The following is a summary of 2 Timothy 2 by Dr. William Hendriksen. Dr. Hendriksen (18 November 1900 – 12 January 1982) was a Dutch-born American minister, New Testament scholar, and writer of Bible commentaries.
In view, then, of the examples and of the gift which he has received, let Timothy—Paul’s “child”—be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. In order to become strong himself and to benefit the church, let him teach men who, in turn, are qualified to teach others. To such men let him entrust those teachings which he—among many others, “witnesses” all—has heard from the lips of Paul throughout their years of association with each other.
Now this activity of teaching—in fact, all the work of the ministry—will not be easy, but will result in hardship for Timothy. Let him then be a noble soldier and suffer hardship along with Paul and the witnesses just mentioned. Let him be encouraged by the fact that only the soldier who fights wholeheartedly, only the athlete who competes according to the rules, and only the farmer who works hard, will receive their reward.
Thus, also Timothy will receive his reward. Let him rely on his Lord, who will give him understanding in all matters. Let him, moreover, keep in memory Jesus Christ. He, too, performed his task wholeheartedly, obediently—never breaking any divine rule—, and diligently. And did he not receive his reward? Was he not raised from the dead, and does he not reign on high as the rightful spiritual heir of David? Is this not true according to the gospel which Paul cherishes as his very own (“my gospel”)?
For this gospel Paul suffers hardship, even to bonds, as if he were a criminal. But he is greatly comforted by the fact that though he himself is bound, the word of God which he proclaims is not bound but accomplishes God’s pleasure in the hearts and lives of all the elect, in order that they may obtain the salvation which centers in Christ Jesus with everlasting glory.
Four lines of what was probably an early-church hymn are now quoted. These show that loyalty to Christ and steadfastness even in the midst of bitter persecution are ever rewarded by the privilege of living and reigning with Christ; while, on the contrary denial and disloyalty are punished by being rejected by him who ever remains faithful to his threats as well as to his promises, not being able (adds Paul) to do otherwise.
In the second part of this chapter the apostle shows that word-battles, profane empty-chatter, and foolish inquiries serve no useful purpose and breed quarrels. Timothy must do his utmost to win God’s approval, as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of, one who rightly handles the word of the truth. The errorists will make progress, indeed, but what kind of progress? They will advance … to an increase of ungodliness! Their word will “have pasture,” eating its way like a malignant tumor.
Among the ring-leaders of these false teachers are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who teach that the only resurrection is the spiritual one, which, they say, has already occurred! But though these do upset the faith of some, God’s true church remains steadfast. It is his solid foundation. Its members are protected by the Father, owned by the Son, and certified by the Spirit. In other words, they are sealed. And on that seal there are two inscriptions, one stressing the divine side of their salvation: “The Lord knows who are his”; and the other bringing out the human side: “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand aloof from unrighteousness.”
With the visible church, however, it is as with a large house: not everything in it is equally valuable: some “vessels” are destined for honor; others for dishonor. Hence, it should not cause any surprise that men like Hymenaeus and Philetus have a following. But if anyone will effectively cleanse himself from men of this type and their evil influences, he will be … very useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. This applies also to Timothy.
Now in order to become thus thoroughly qualified, Timothy must also flee away from the sinful desires that pertain to the younger generation. Positively, he should steadfastly pursue faith, love, etc. He must not be quarrelsome but gentle to all. Only in this way will he be qualified to teach. Such teaching will require that he exercise great patience, even under injuries. When opposed, he should correct his opponents with mildness, in the hope that possibly God may grant them conversion, a complete mental, moral, and spiritual turn-about which leads to acknowledgment of the truth and to soberness. Thus, they will have been delivered from the snare set by the devil, by whom they had been taken captive to do his (that is, the devil’s) will.[1]
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 277–278.
