Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Timothy 2:10

διὰ τοῦτο : The knowledge that others had been, and were being, saved through his ministry was regarded by St. Paul as no small part of his reward. Thus, the Churches of Macedonia were his “crown,” as well as his “joy” (Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19). He had already in sight his “crown of righteousness”. This consideration suggests that we should refer διὰ τοῦτο to what follows rather than to what immediately precedes (ὁ λόγος … δέδεται). So Alf., who cites in illustration Romans 4:16 2 Corinthians 13:10, 1 Timothy 1:16; Philemon 1:15. On this view, we have completely displayed the conformity of Jesus Christ and of St. Paul to the conditions of success exemplified in the soldier, the athlete, and the field-labourer.

πάντα ὑπομένω : as Love does, 1 Corinthians 13:7. Ellicott rightly points out that Christian endurance is active, not passive: pain is felt as pain, but is recognised as having a moral and spiritual purpose.

διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς : St. Paul was much sustained by the thought that his labours and sufferings were, in the providence of God, beneficial to others (2Co 1:6; 2 Corinthians 12:15; Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 3:13; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24; Titus 1:1). “The elect” are those who, in the providence of God's grace, are selected for spiritual privileges with a view directly to the salvation of others, as well as of themselves. The absolute phrase as here is found in Matthew 24:22; Matthew 24:24 = Mark 13:20; Mark 13:22; οἱ ἐκλεκτοὶ αὐτοῦ in Matthew 24:31 = Mark 13:27 (?), Luke 18:7; ἐκλεκτοὶ θεοῦ in Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1; ὁ ἐκλεκτὸς ἐν Κυρίῳ in Romans 16:13.

καὶ αὐτοί : they also (as well as I). It would be no Paradise to St. Paul “to live in Paradise alone”. Compare his supreme expression of selflessness in Romans 9:3.

σωτηρίας μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου : Salvation may be enjoyed in part in this life; it will be consummated in eternal glory. See ref., and 2 Corinthians 4:17.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Timothy 2:10

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