THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY. _Chronological Notes relative to this Epistle_. -Year of the Constantinopolitan era of the world, or that used by the Byzantine historians, 5573. -Year of the Alexandrian era of the world, 5567. -Year of the Antiochian era of the world, 5557. -... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Timothy 1:2. _TO TIMOTHY_, MY _DEARLY BELOVED SON_] See the note in 1 Timothy 1:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Timothy 1:3. _WHOM I SERVE FROM_ MY _FOREFATHERS_] Being born a _Jew_, I was carefully educated in the knowledge of the true God, and the proper manner of worshipping him. _WITH PURE CONSCIENCE_] Ever aiming to please him, even in the time when through ignorance I persecuted the Church. _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Timothy 1:4. _BEING MINDFUL OF THY TEARS_] Whether the apostle refers to the affecting parting with the Ephesian Church, mentioned Acts 20:37, or to the deep impressions made on Timothy's heart when he instructed him in the doctrine of Christ crucified, or to some interview between themselve... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 5. _THE UNFEIGNED FAITH THAT IS IN THEE_] Timothy had given the fullest proof of the sincerity of his conversion, and of the purity of his faith. _WHICH DWELT FIRST IN THY GRANDMOTHER LOIS_] In Acts 16:1, we are informed that Paul _came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain_ _disciple w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 6. _STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN THEE_] The gift which Timothy had received was the Holy Spirit; and through him, a particular power to preach and defend the truth. This gift is represented here, under the notion of a _fire_, which, if it be not _frequently stirred up_, and _fresh fuel... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 7. _GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR_] Here is an allusion to the giving of the law on mount Sinai. This was communicated with such _terrible majesty_ as to engender fear in all the Israelites: even Moses, on the occasion, _did exceedingly fear_ _and tremble_. The Gospel was ushered in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 8. _BE NOT - ASHAMED OF THE TESTIMONY_] The testimony of Christ is the _Gospel_ in general, which proclaims _Christ crucified_, and redemption _through his blood_. In the sight of the _world_, there appeared to be reason why a man should be ashamed of this; ashamed of him who was crucified as... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 9. _WHO HATH SAVED US_] From sin; the spirit of bondage, and all tormenting fear. This is the design of the Gospel. _AND CALLED_ US _WITH A HOLY CALLING_] _Invited_ us to holiness and comfort here; and to eternal glory hereafter. _NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS_] We have not _deserved_ any part... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 10. _BUT IS NOW MADE MANIFEST._] This purpose of God to save the Gentiles as well as the Jews, and call them to the same state of salvation by Jesus Christ, was, previously to the manifestation of Christ, generally hidden; and what was revealed of it, was only through the means of types and ce... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 11. _WHEREUNTO I AM APPOINTED A PREACHER_] κηρυξ, a _herald_. Matthew 3:17, Matthew 3:17. _AND AN APOSTLE_] Sent immediately from God to man. _A TEACHER_] One whose business it is to _instruct_ men, and particularly the Gentiles, to whom he was especially sent; to proclaim the doctrines of e... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 12. _I AM NOT ASHAMED._] Though I suffer for the Gospel, I am not ashamed of the Gospel; nor am I _confounded_ in my expectation; his grace being at all times sufficient for me. _FOR I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED_] I am well acquainted with the goodness, mercy, and power of Christ; and know tha... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 13. _HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS_] The word υποτυπωσις signifies the _sketch, plan_, or _outline_ of a building, picture, c. and here refers to the _plan of salvation_ which the apostle had taught Timothy. No man was left to _invent a religion_ for his own use, and after his own mind. Go... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 14. _THAT GOOD THING_] The everlasting Gospel, _keep by_ _the Holy Ghost_; for without a continual _spiritual energy_ man can do nothing. This _indwelling Spirit_ will make them effectual to thy own salvation, and enable thee to preach them to the salvation of the souls of others.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 15. _ALL THEY WHICH ARE IN ASIA_] It seems as if the apostle must refer to the Asiatic Christians which were then at Rome, or had been lately there. Finding the apostle in disgrace, and thinking it dangerous to own him or his cause, they neither visited him, or confessed Christianity. He canno... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 16. _THE LORD GIVE MERCY_] Onesiphorus had acknowledged him, and continued to do so; _he_, and his _house_, or _family_, ministered to him in prison, and were not ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the _cause_ for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As _he_ showed mercy to the apos... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 17. _WHEN HE WAS IN ROME_] Onesiphorus was no doubt an Asiatic, (probably an Ephesian, see below,) who had frequent business at Rome; and when he came sought out the apostle, who, it is supposed, had been confined in some _close_ and _private prison_, (see the _preface_,) so that it was with g... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Timothy 1:18. _THE LORD GRANT-THAT HE MAY FIND MERCY OF THE LORD_] Some think that this is a prayer to God the Father to communicate grace to him, that he might find mercy in the great day at the hand of Jesus Christ the Judge. It is probably only a Hebraism for, God grant that he may here b... [ Continue Reading ]