2 Timothy 3

1 perilous times. Lit., “difficult” or “grievous” times. The period here spoken of appears to be predicted also in 2 Thess. ii. 1-12; 1 Tim. iv. 1-3.

2 men. Professed followers of Christ (see ver. 5).

3 trucebreakers. Rather, “relentless.”

incontinent. “Without self-control” generally (R.V.).

despissers of those that are good. Rather, “no lovers of good” (R.V.).

4 heady, highminded. Or, “rash, puffed up.”

5 having a form of godliness. Keeping the name and profession of Christianity, but “having denied” or renounced its influence on the heart and life.

6 laden with sins. From the burden of which these designing men promise them relief. In later times this was done by auricular confession and priestly absolution, by which women are specially led captive.

8. Jannes and Jambres. These are the traditional names of two of the magicians of Egypt: see Exod. vii. 11, and note. They are often mentioned by name in Jewish writings, and Origen twice mentions an apocryphal book bearing their names. Pliny also refers to them (see Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible).

10 thou hast fully known. Rather, “Thou didst closely follow my teaching,” etc. (see note on Luke i. 3).

11. Antioch. Antioch in Pisidia: see Acts xiii., xiv., and notes. This verse refers to Timothy’s earliest observation of the apostle’s career, a sample of all the rest.

12 all that will live. Properly, “who want to live.” This verse contains a general truth, previously declared by our Lord (John xv. 20), and applicable more or less to all true Christians.

13 seducers. Properly, “magicians”: see ver. 8, and note. R.V., “impostors.”

14 knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]. If the singular pronoun for “of whom” (τίνας) is read, it would refer to Paul himself; but if the plural (τίναν), which is adopted in Nestle’s Greek text, it refers to Timothy’s early teachers.

15 which are able to make thee wise, etc. It is of the Old Testament that this is said: for it testifies of Christ (John v. 39). Much more must the New Testament, in which He is fully made known, be “profitable,” etc. (16). It is instructive to notice that while the apostle foretells the prevalence of errors, he directs Christians, in order to be armed against them, to the study of the existing Scriptures.

16. All Scripture. Rather, as R.V., “Every Scripture.”

given by inspiration of God. One word in original, theopneustos, “divinely-inspired.” The R.V., with many of the best expositors, translates the phrase, “Every Scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable,” etc. This rendering is adopted by the ancient Greek expositors (Origen, Chrysostom); by the Latin Vulgate; by Wyclif, Tyndale, and Cranmer; and in modern times by Alford, Ellicott, Wordsworth.

17 perfect. Or, “complete”: in all parts and proportions.