2 Timothy 4:3

“For the time will come, etc.] This is a reason of the solemn charge above given: the time referred to was future, when the apostle wrote, but quickly came on; and the characters of it have appeared more or less in all ages since; and in none more than in ours: when they will not endure sound doctrine; the Gospel which contains the wholesome words of Christ, and is sound itself, having no corruption in it, and salutary in its effects to the souls of men; and yet such is the depravity of some men, both in principles and practice, that they cannot receive it, nor bear to hear it, turn their backs on it, express their indignation at it, and treat it not only with neglect, but with ridicule and…”

“they--professing Christians. sound doctrine--Greek, "the sound (see on Ti1 1:10) doctrine (didascalias)" or "teaching," namely, of the Gospel. Presently follows the concrete, "teachers." after their own lusts--Instead of regarding the will of God they dislike being interrupted in their lusts by true teachers. heap--one on another: an indiscriminate mass of false teachers. Variety delights itching ears. "He who despises sound teaching, leaves sound teachers; they seek instructors like themselves" [BENGEL]. It is the corruption of the people in the first instance, that creates priestcraft (Exo 32:1). to themselves--such as will suit their depraved tastes; populus vult decipi, et…”

“For the time will come ... - Probably referring to the time mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1, following. When they will not endure sound doctrine - Greek, “healthful doctrine;” i. e., doctrine contributing to the health of the soul, or to salvation. At that time they would seek a kind of instruction more conformable to their wishes and feelings. But after their own lusts - They will seek such kind of preaching as will accord with their carnal desires; or such as will palliate their evil propensities, and deal gently with their vices; compare Isaiah 30:10. “Speak unto us smooth things; prophesy deceits.” Shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears - The word rendered “heap” -…”

“For they will heap up teachers - Therefore thou hast need of "all longsuffering." According to their own desires - Smooth as they can wish. Having itching ears - Fond of novelty and variety, which the number of new teachers, as well as their empty, soft, or philosophical discourses, pleased. Such teachers, and such hearers, seldom are much concerned with what is strict or to the purpose. Heap to themselves - Not enduring sound doctrine, they will reject the sound preachers, and gather together all that suit their own taste. Probably they send out one another as teachers, and so are never at a loss for numbers. 2 Timothy 4:5”

“the time: Ti2 3:1-6; Ti1 4:1-3 they will: Kg1 22:8, Kg1 22:18; Ch2 16:9, Ch2 16:10, Ch2 24:20-22, Ch2 25:15, Ch2 25:16; Isa 28:12, Isa 33:9-11; Jer 6:16, Jer 6:17, Jer 18:18; Amo 7:10-17; Luk 20:19; Joh 8:45; Gal 4:16 sound: Ti1 1:10 but: Ti2 3:6; Kg1 18:22; Ch2 18:4, Ch2 18:5; Jer 5:31, Jer 23:16, Jer 23:17, Jer 27:9, Jer 29:8; Mic 2:11; Luk 6:26; Joh 3:19-21; Pe2 2:1-3 having: Exo 32:33; Act 17:21 \*Gr: Co1 2:1, Co1 2:4 2 Timothy 4:4”