8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.” (2 Timothy 3:8–9 (ESV)
The opposition to God’s truth began in the Garden of Eden when the serpent (Satan) spoke to Eve, “Did God actually say” (Gen. 3:1). Throughout history, there have been those who not only challenged what God said, but whether He existed (Psalm 14:1). Consequently, false teachers who oppose the existence and revelation of God, also oppose those who affirm God’s existence and His revealed truth.
The Apostle Paul provided his young protégé Timothy, and believers in Christ today, an example form biblical history; Jannes and Jambres. As these two men opposed Moses, the false teachers of Paul’s day, and ours, oppose the truth (ἀληθείᾳ; aletheia). Truth is what is actual and real.
Thos who oppose God’s truth will not get very far (προκόψουσιν πλεῖον; prokopsousin pleion). This phrase is a future active indicative plural verb. It means false teachers will not progress, advance of accomplish in any significant or far-reaching way. In thinking they will, false teachers reveal their ignorance of God’s Word and of His sovereignty. This applies to the false teachers in Paul’s lifetime and throughout church history including our present day.
Why will false teachers not get very far with their heresies? This is because their folly will be plain to all. The word folly (ἄνοια; anoia) refers to foolishness and a lack of understanding. It also means extreme fury. False teachers often become furious when advocates for biblical truth confront and confound them because of their heretical beliefs.
Paul continued to say the folly of false teachers will be plain to all. The phrase will be (ἔσται; estai) is a future middle indicative singular verb. It means something will assuredly happen in the future. What will be is the folly of false teachers becomes plain (ἔκδηλος; ekdelos) meaning quite evident and obvious. As was the case with Jannes and Jambres, will be the result of false teachers in the future.
Dr. William Hendriksen writes, “To be sure, the enemies of the faith advance to constantly increasing ungodliness, and their word devours like a gangrene (2 Tim. 2:16, 17), so that for a while it may seem that their purpose is going to be achieved and that the entire organism of the church will be destroyed. But this never happens, not in any of the many periods of the church’s history, not even toward the end of the age. The purpose is always to lead astray: if possible, even the elect (Mark 13:22), but this is ever impossible! The thought here is like that in 2 Tim. 2:17, 18, followed by the comforting verse 19. God’s, solid foundation remains standing. And in that sense, it is true that the errorists “will not get very far” (for ἐπὶ πλεῖον in this sense consider also Acts 20:9).”[1]
“Their folly (lack of understanding, senselessness) will become entirely clear to all. No doubt, God’s true children see this folly first of all. Afterward, others too will see it; for worldly people have a tendency to follow first one deceiver, then another. For example, those who yesterday glorified Joseph Stalin, today condemn him in no uncertain terms! Exactly that same thing happened in the case of Jannes and Jambres.”[2]
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Remain committed to biblical truth and not the uncertainty of foolishness of false teachers.
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), 288–289.
[2] Ibid., 289.
