Fathers

2 Timothy 2

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Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

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What the Fathers say

2 Timothy 2:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

The young sailor at sea is inspired with great confidence, if the Master of the ship has been preserved in a shipwreck. For he will not consider that it is from his inexperience that he is exposed to the storm, but from the nature of things; and this has no little effect upon his mind. In war also the Captain, who sees his General wounded and recovered again, is much encouraged. …

Homily on 2 Timothy 4 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

What are you saying? You said that you are in bonds, that everyone has abandoned you, and, as if having said nothing terrible, you add: "therefore, be strong, my son"! Yes, for that very reason that I am in chains, you should be all the more courageous. For if I, your teacher, did not endure this, then perhaps you could be excused for losing heart, since due to your youth and inexperience you would be exposed to dangers. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul indicates great kindness by what is added, "my child." "If you are my child," he says, "imitate your father." For the teacher's rebuke is accustomed to add boldness to the student. Therefore, Paul says: "be strong." If anything of this kind happens to you, do not fall, but look to the reward. be strong in the grace. But be strengthened, Paul says, not only by my example, but also through the grace given through Christ. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Martyrdom requires strength of soul against the dangers of death; hence he says, you, therefore, my son, whom I have begotten in the Gospel, be strong in the grace. Do manfully, and let your heart be strengthened (Ps 30:25); which is not in you, namely, whose strength is weak, but in Christ Jesus: be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power (Eph 6:10). Or, in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, i.e., by God's gift freely given through Christ: grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Hippolytus of Rome

As it was your desire, my beloved brother Theophilus, to be thoroughly informed on those topics which I put summarily before you, I have thought it right to set these matters of inquiry clearly forth to your view, drawing largely from the Holy Scriptures themselves as from a holy fountain, in order that you may not only have the pleasure of hearing them on the testimony of men, but may also be able, by surveying them in the light of (divine) authority, to glorify God in all. …

Fragments - Dogmatic and Historical ↗