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 2:14

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"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." It is an overawing thing to call God to witness what we say, for if no one would dare to set at nought the testimony of man when appealed to, much less when the appeal is to God. If any one, for instance, entering into a contract, or making his will, chooses to call witnesses worthy of credit, would any transfer the things to those who are not included? Surely not. …

Homily on 2 Timothy 5 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Lest anyone think that Timothy himself needed such instructions, the apostle says: remind others. Since this has a certain appeal and the human soul is always inclined toward contention and disputes about words, you, says the apostle, charge them before God not to engage in disputes about words, that is: teach them, call God as witness, so that they may know that if they disregard you, He will condemn them. Disputing about words not only brings no benefit or advantage, but on the contrary, causes great harm. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

These things he reminds you of, sincerely charging you before the Lord not to quarrel about words to no profit, which leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. These things he reminds you of. So that no one might think these things are unnecessary; concerning these words to Timothy, Paul says, "These things he reminds you of," testifying before the Lord, and it is a fearful thing to speak before God as a witness. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

A good teacher chooses a good life in such a way that he does not also neglect good repute but provides "what may be good not only before God but also before men" insofar as he is able by fearing God and caring for men. In his speech itself he should prefer to please more with the meanings expressed than with the words used to speak them. Nor should he think that anything may be said better than that which is said truthfully. Nor should the teacher serve the words but the words the teacher.

On Christian Doctrine 4.28.61 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Of these things put them in mind: I admonish you and the others always to have it in your heart, charging them before God, i.e., adducing him as the witness before whom I speak. Contend not in words: But contention is a battle with words. Therefore, it can have two meanings: for a person is harmed in two ways, when he speaks sharply: in one way, if this inclines him to favor falsity; as when a person, trusting in clamors and shouts, attacks the truth. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗