2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:1

IN the grace] in the lively feeling, and firme apprehension of Gods grace by vertue of the reconciliation made by Christ, or in the gifts, and in the power of the holy Ghost, which are bestowed upon all those who are members of his body. Or, in the sacred calling which thou hast in Christs service, as Romans 1:5. Ephesians 3:8.

2 Timothy 2:2

The things] namely, the doctrine of the Gospel, and the precepts of the sacred ministery Commit thou] namely, in teaching and maintaining them in the publique office of Pastors.

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore] this is spoken in the sequel of verse 11.

2 Timothy 2:4

With the affaires] namely, in other affaires and employments of an ordinary course of life, which might draw him away.

2 Timothy 2:5

Strive for masteries]〈◊〉 publique sports and exercises, as Fencing, or Wrestling, &c Lawfully] namely, according to the laws of the exercise, accomplishing all the actions therein required, even to the last.

2 Timothy 2:6

Must be first] as I exhort thee to be faithfull in thy labour, so I do assure thee of the reward, according to Gods infallible promise.

2 Timothy 2:7

The Lord give thee] he confirms this exhortation, because that Timothies endeavour should not be in vain, but being upheld by the Apostles prayers, it should be blessed by God, with a great increase of lively light and understanding. Or he means, I do desire this of God for thee, do thou therefore likewise endeavour thy self therein, that my desire may not prove vain by thy neglect.

2 Timothy 2:8

Remember] so that by the hope of thine own blessed resurrection, which depends upon Christs, thou mayest be strengthned and born up in all thy troubles, 2 Corinthians 4:13-14.

2 Timothy 2:9

Wherein] namely, in the preaching and ministery whereof Is not] cannot be stayed nor hindred, Philippians 1:12.

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore] namely, through the faith and hope I have, which is grounded upon Christs resurrection For the Elects sake] not onely for having preached the doctrine of salvation to them, but likewise to give them a lively example and confirmation in faith, patience, and perseverance, 2 Cor. 1. 6. and 4. 15 Which is] whose foundation and onely cause is Christ, and cannot be obtained by any other means but by the union with him through faith.

2 Timothy 2:11

It is a lawfull] namely, that a Christian ought voluntarily and constantly to suffer for Christ as he hath said before.

2 Timothy 2:13

He abideth] that is to say, this deniall on Christs side, doth not make him any way fail in his duty, but in him is an act of loyall righteousnesse which he alwayes performeth, whereas in men it is perfidiousnesse.

2 Timothy 2:14

Before the Lord] calling him to be a witnesse of this command, and a judge against the breakers of it, see 1 Timothy 6:13. That they strive not] that in matters of faith and religion, all vain, curious, and sophisticate disputations, and all passionate altercations may be avoided, which produce no edification.

2 Timothy 2:15

Dividing] the Greek terme is taken from the laying straight of high wayes, or from drawing the lines of Geographicall Maps. And as Gods word is called a way, so pastors ought not to draw it awry, but to set it forth straight: Others derive it from the distribution of food at a table, or in a house, by a father of a family, to signifie faithfull and wise dispensation or distribution of Gods word, see Matth. 24. 45. Luke 12:42.

2 Timothy 2:16

Shun] or forbid and suppresse.

2 Timothy 2:17

Will eat] Being once admitted into the soule, it will penetrate to the totall extinguishing of the spirituall life thereof; and having possessed it selfe of one of the members of the Church, it will spread it selfe over all the body, if it be not withstood in time.

2 Timothy 2:18

That the resurrection] it is likely that their doctrine was, That there is no other resurrection but the spirituall resurrection of the soul from death and stone: 〈◊〉 the renewing of the state of the world under the Gospell, the Scripture using this word oftentimes in this sense, see 1 Corinthians 15:12.

2 Timothy 2:19

The foundation] Gods eternall election, which is the first foundation of beleevers salvation, laid by God himself, cannot be moved nor brought to nothing; to have the Elect seduced by such he〈…〉es, or to cause them to fall away from the faith, Matth. 24. 24. 2 Thessalonians 2:13. Having] this election is firm, end setled by Gods eternall decree: concerning those whom he hath taken to himself, and is guarded by his continuall providence, by which he accomplished his work in them, yet will he have them cooperate by the power which they have received from him, bewaring of all things that are contrary thereunto both in their life and doctrine, Philippians 2:12. 2 Peter 1:10. Nameth] that is to say, Makes profession of being a Christian.

2 Timothy 2:20

In a great] this is spoken to obviate the scandall of these Apostates who had been in the Church, in which by this similitude he shewes that there are both elect and reprobate,Matthew 13. 47. and 20. 16.

2 Timothy 2:21

Purge himself] working by the grace and power of the holy Ghost dwelling in him, 1 Peter 1:22. 1 John 3:3. From these] namely, from those which are spoken of, vers. 16, 19. Or from these men, namely, keeping himself from the communion and infection of such Reprobates as were spoken of, vers. 17. He shall be] in effect and really, according as he hath been appointed by God to be so: that is to say, Gods councell shall in this manner be fulfilled in man.

2 Timothy 2:24

Patient] in suffering of offences and injuries.

2 Timothy 2:25

That oppose] that are of a contrary minde or inclination, through ignorance, but not through obstinate malice, see Titus 3:10-11.

2 Timothy 2:26

At his will] this may be understood, either of the Devils will, by whom they had been taken, or by Gods will, by whom they had been freed.