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On 2 Timothy

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2 Timothy 2:16-18

Avoid profane and empty chatter; for they will increase in ungodliness, and their message will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened; and they overturn the faith of some. Avoid profane and empty chatter. If anything new in the preaching has been introduced from more recent empty chatter, it is altogether wicked and profane. As for that, either remove it or stand firmly to stop and prevent it altogether. for they will increase in ungodliness. For if anything spurious is introduced, Paul says, it always leads to absurdity. And he receives a greater offering every day. like gangrene. Gangrene is a infected ulcer, consuming the place, causing rotting; some say it is a creeping ulcer, or erysipelas. He who is Hymenaeus..." Of those ones who utter profane and empty chatter. — [THEODORET] saying that the resurrection. They called the succession of procreation of children to be cursed resurrection: and they enticed some to depart from apostolic teaching. [end of the excerpt fr…

Avoid profane and empty chatter; for they will increase in ungodliness, and their message will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened; and they overturn the faith of some.

Avoid profane and empty chatter. If anything new in the preaching has been introduced from more recent empty chatter, it is altogether wicked and profane. As for that, either remove it or stand firmly to stop and prevent it altogether.

for they will increase in ungodliness. For if anything spurious is introduced, Paul says, it always leads to absurdity. And he receives a greater offering every day.

like gangrene. Gangrene is a infected ulcer, consuming the place, causing rotting; some say it is a creeping ulcer, or erysipelas.

He who is Hymenaeus..." Of those ones who utter profane and empty chatter.

— [THEODORET] saying that the resurrection. They called the succession of procreation of children to be cursed resurrection: and they enticed some to depart from apostolic teaching. [end of the excerpt from Theodoret PG 82.685A] —

saying that the resurrection has already happened. Rightly said above, for ungodliness will increase even more. For see how many evil things arise from saying that the resurrection has already happened. We would be deprived of the presence of Christ, what could be more grievous? There is no remedy, nor punishment. Christ, who promised these things, lies. And many similar things, such as, "If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised," (1 Cor. 15:14) nor does a judge sit over the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)

and they overturn the faith of some. Of those who are simpler and weaker.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 2:19
Yet the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His. And, let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.

Yet the solid foundation. Indeed, the faith of the weak is subverted; "a solid foundation", however, stands (referring to the faithful who cannot be overthrown), having this mark and sign:

The Lord knows those who are His. Once indeed they were foreknown as wholly devoted to God and unchangeable. For the sign that they are known by God is that they could not be overthrown by wickedness so as to depart from the faith.

depart from iniquity. Here is another indication: namely, let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord depart from iniquity, that is, from the error of doctrines, as it is proper to call upon His name. For those who, like certain living columns, remain immovable, bear these inscriptions in their works.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 2:20-21

In a large house, there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and pottery, some of which are for honor, and others for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Even now there are some who marvel at why the wicked are not destroyed. And we say that just as in a large house there are various vessels, so too in the world there are different kinds of people, not made so by God. For how could the wicked have the power to cleanse themselves? For this, going forward, commands those who lead themselves to this. and others for dishonor, such as wooden and pottery items. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself. If the pottery vessel is something dishonorable and unclean, for Paul said, "If anyone purifies himself," how then does he speak concerning the apostles, "Having therefore this treasure in earthen vessels"? (2 Cor. 4:7) And we say that there it discusses the nature of the body, not as something impure, but as something made of clay and earth. For from thes…

In a large house, there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and pottery, some of which are for honor, and others for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Even now there are some who marvel at why the wicked are not destroyed. And we say that just as in a large house there are various vessels, so too in the world there are different kinds of people, not made so by God. For how could the wicked have the power to cleanse themselves? For this, going forward, commands those who lead themselves to this.

and others for dishonor, such as wooden and pottery items.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself. If the pottery vessel is something dishonorable and unclean, for Paul said, "If anyone purifies himself," how then does he speak concerning the apostles, "Having therefore this treasure in earthen vessels"? (2 Cor. 4:7) And we say that there it discusses the nature of the body, not as something impure, but as something made of clay and earth. For from these the shell, the hard shell, is received there, as in relation to the comparison of the treasure contained within it. However, here it discusses virtue and wickedness, calling the wicked ones "pottery" and the virtuous ones "golden." Such persons are able, by their own choice, to be changed, both toward the good and toward the bad.

a vessel for honor. As for vessels made of gold and pottery in a house, the vessels always remain the same. But for such-shaped people, it is serious that the pottery becomes gold, and the gold through negligence becomes pottery. Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these wooden and pottery-like people, as having nothing of their kind, he becomes useful to the Master, since those others are clearly useless.

prepared for every good work. Even if now is not the time or opportunity to do this, one must nevertheless be ready and prepared to endure persecutions, sufferings, and martyrdom.

On divine teaching and a life pure and peaceful even toward adversaries.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee from youthful lust. But pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Youthful lust is not only fornication alone, but also every improper desire, whether one lusts for power or for wealth; for these fantasies are foolish and unstable of mind. Indeed, even an old man becomes youthful.

But pursue righteousness. Righteousness is defined as the true and loyal temperament toward those we love.

love, and peace with those who call on the Lord. That is, to those who trust alone, those who call upon the Lord without deception and deceit; to the peaceful, the unarmed, unite with them, pursue what has been said with them.

from a pure heart. For one can also call upon piousness with hypocrisy.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 2:23-24

Reject foolish and ignorant questions, knowing that they generate arguments. A servant of the Lord must not argue but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient. foolish and ignorant. For there are also sound and learned questions, namely those concerning the sacred Scriptures. But why did he say, "Reject," and not rather, "Convince and refute it yourself"? Because a good answer brings no benefit: for they generate arguments. A servant of the Lord must not argue. For the servants of Christ ought to be peaceful. but be gentle to all. If one ought to be gentle and mild, how did he say elsewhere: "Rebuke them sharply," (Titus 1:13) and: "Let not the youth be despised"? (1 Tim. 4:12) Because it happens that one can rebuke sharply with mildness, and rashly and severely. able to teach, that is, to those who desire to learn. Furthermore, flee from a heretical man after one or two warnings. patient. For indeed, boldness is fierce, but gentleness knows how to persuade. For who would be persuaded by the bold one, who is often opposed even by the one advising? How then does Paul say elsewher…

Reject foolish and ignorant questions, knowing that they generate arguments. A servant of the Lord must not argue but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

foolish and ignorant. For there are also sound and learned questions, namely those concerning the sacred Scriptures. But why did he say, "Reject," and not rather, "Convince and refute it yourself"? Because a good answer brings no benefit: for they generate arguments.

A servant of the Lord must not argue. For the servants of Christ ought to be peaceful.

but be gentle to all. If one ought to be gentle and mild, how did he say elsewhere: "Rebuke them sharply," (Titus 1:13) and: "Let not the youth be despised"? (1 Tim. 4:12) Because it happens that one can rebuke sharply with mildness, and rashly and severely.

able to teach, that is, to those who desire to learn. Furthermore, flee from a heretical man after one or two warnings.

patient. For indeed, boldness is fierce, but gentleness knows how to persuade. For who would be persuaded by the bold one, who is often opposed even by the one advising? How then does Paul say elsewhere, after the first and second admonition, to avoid heretics? For see, having said this here as well, he designated the heretics as those challenging. And we say that those confessed and incurably ill must be avoided. But those concerning whom the matter was doubtful, and it is clear from what was said, "that God may grant them repentance." For the phrase "may" is a custom for us to speak about the uncertain.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 2:25-26

Correcting challengers with gentleness, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's snare, having been captured by him to do his will. correcting challengers with gentleness. For this is most necessary. For often he who has been given advice ten times and has not listened will obey another who gives advice once, clearly the first ten counselors are working against their own interest. that God may grant them repentance. And if it happens, Paul says, it is the work of God, not only of your gentleness. He suppresses the mindset of the teachers, leading the matter up to God. and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's snare. But what is the knowledge of the truth? It is to recover from the Devil and from false doctrines, toward the truth of faith. See how, as from drunkenness or madness, Paul said they recover from the Devil's snare. For just as a little bird, even if caught by the tip of its foot, is still under the snare beneath it; so also we, even if we stray sli…

Correcting challengers with gentleness, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's snare, having been captured by him to do his will.

correcting challengers with gentleness. For this is most necessary. For often he who has been given advice ten times and has not listened will obey another who gives advice once, clearly the first ten counselors are working against their own interest.

that God may grant them repentance. And if it happens, Paul says, it is the work of God, not only of your gentleness. He suppresses the mindset of the teachers, leading the matter up to God.

and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's snare. But what is the knowledge of the truth? It is to recover from the Devil and from false doctrines, toward the truth of faith. See how, as from drunkenness or madness, Paul said they recover from the Devil's snare. For just as a little bird, even if caught by the tip of its foot, is still under the snare beneath it; so also we, even if we stray slightly from the doctrine, are caught under the Devil's snare.

having been captured by him. Being revived while captured, that is, being seized and confined by error to the will of the Devil. For those who are led astray by evil doctrines, having been seized to the Devil's own will, are held by the Devil.

Prophecy of abundant human wickedness, through reprehensible deceit.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:1-4

But know this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without natural affection, uncommitted, devilish, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, reckless, snobbish, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Even in the days of Moses, there were Jannes and Jambres (Ex. 7; 2 Tim. 3:8), as he says: for this is what the words about the golden and pottery vessels signify. Therefore, these types always exist, but especially in the last times. difficult times. It is not the times or the days that are to blame, but the wicked people living in them. For we call times good or bad based on what happens in them. lovers of themselves. This is the root of wickedness, to consider only oneself. And those who are such, neglecting their brothers, first destroy their own. arrogant. From lovers of themselves are lovers of money. From these offspring are the boastful and the proud, then from these, blasphemers. For evil types cling to each ot…

But know this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without natural affection, uncommitted, devilish, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, reckless, snobbish, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

Even in the days of Moses, there were Jannes and Jambres (Ex. 7; 2 Tim. 3:8), as he says: for this is what the words about the golden and pottery vessels signify. Therefore, these types always exist, but especially in the last times.

difficult times. It is not the times or the days that are to blame, but the wicked people living in them. For we call times good or bad based on what happens in them.

lovers of themselves. This is the root of wickedness, to consider only oneself. And those who are such, neglecting their brothers, first destroy their own.

arrogant. From lovers of themselves are lovers of money. From these offspring are the boastful and the proud, then from these, blasphemers. For evil types cling to each other just as those who are good do. For all good proceeds from love.

disobedient to parents. For arrogance is known to be carried even against nature.

ungrateful. The greedy are also ungrateful. For they give thanks only when they have fulfilled their desire, but it never happens that they themselves are satisfied. But he who is such is also impious. For he who does not have gratitude towards God the Benefactor [εὐεργέτῃ2], how will he show gratitude to others?

without natural affection. Like those who are hostile towards their own.

uncommitted. It shows that they have made no agreement with anyone.

devilish. Like slanderers. For he who is conscious of no good in himself curses and slanders everyone, finding some comfort for himself in this.

without self-control. Namely those who do not control their tongue, stomach, and those things which are under the stomach.

brutal. Some are harsh and cruel.

despisers of good. That is, enemies of all things good.

traitors. One who betrays friendship and companionship.

reckless. That is, rash and having nothing stable.

snobbish. That is, full of arrogance.

lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Exchanging the love of the divine for something shameful. Indeed, the very form of holiness exposes both hypocrites themselves and deceivers.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from these turn away.

having a form of godliness. From those who speak, they seem to be cultivators of godliness: but from those who act, they are found and convicted to be contrary to their words.

And from these turn away. As for those, about whom Paul passed over without going into detail. But writing to Timothy, he advises those with Timothy to avoid such people. For he would not have come to the last days, but rather immediately after the death of Paul, in which Timothy was still to be involved.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:6-7

For from these are those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins, who are driven by various lusts: always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Behold, all their secret and shameless plotting was revealed by the saying, those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins. Do you see that they have been deceived by the Serpent's deceit, which he used against Adam? For it was likely that he also deceived these men through the women. But by calling them mere women, he only revealed what is easily deceived. Therefore, the one being deceived, even if he is a man, differs in no way from a woman in this respect. But the multitude, accumulated with sins, also shows the confusion of sins. For it is not simply, Paul says, that women deceive (for there are also women of a courageous nature, just as there are men of a weak nature), but the sins accumulated, for from these come also the acts of deceit. who are driven by various lusts. Paul did not blame nature, but such a woman. Here he encountered many lust…

For from these are those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins, who are driven by various lusts: always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Behold, all their secret and shameless plotting was revealed by the saying, those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins. Do you see that they have been deceived by the Serpent's deceit, which he used against Adam? For it was likely that he also deceived these men through the women. But by calling them mere women, he only revealed what is easily deceived. Therefore, the one being deceived, even if he is a man, differs in no way from a woman in this respect. But the multitude, accumulated with sins, also shows the confusion of sins. For it is not simply, Paul says, that women deceive (for there are also women of a courageous nature, just as there are men of a weak nature), but the sins accumulated, for from these come also the acts of deceit.

who are driven by various lusts. Paul did not blame nature, but such a woman. Here he encountered many lusts. Both bodily and mental. And see also the phrase "driven," as if towards irrational beings.

always learning. Not excusing them for these things, but rather strongly blaming them. For since they have heaped up sins for themselves, their mind has naturally become hardened because of them.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:8-9

Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith, but they will progress no further. For their folly will be evident to all, as was that of those men. Jannes and Jambres. These were the magicians of Pharaoh. But how does one know their names when Scripture does not say? We say that it was from unwritten tradition; it was likely from the Holy Spirit that Paul knew. so do these also resist the truth. To the true faith. men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith, but they will progress no further. When someone's mind is corrupted by passions, then they become unreliable regarding faith. How could they advance in wickedness without saying "they will advance"? Here it says, "they will progress no further." There it says that once they begin to wander, they will not stand anywhere, but will always devise something worse; here, however, it says that they will neither deceive nor seize many of the prudent. — [OECUMENIUS] For Paul said beforehand, "Wandering and being led astray." (2 Tim. 3:13) T…

Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith, but they will progress no further. For their folly will be evident to all, as was that of those men.

Jannes and Jambres. These were the magicians of Pharaoh. But how does one know their names when Scripture does not say? We say that it was from unwritten tradition; it was likely from the Holy Spirit that Paul knew.

so do these also resist the truth. To the true faith.

men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith, but they will progress no further. When someone's mind is corrupted by passions, then they become unreliable regarding faith. How could they advance in wickedness without saying "they will advance"? Here it says, "they will progress no further." There it says that once they begin to wander, they will not stand anywhere, but will always devise something worse; here, however, it says that they will neither deceive nor seize many of the prudent.

— [OECUMENIUS] For Paul said beforehand, "Wandering and being led astray." (2 Tim. 3:13) Therefore, the power lies with those who are not easily deceived. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius A f. 181r; B f. 219r; G f. 308r] —

For their folly will be evident to all. Where does this come from? "From ancient times," Paul says, "be assured. For wickedness is easily exposed."

In another way. If you are unbelieving, learn from what happened to those magicians (Jannes and Jambres). For even they were exposed as performing illusions and deceiving, when Moses truly performed wonders, so that all things of deceit flourish only for a time.

Encouragement to imitate them in opposition to the wicked, in the patience of God.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:10-11

But you followed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, my persecutions, my sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; and out of them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, those are such, Paul said, but you know that mine are not of this kind. For you did not simply accompany me, but you followed closely, that is, you accompanied me for a long time, and you paid attention to all my teachings. Therefore, you must be steadfast in the state of moral teachings, unshakable, "followed my teaching." On the matters concerning doctrines. my conduct. Concerning life. How I was led, Paul says, in the state. my purpose. As to eagerness, and to the presence of the soul. my faith. Preserved in dangers, which would not allow despair, but to believe in God that He would deliver. my patience. Paul says, nothing of the trials was more grievous to me. my endurance. Endurance towards persecutions. such as happened to me. Not only was I persecuted, Paul says, but I also suffered. Then, furthermore…

But you followed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, my persecutions, my sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; and out of them all the Lord rescued me.

Indeed, those are such, Paul said, but you know that mine are not of this kind. For you did not simply accompany me, but you followed closely, that is, you accompanied me for a long time, and you paid attention to all my teachings. Therefore, you must be steadfast in the state of moral teachings, unshakable, "followed my teaching." On the matters concerning doctrines.

my conduct. Concerning life. How I was led, Paul says, in the state.

my purpose. As to eagerness, and to the presence of the soul.

my faith. Preserved in dangers, which would not allow despair, but to believe in God that He would deliver.

my patience. Paul says, nothing of the trials was more grievous to me.

my endurance. Endurance towards persecutions.

such as happened to me. Not only was I persecuted, Paul says, but I also suffered. Then, furthermore, he goes through the trials in detail, making the disciple bolder by this. For continuous memory of the trials, he knows, encourages the soul. But he only mentions these things either because they are more recent or because they were known to Timothy, and this is more likely.

at Antioch. The trials are not listed by type. For the discourse does not see it as motivation, but as guidance for the disciple. And here Paul speaks two things suitable for encouragement. That I, he says, showed zeal, and God gave assistance. He indeed says Antioch in Pisidia.

— [OECUMENIUS] "at Lystra." I suppose that Paul said Lystra in the last place out of some misery, from which Timothy originated: as if he were to say: Surely, I suffered in frequent and populous cities what I endured; but why did I also suffer in Lystra? From there were found men who would afflict me in Lystra? [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius A f. 181v,; B f. 219r; G f. 308r] —

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:12-13
And all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

And what am I saying about myself? For all who desire to live piously will be persecuted, Paul says, persecution not only from the idolaters but also tribulations and temptations. For the way of life is narrow and afflicted. (Matt. 7:14)

in Christ Jesus. For this alone is a godly life, the one in Christ Jesus.

will be persecuted. Such is the nature of things. Since the present life is not for the godly, but for the wicked. For no one lives in peace who wages war and shoots arrows.

will grow worse and worse. For to grow is split in the middle, both for the better or for the worse. Therefore, these will grow towards the worse. For by interpreting what worse is, Paul said that they themselves will be led into error and will get it wrong.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:14-15

But you remain in the things you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. But you remain in the things you have learned. Likewise said David, Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with those who do evil. (Ps. 24:1) you have learned, Paul says, that is, you learned with certainty. knowing from whom you have learned them. Paul states two reasons why he must remain committed. And because you have not learned from just any common person, but from Paul; and because a deep root has been placed in you by the Scriptures, having been written a long time ago. However, he calls the Sacred Letters Scripture because they are inspired by God. which are able to make you wise for salvation. He will not allow you to suffer anything foolish, like most do. For the one who knows the Scriptures, as one ought to know them, would never be put to shame. for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. But it makes you wise, not accordi…

But you remain in the things you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

But you remain in the things you have learned. Likewise said David, Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with those who do evil. (Ps. 24:1)

you have learned, Paul says, that is, you learned with certainty.

knowing from whom you have learned them. Paul states two reasons why he must remain committed. And because you have not learned from just any common person, but from Paul; and because a deep root has been placed in you by the Scriptures, having been written a long time ago. However, he calls the Sacred Letters Scripture because they are inspired by God.

which are able to make you wise for salvation. He will not allow you to suffer anything foolish, like most do. For the one who knows the Scriptures, as one ought to know them, would never be put to shame.

for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. But it makes you wise, not according to the external wisdom that is in words and deceit, but to salvation through the faith in Christ. For the holy Scriptures, and the wisdom from them, lead to the faith of Christ.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for criticism, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

All Scripture is God-breathed [θεόπνευστος] and profitable. Having spoken many ways of comfort, Paul now speaks of the greatest, that which comes from the reading of the Scriptures. For he is about to say something sad, namely about his own death. But if Timothy must read, how much more must we?

for teaching. Since good things teach both lessons and actions.

for criticism. Concerning the refutation of falsehoods.

for correction. To correct the brothers.

for training in righteousness. For the training and leading into righteousness. For from these things, Paul says, something perfect [ἄρτιον] comes to be. A perfect person is one who is always equal, neither leaning downwards with a saddened spirit nor rising and swelling in prosperity, but always remains the same in unequal circumstances.

equipped for every good work. Not merely participating but being equipped and complete.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 4:1
I therefore seriously charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearing and his kingdom.

The continuous exhortation and command produces three effects: it makes the command more formidable and undeniable, and it presents what is useful in speech. For if it were not such, it would not be necessary for it to be preached with such great determination. Moreover, what belongs to him who urgently announces it is done, no longer subject, as is likely, to the negligence that usually occurs in preaching.

who is to judge the living and the dead, at his appearing. Paul speaks of the sinners and the righteous, or those who have passed away, and those still living, or that many will be left alive then. Paul also says elsewhere, "Indeed, we shall not all sleep." (1 Cor. 15:51)

at his appearing. When is the future to be judged? At the Lord's arrival, which will be after the kingdom and glory have come. For he will not come in the same way as he came before.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Preach the word. But what then is the obstacle? Do not hide the message, but proclaim it. be prepared. That is, repeat, look around and watch that no one sins. And do this promptly, untimely, that is, do not have a fixed and definite time for this, but at all times, even if it is not convenient, manage. And if you find, Paul says, someone sinning, correct. For nothing ought to be done before you have convinced: and after you have shown him to be guilty, rebuke. Find fault, blame. Then after the wound, apply a remedy. For Paul says, "encourage," so that such a person is not swallowed up by excessive grief. with great patience. For the matter requires patience, so that one should not simply trust those who speak, but come through every investigation and the test of time to the truth. and careful instruction. Paul says to admonish along with the rebuke, as one lays it upon a child, not as one punishing an enemy, for he knows when encouragement has mor…

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Preach the word. But what then is the obstacle? Do not hide the message, but proclaim it.

be prepared. That is, repeat, look around and watch that no one sins. And do this promptly, untimely, that is, do not have a fixed and definite time for this, but at all times, even if it is not convenient, manage. And if you find, Paul says, someone sinning, correct. For nothing ought to be done before you have convinced: and after you have shown him to be guilty, rebuke.

Find fault, blame. Then after the wound, apply a remedy. For Paul says, "encourage," so that such a person is not swallowed up by excessive grief.

with great patience. For the matter requires patience, so that one should not simply trust those who speak, but come through every investigation and the test of time to the truth.

and careful instruction. Paul says to admonish along with the rebuke, as one lays it upon a child, not as one punishing an enemy, for he knows when encouragement has more power than rebuke.

About those who were devising new things to oppose Timothy.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 4:3-4

For there will be a time when they will not endure sound teaching; but according to their own desires they will accumulate for themselves teachers, having their ears tickled; and they will turn away their hearing from the truth and turn aside to myths. Therefore, before they rush headlong, occupy them in the meantime while they obey you. For this reason, Paul says "in season and out of season," (2 Tim. 4:2) as long as they endure. For they must be accustomed to persuasion before they revolt. But observe the absurdity of the teachers, that the desires of the people serve as a pretext for them to protect themselves. having their ears tickled. That is, delighting in hearing things that excite desire, and always longing to hear things that please. and they will turn away their hearing from the truth. Paul foretells these things, not to cause sorrow, but teaching that it is necessary for the disciples, until they become obedient and reasonable, to be properly shaped and to be burdened, and so that when this comes to pass, they do not lose heart. "For I was prepared," he says, "and I wa…

For there will be a time when they will not endure sound teaching; but according to their own desires they will accumulate for themselves teachers, having their ears tickled; and they will turn away their hearing from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Therefore, before they rush headlong, occupy them in the meantime while they obey you. For this reason, Paul says "in season and out of season," (2 Tim. 4:2) as long as they endure. For they must be accustomed to persuasion before they revolt. But observe the absurdity of the teachers, that the desires of the people serve as a pretext for them to protect themselves.

having their ears tickled. That is, delighting in hearing things that excite desire, and always longing to hear things that please.

and they will turn away their hearing from the truth. Paul foretells these things, not to cause sorrow, but teaching that it is necessary for the disciples, until they become obedient and reasonable, to be properly shaped and to be burdened, and so that when this comes to pass, they do not lose heart. "For I was prepared," he says, "and I was not disturbed." (Ps. 119:60) Do you see that they do not err as if unaware, but willingly? For they will turn away their hearing, he says, and be turned aside, so that the evil is voluntary.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 4:5
But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

But you be sober in all things. Therefore, because of being sober and having been awakened, he said these things.

endure hardship. Strive, Paul says, labor, anticipate the teachings of the disciples in good and true doctrines before that distress comes upon you.

fulfill your ministry. For even Timothy also served in preaching. Indeed, he preached. Therefore, complete what you have begun with confidence, and spread the message while they are still receptive.

Concerning his own impending departure, into eternal glory.

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 4:6
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

For I, Paul says, already offer myself as a sacrifice to Christ. And he did not say sacrifice, but a drink offering, indicating something greater and more sacred. For a part of the sacrifice alone was offered to God as incense. But the entire drink offering was dedicated to Him. And Paul himself commands his disciples to do this, saying: "Present your members as a living sacrifice." (Rom. 12:1) For he who sacrifices for Christ performs a sacred service himself.

— [OECUMENIUS] The meaning of "being am poured out" is, as it were, that I break the war against all. Neither fighting nor being fought against, for I am perfected.

of my departure. For departure means death, either because of the departing from the earth from which we were taken; or towards the Creator Christ. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius Π f.169r; A f.182v; B f. 220v; G f.309v—310r] —

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

fought. Paul said this, not boasting: by no means, but consoling the disciple, as if he were going to receive crowns and rewards for good works, and as if he said: You ought rather to rejoice than mourn, that I achieve such an end.

I have fought the good fight. For every struggle on behalf of Christ is good, even if it involves chains, or persecutions, or deaths. If therefore it is good, then you should accept it yourself.

I have finished the race. For Paul had run through the world, leading all to the knowledge of God, so that the Gospel had been fulfilled from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum.

I have kept the faith. For many wished to seize it from him, false friends, enemies, Greeks, Jews,

COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY