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Commentary
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 2 Timothy Chapter 2 Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace given in faith upon Christ, (stirring up Timothy's gift) (v1) And concerning the things which Paul has taught before many witnesses, concerning the mystery of God and His gospel, Timothy should openly use it before others also. (v2) Paul relates his line of thinking to Timothy next: As in service under absolute authority we must endure hardship. (v3) We see straight away that the best way with the best spiritual gifts are available to those who are strictly obedient within the grace of God (v3), then as strictly obedient and not concerned with worldly affairs, we seek our glory with Christ at his coming (v4) All advancement and authority in God's kingdom comes from God only. (v5) Any man in receipt of eternal life as obedient to the above is immediately rewarded with an eternal gift: it is more perfect for God to give that gift to His elect if they be obedient, whilst they live and suffer hardship for the gospel. (v6) This is the dichotomy of holiness and advancement in authority of one man over another. "Verily, verily I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." Ascending and descending over one another in authority for the ministrations of grace and the edifying of the gospel. The angels are ministering spirits, and are saved if they are not after the works of satan. (The verse refers to ascending and descending to enter the temple of God, now Jesus' body.) Paul calls upon the Lord to give Timothy understanding in considering this mystery. (v7) Paul asks Timothy to remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to the gospel of grace Paul teaches, and that he is of the line of David. (v8) Could this indeed be the "key of david" given the church in Philadelphia in chapter 3 of John's revelation? The seal of the living God? Paul suffers as would an evildoer, even in bonds; but he knows the truth of the mystery of the gospel is not bound. It is hinted at that Paul is not in receipt of this sealing by his being troubled as in bonds, (v9) but that Timothy's gift of revelation is required to inquire of the Lord as to the purpose of this sealing to the Lord's very coming! For the proof above is that Jesus will return to all those that are sealed, for he will keep them from the hour of temptation, as he write to the church in Phiiladelphia in revelation. Therefore Paul endures all hardship as without this sealing for the elect's sake that they may obtain it when the time of Christ's coming is at hand. (v10) It is a faithful and true saying, because those that die in the Lord being obedient, will rise to live at His coming, and the proof will be satisfied. (v11) If we endure hardship, we will receive authority with Him, yet if we deny Him, he will deny us (that authority.) (v12) If we falter and believe not, then because Christ is true He cannot deny the truth of this proof: for He is obedient in all things and has received all authority to bring everything subject under Himself. (v13) In this, He will finally, after everything is brought subject to Himself; place all things under He whom made it subject to Him - even our Father who will descend on the last day to be amongst us, and everything will indeed be made new. Paul instructs Timothy to put all men in remembrance of this mystery of God, commanding them that they do not strive after vain philospophies that have no reward except to the purpose of controlling those subject to the endless disputation of the ideas (amongst those whom accept them.) (v14) Paul teaches them to study to show themselves approved, for the Holy Spirit ministers truth to us both in the Spirit and the word of God. (v15) But again, Paul exhorts them all to shun the remnants of cultish belief and endless questioning, for they only increase to greater disobedience. (They are not simple closed arguments.) (v16) Such words eat away at the harvest of God, as have Hymenaeus and Philetus, (v17) whom denied there is a resurrection of the dead to come, and overthrow the sure faith of some. (v18) (In clear contradiction of the teaching on the second coming.) Nevertheless, Paul asserts, the foundation of the gospel remains true, knowing that the gospel is sealed with the Lord knowing whom are His own. Whether they be raised with the elect remnant at the coming of Christ or in heaven descending with Him at His coming (as the angels); the Lord does not lose his own. (For as we live and move and have our being in Him, he is able to quicken us to life, those that He has chosen according to his will.) Therefore let those of His depart from iniquity and be obedient! (v19) Paul wonders on the great house of God; for some are honourable vessels and some dishonourable; (v20) if a man then purge himself from all false philosophies and conceited teachings, he shall be prepared to honour, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, ready for the Lord's use and to His authority. (v21) Paul instructs Timothy to therefore flee all ungodly and disobedient behaviour and to follow after righteousness and to show the fruits of the Spirit. (v22) And to avoid foolish questioning, that cause strifes (divisions on the truth - such as on the supposed lack of a resurrection taught by Hymanaeus and Philetus.) (v23) The servant of the Lord must not strive for superiority, but be gentle unto all men, edifying them, as well as waiting patiently on the Lord. (v24) Gently correcting them that have division in themselves, (not having the principal element of the ultrafilter of the "Liberty, Faith and Authority" section of the metaphysics area.) so that they might also receive the repentance by the Holy Spirit to acknowledge what is the correct truth to be obedient to. (v25) That they may recover the principal element of the ultrafilter in their belief by the gospel, escaping the snare of the devil (a snare by leavening of their doctrine) that had taken them captive in the weakness of their faith. (v26) |
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