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Ask a QuestionHe is proud--literally, "wrapt in smoke"; filled with the fumes of self-conceit (1Ti 3:6) while "knowing nothing," namely, of the doctrine which is according to godliness (1Ti 6:3), though...
rest--governed by "to recompense" (2Th 1:6). The Greek is literally, "relaxation"; loosening of the tension which had preceded; relaxing of the strings of endurance now so tightly drawn. The Greek...
"Imitate God." Since He wishes that all should be saved, do you also wish it; and if you wish it, pray for it. For prayer is the instrument of effecting such things [Chrysostom]. Paul does not say,...
Not given to wine--The Greek includes besides this, not indulging in the brawling, violent conduct towards others, which proceeds from being given to wine. The opposite of "patient" or (Greek)...
of this sort--Greek, "of these," such as were described (2Ti 3:5). creep into--stealthily. laden with sins--(Isa 1:4); applying to the "silly women" whose consciences are burdened with sins, and so...
But thou--in contrast to the "some" (1Ti 6:10). man of God--who hast God as thy true riches (Ge 15:1; Ps 16:5; La3:24). Applying primarily to Timothy as a minister (compare 2Pe 1:21), just as the...
in his times--Greek, "His own [fitting] times" (Ac 1:7). The plural implies successive stages in the manifestation of the kingdom of God, each having its own appropriate time, the regulating...
profiteth little--Greek, "profiteth to (but) a small extent." Paul does not deny that fasting and abstinence from conjugal intercourse for a time, with a view to reaching the inward man through the...
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you--Two classes of coming enemies are here announced, the one more external to themselves, the other bred in the bosom of their own...
this--praying for all men. in the sight of God--not merely before men, as if it were their favor that we sought (2Co 8:21). our Saviour--a title appropriate to the matter in hand. He who is "our...
servants--to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above...
Alexander the coppersmith--or "smith" in general. Perhaps the same as the Alexander (see on 1Ti 1:20) at Ephesus. Excommunicated then he subsequently was restored, and now vented his personal...
Paul--He does not add "an apostle," because in their case, as in that of the Philippians (see on Php 1:1), his apostolic authority needs not any substantiation. He writes familiarly as to faithful...
Let no man despise thy youth--Act so as to be respected in spite of thy youth (1Co 16:11; Tit 2:15); compare "youthful" as to Timothy (2Ti2:22). He was but a mere youth when he joined Paul (Ac 16:1...
Lay hands--that is, ordain (1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6; Tit 1:5). The connection is with 1Ti 5:19. The way to guard against scandals occurring in the case of presbyters is, be cautious as to the character...
instructing--Greek, "disciplining," instructing with correction, which those who deal in "uninstructive" or "undisciplined questions" need (see on 2Ti 2:23; 1Ti 1:20). those that oppose themselves...
And the Lord shall, &c.--Hope draws its conclusions from the past to the future [Bengel]. will preserve me--literally, "will save" (Ps 22:21), "will bring me safe to." Jesus is the Lord and the...
Now--Greek, "But." In contrast to the "mystery of godliness." the Spirit--speaking by the prophets in the Church (whose prophecies rested on those of the Old Testament, Da 7:25; 8:23, &c.; 11:30,...
do good--like God Himself (Ps 119:68; Ac 14:17) and Christ (Ac10:38). Tittmann translates, "to do," or "act well"; as the Greek for "to be beneficent" is a distinct word, agathopoiein. rich in good...
Therefore--Because of the anxiety I feel that the Gospel should be extended; that anxiety being implied in 2Ti 2:9. endure--not merely "I passively suffer," but "I actively and perseveringly...
Ephesus--famed for the temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the world. For three years Paul labored there. He subsequently ordained Timothy superintending overseer or bishop there: probably...
Paul and Barnabas--now the recognized heads of the Church at Antioch. had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined--that is, the church did. that Paul and Barnabas, and...
Wherefore--The oldest manuscripts read, "Because," or "Inasmuch as." we would--Greek, "we wished to come"; we intended to come. even I Paul--My fellow missionaries as well as myself wished to come;...
faithful--worthy of credit, because "God" who says it "is faithful" to His word (1Co 1:9; 1Th 5:24; 2Th 3:3; Re 21:5; 22:6). This seems to have become an axiomatic saying among Christians the...
despise--This charge is not given concerning any other of the many messengers whom Paul sent. 1Ti 4:12 accounts for it (compare Ps119:141). He was a young man, younger probably than those usually...
keep this commandment--Greek, "the commandment," that is, the Gospel rule of life (1Ti 1:5; Joh 13:34; 2Pe 2:21; 3:2). without spot, unrebukeable--agreeing with "thou." Keep the commandment and so...
Neglect not the gift--by letting it lie unused. In 2Ti 1:6 the gift is represented as a spark of the Spirit lying within him, and sure to smoulder by neglect, the stirring up or keeping in lively...
The deacons were chosen by the voice of the people. Cyprian [Epistle, 2.5] says that good bishops never departed from the old custom of consulting the people. The deacons answer to the chazzan of...
I charge thee--rather as Greek, "I adjure thee"; so it ought to be translated (2Ti 4:1). before--"in the presence of God." Lord--omitted in the oldest manuscripts God the Father, and Christ the...
in this confidence--of my character for sincerity being "acknowledged" by you (2Co 1:12-14). was minded--I was intending. before--"to come unto you before" visiting Macedonia (where he now was)....