURE FOUNDATION; THE RIGHT SPIRIT FOR A SERVANT OF CHRIST. (2Ti. 2:1-26) Thou therefore--following my example (Ti2 1:8, Ti2 1:12), and that of ONESIPHORUS (Ti2 1:16-18), and shunning that of those who forsook me (Ti2 1:15). my son--Children ought to imitate their father. be strong--literally, "be invested with power." Have power, and show thyself to have it; implying an abiding state of power. in the grace--the element IN which the believer's strength has place. Compare Ti2 1:7, "God hath given us the spirit of power."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Thou therefore - In view of the fact stated in the previous chapter, that many had turned away from the apostle, and had forsaken the paths of truth. Be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus; - compare the notes at Ephesians 6:10. The meaning is, Be strong, relying on the grace which the Lord Jesus only can impart. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 2
“The things - The wholesome doctrine, Ti2 1:13. Commit - Before thou leavest Ephesus. To faithful men, who will be able, after thou art gone, to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“2:1-13 Timothy is again told to be strong and to endure suffering along with Paul (2:1-7; see 1:8). Timothy’s obedience should be motivated by reflecting on the Good News and on Paul’s example (2:8-13). 2:1 Timothy, my dear son (literally Therefore you, my child): In the Greek, therefore links this phrase back to 1:15-18 and the emphatic you is in contrast to those examples.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“my: Ti2 1:2; Ti1 1:2, Ti1 1:18 be: Ti2 1:7; Jos 1:7; Hag 2:4; Co1 16:13; Co2 12:9, Co2 12:10; Eph 6:10; Phi 4:13; Pe2 3:18 2 Timothy 2:2”
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