Fathers

2 Timothy 2

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

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.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

2 Timothy 2:22

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Flee also youthful lusts." Not only the lust of fornication, but every inordinate desire is a youthful lust. Let the aged learn that they ought not to do the deeds of the youthful. If one be given to insolence, or a lover of power, of riches, of bodily pleasures, it is a youthful lust, and foolish. These things must proceed from a heart not yet established, from a mind not deeply grounded, but in a wavering state. What then does he advise in order that none may be captivated by these things? …

Homily on 2 Timothy 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Youthful lusts — not only the lust of fornication, but every improper desire, love of power, or love of gain. For these passions and fantasies are senseless and characteristic of unstable souls. See how even old age is likened to youth. He calls "righteousness" virtue in general. Faith and love genuine and firm toward those whom you love. As if he says: do not be unfaithful and unsteady. Therefore he adds the following. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

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. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

But flee youthful desires: I say that you should avoid certain things, in order that you may be a cleansed vessel; therefore flee youthful desires. It should be noted that he says this because Timothy is still a youth. These desires are the pursuit of outward vanities and carnal pleasures, both of which young men naturally desire: youth and pleasure are vain (Eccl 11:10). There are two reasons for this: one, because they have not experienced some of them; the other is because such natural pleasures act as a good medicine after labor. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗