2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

And {G2532} the things {G3739} that thou hast heard {G191} of {G3844} me {G1700} among {G1223} many {G4183} witnesses {G3144}, the same {G5023} commit thou {G3908} to faithful {G4103} men {G444}, who {G3748} shall be {G2071} able {G2425} to teach {G1321} others {G2087} also {G2532}.

And the things you heard from me, which were supported by many witnesses, these things commit to faithful people, such as will be competent to teach others also.

And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Commentary

2 Timothy 2:2 is a foundational verse for understanding Christian discipleship and the perpetuation of the faith through generations. In this personal letter, the Apostle Paul instructs his young protégé, Timothy, on the vital task of passing on the true teachings of the Gospel.

Context of 2 Timothy 2:2

This verse comes from Paul's second letter to Timothy, often considered his last inspired writing before his death. Paul is writing from prison, imparting final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, who is leading the church in Ephesus. The context is one of perseverance, suffering for the Gospel, and the need for sound doctrine in a world increasingly hostile to Christian truth. Paul has just urged Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, setting the stage for this command to multiply faithful teachers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Lineage and Multiplication: The core message is a four-generational model of spiritual impact: Paul teaches Timothy, Timothy teaches faithful men, and these faithful men teach others also. This highlights the critical importance of discipleship and spiritual multiplication as the primary means of spreading and preserving the Gospel. It's not just about conversion, but about equipping believers to become equippers themselves.
  • Entrusting Sound Doctrine: "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses" refers to the body of truth Paul taught, which includes the Gospel message, sound doctrine, and practical Christian living. Paul emphasizes that this truth was not hidden but publicly witnessed, ensuring its authenticity. Timothy is commanded to "commit" (Greek: paratithēmi, meaning to entrust, deposit for safekeeping) this precious message, underscoring its immense value and the responsibility involved in its transmission.
  • Qualities of Future Teachers: The recipients of this trust must be "faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
    • Faithful (pistos): This denotes trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to Christ and His truth. It implies integrity and adherence to the message Paul taught.
    • Able to Teach (hikanos didaskō): They must not only be faithful but also competent and capable of clearly articulating and communicating the truth to others. This highlights the need for both character and skill in Christian leadership and teaching.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "commit" is paratithēmi, which was used in ancient times for entrusting a valuable deposit to a trusted guardian. This emphasizes the solemn responsibility Timothy had to guard and pass on the truth, not altering it. The term "faithful" (pistos) means trustworthy or reliable, indicating that character is paramount for those who will handle the sacred message. "Able" (hikanos) suggests competence and sufficiency for the task of teaching, implying a need for both understanding and communication skills.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless blueprint for the Church's mission. It calls every generation of believers to actively engage in:

  • Mentorship and Discipleship: Identifying and investing in individuals who show potential for spiritual leadership and teaching.
  • Preserving Truth: Diligently guarding and accurately transmitting the core doctrines of Christianity, ensuring they are not diluted or distorted.
  • Strategic Leadership Development: Focusing not just on immediate growth, but on developing a pipeline of capable and faithful leaders who can carry the mission forward. This principle applies to all areas of Christian service, from local church leadership to missions and theological education.

Paul's instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 reminds us that the health and continuity of the Church depend on a deliberate, intentional process of training and entrusting the Gospel to faithful, competent individuals who will, in turn, do the same for others.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 1:13 (32 votes)

    Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Timothy 1:14 (32 votes)

    That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

  • 1 Timothy 4:6 (24 votes)

    ¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

  • 1 Timothy 6:12 (20 votes)

    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

  • Malachi 2:7 (17 votes)

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • Titus 1:5 (17 votes)

    ¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

  • Titus 1:9 (17 votes)

    Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.