2 Timothy 2:22

KJV

¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Flee {G5343} also {G1161} youthful {G3512} lusts {G1939}: but {G1161} follow {G1377} righteousness {G1343}, faith {G4102}, charity {G26}, peace {G1515}, with {G3326} them that call on {G1941} the Lord {G2962} out of {G1537} a pure {G2513} heart {G2588}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So, flee the passions of youth; and, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace.

Berean Standard Bible

Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

American Standard Version

But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Timothy 2:22 provides a crucial pastoral admonition from Paul to Timothy, urging him to actively avoid the moral pitfalls and impulsive desires often associated with youth, while simultaneously pursuing a life characterized by core Christian virtues. This pursuit is not to be undertaken in isolation but in intentional fellowship with other genuine believers who sincerely seek and worship the Lord, highlighting the communal aspect of spiritual growth and purity in ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within Paul’s second letter to Timothy, a deeply personal and urgent epistle written from prison. Chapter 2 is a pivotal section where Paul outlines the qualities and responsibilities of a faithful minister of the Gospel. He begins by exhorting Timothy to be strong in grace and to entrust the truth to reliable people ([2 Timothy 2:1-2](/2_timothy/2-1-2 "2 Timothy 2:1-2 - Be Strong and Entrust the Truth")). Paul then uses various analogies – a soldier, an athlete, a farmer – to illustrate the discipline, endurance, and hard work required for effective ministry ([2 Timothy 2:3-7](/2_timothy/2-3-7 "2 Timothy 2:3-7 - Analogies for Ministry")). Following this, he emphasizes the foundational truth of Christ's resurrection ([2 Timothy 2:8](/2_timothy/2-8 "2 Timothy 2:8 - Remember Jesus Christ")) and the necessity of rightly dividing the word of truth ([2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Rightly Dividing the Word")). The immediate verses leading up to 2 Timothy 2:22 warn against "profane and vain babblings" and "foolish and unlearned questions" that lead to strife and ungodliness ([2 Timothy 2:16-21](/2_timothy/2-16-21 "2 Timothy 2:16-21 - Avoid Vain Babblings")). Paul likens such individuals to "vessels unto dishonour," contrasting them with those who cleanse themselves to be "vessels unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use" ([2 Timothy 2:20-21](/2_timothy/2-20-21 "2 Timothy 2:20-21 - Vessels of Honor and Dishonor")). Thus, 2 Timothy 2:22 serves as a direct, practical application of this call to purity and usefulness for Timothy's personal conduct and ministerial effectiveness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was a young leader, likely in his late 20s or early 30s, serving in the challenging and influential church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a major metropolitan center known for its diverse religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis, and a vibrant, often morally lax, culture. This environment presented numerous temptations and philosophical challenges to Christian leaders and congregants alike. Paul's admonition to "flee youthful lusts" would have resonated deeply in such a context, addressing not only sexual temptations but also the broader range of impulsive desires, pride, ambition, and argumentative tendencies common to younger individuals in positions of authority. The emphasis on "righteousness, faith, charity, peace" would have stood in stark contrast to the prevailing values of the Greco-Roman world, which often prioritized personal gain, honor, and sensual gratification. The call to associate with those who "call on the Lord out of a pure heart" also speaks to the need for discerning fellowship in a time when false teachers and insincere believers were actively undermining the church from within.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout Paul's letters and specifically in [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/1 "2 Timothy - A Charge to Remain Faithful"). First, it underscores the theme of **Personal Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing that a minister's effectiveness is intrinsically linked to their moral character. This echoes Paul's broader concern for sanctification, as seen in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:3-7](/1_thessalonians/4-3-7 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 - God's Will for Sanctification"). Second, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Discipline and Active Pursuit of Virtue**. Christian living is not merely abstaining from evil but actively cultivating godly attributes, a concept central to the pursuit of godliness described in [1 Timothy 4:7-8](/1_timothy/4-7-8 "1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Discipline for Godliness"). Third, the verse emphasizes the **Importance of Godly Community and Fellowship**. It teaches that spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness are not solitary endeavors but are fostered and sustained within a community of like-minded believers, reinforcing the biblical emphasis on the body of Christ as seen in [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Discernment in Ministry**, distinguishing between those who genuinely seek the Lord with integrity and those who might be driven by less pure motives, a recurring concern for Paul in his pastoral epistles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flee (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** This verb denotes an urgent, decisive, and complete avoidance or escape. It implies not merely resisting temptation but actively removing oneself from situations, influences, or desires that could lead to sin. It's a call for strategic withdrawal rather than direct confrontation when dealing with certain types of temptation.
* **lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** While often associated with sexual desires, this term broadly refers to strong desires, cravings, or passions. When qualified as "youthful," it encompasses a range of impulses characteristic of younger individuals, such as ambition, pride, impulsiveness, a desire for recognition, love of pleasure, or contentious spirit, which can lead to sin if unchecked.
* **follow (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** In contrast to "flee," this verb means to pursue, chase, or press forward with intensity and determination. It signifies an active, intentional, and persistent effort to attain or cultivate the virtues listed, implying a deliberate and ongoing commitment to spiritual growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Flee also youthful lusts":** This is a direct, imperative command to Timothy, and by extension, to all believers, particularly those in their younger years or those susceptible to the characteristic temptations of youth. The term "youthful lusts" extends beyond mere sexual desires to encompass a broad spectrum of ungodly passions, ambitions, and impulsive behaviors common to younger individuals. The verb "flee" implies a decisive, urgent, and complete avoidance, suggesting that certain temptations are best dealt with by immediate and strategic withdrawal rather than lingering or attempting to resist them head-on.
* **"but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace":** This clause presents the positive counterpart to the negative command. Instead of merely avoiding evil, believers are called to actively and diligently pursue a set of essential Christian virtues. "Righteousness" refers to living in conformity to God's moral standards; "faith" denotes trust in God and faithfulness in one's walk; "charity" (Greek _agápē_) signifies selfless, divine, unconditional love; and "peace" refers to both inner tranquility with God and harmonious relationships with others. This pursuit is an active, intentional, and ongoing endeavor, reflecting the dynamic nature of sanctification.
* **"with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart":** This final phrase emphasizes the communal context for spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness. The virtues are not to be pursued in isolation but in fellowship with other genuine believers. "Call on the Lord" signifies sincere worship, prayer, and true devotion, while "out of a pure heart" highlights the sincerity, integrity, and freedom from hidden motives or defilement that should characterize one's devotion to God and interactions within the community. This companionship provides essential encouragement, accountability, and a supportive environment for living a godly life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, setting up a clear contrast between "fleeing youthful lusts" and "following righteousness, faith, charity, peace." This opposition highlights the two-fold nature of Christian living: abstaining from evil and actively pursuing good. The use of **Metaphor** is also evident in the verbs "flee" and "follow," which evoke images of a race or a pursuit, underscoring the active, dynamic, and urgent nature of the spiritual life. "Flee" suggests a strategic retreat from danger, while "follow" implies a determined chase after a desired goal. Furthermore, **Synecdoche** is present in the phrase "out of a pure heart," where "heart" (Greek _kardía_) stands for the entire inner person—the mind, will, emotions, and conscience—emphasizing the sincerity and integrity required for true devotion and fellowship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 2:22 powerfully articulates the dual nature of sanctification: a negative command to abstain from sin and a positive command to actively pursue godliness. This holistic approach to holiness is not a solitary endeavor but is deeply communal, emphasizing the indispensable role of genuine Christian fellowship. The virtues listed—righteousness, faith, charity (love), and peace—are not merely moralistic ideals but are foundational aspects of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of God Himself. This pursuit of purity and virtue, in community, prepares believers, especially leaders like Timothy, to be "vessels unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use" ([2 Timothy 2:21](/2_timothy/2-21 "2 Timothy 2:21 - A Vessel of Honor")).

* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Let Love Be Without Dissimulation")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Timothy 2:22 offers timeless wisdom for believers across all generations, providing a clear roadmap for living a life pleasing to God. It calls for a proactive and discerning approach to temptation, recognizing that some battles are best won by strategic avoidance rather than direct confrontation. This requires self-awareness to identify our personal "youthful lusts"—whether they are desires for worldly approval, unchecked ambition, impulsiveness, or sensual pleasures—and the discipline to create boundaries that protect us from them. Simultaneously, the verse challenges us to be intentional and zealous in our pursuit of core Christian virtues. Holiness is not merely the absence of sin but the active cultivation of righteousness, unwavering faith, selfless love (charity), and inner and relational peace. This active pursuit demands consistent effort, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Crucially, the verse reminds us that this journey is not meant to be walked alone. The company we keep profoundly shapes our spiritual trajectory. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who genuinely "call on the Lord out of a pure heart" provides vital encouragement, accountability, and a supportive environment for growth, helping us to remain steadfast and fruitful in our walk with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "youthful lusts" (broadly defined) that I need to actively "flee" in my current stage of life?**
* **How am I intentionally "following" or pursuing righteousness, faith, charity, and peace in my daily life? What specific steps can I take to cultivate these virtues more deeply?**
* **Who are the people in my life who genuinely "call on the Lord out of a pure heart," and how can I more intentionally engage in fellowship with them for mutual spiritual growth and accountability?**

### FAQ
**What does "youthful lusts" mean beyond sexual desires?**

Answer: While "lusts" (Greek _epithymía_) can certainly include sexual desires, the qualifier "youthful" (Greek _neōterikós_) broadens its scope significantly. It refers to the strong desires, impulses, and characteristics often associated with younger people, which can lead to sin. This can encompass a range of issues such as pride, ambition, impulsiveness, a contentious or argumentative spirit, a desire for worldly recognition, love of pleasure, impatience, or even a tendency towards theological quarrels. Paul's instruction is for Timothy to avoid these characteristic pitfalls that could hinder his ministry and personal walk.

**Why does Paul say "flee" instead of "resist" or "fight"?**

Answer: The Greek word for "flee" (G5343, _pheúgō_) implies an urgent, decisive, and complete avoidance or escape. It suggests that for certain temptations, particularly those that are deeply ingrained or highly seductive, the most effective strategy is not to engage in a direct confrontation but to remove oneself entirely from the situation or influence. This is a pragmatic spiritual discipline, recognizing human weakness and the power of temptation. It's a call to strategic withdrawal to preserve one's purity, as seen in other Pauline commands like "flee fornication" ([1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication")) or "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")).

**What is the significance of "with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart"?**

Answer: This phrase underscores the communal nature of Christian living and spiritual growth. It highlights that the pursuit of holiness and virtue is not a solitary endeavor but is best achieved within the context of genuine, godly fellowship. "Calling on the Lord" (G1941, _epikaléomai_) signifies sincere worship, prayer, and true devotion, while "out of a pure heart" (G2513, _katharós_; G2588, _kardía_) emphasizes sincerity, integrity, and freedom from hidden motives or spiritual defilement. Timothy is encouraged to seek out and associate with believers who are genuinely devoted to God, as such companionship provides essential encouragement, accountability, and a supportive environment for living a life pleasing to God, contrasting with those who might be false teachers or insincere in their faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 2:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enabling power in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the virtues Timothy is commanded to "follow": He is the very **Righteousness** of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), the object and author of our **Faith** ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), the supreme demonstration of **Charity** (Agape love) in His sacrificial death ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), and our source of **Peace** with God and with one another ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - He is Our Peace")). Moreover, Christ perfectly "fled" the lusts of the world, though tempted in every way, He was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Tempted Yet Without Sin")). He perfectly called "on the Lord out of a pure heart" through His constant communion with the Father ([John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer")). For believers, the ability to "flee youthful lusts" and "follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace" is not achieved through mere human effort but through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out Christ's character within us ([Galatians 5:16-25](/galatians/5-16-25 "Galatians 5:16-25 - Walk by the Spirit")). As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness, becoming more and more like the One who perfectly modeled the life of purity and devotion that Paul exhorts Timothy to pursue ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 Peter 3:11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Psalms 119:9

¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.

1 Timothy 6:11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.