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 2:7

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." It is on this account that he has spoken these things in proverb and parable. Then again to show his affectionate disposition, he ceases not to pray for him, as fearing for his own son...

Homily on 2 Timothy 4 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since the apostle spoke of everything in a parable — of the soldier, the fighter, and the farmer — he also says: "understand." I spoke this way, he says, in order to sharpen your mind. Then he prays for him as for his own son. Not only in that which I have spoken of, but in all words and deeds.

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

Understand what I say. For may the Lord give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David according to my Gospel. Since Paul spoke everything in parables, those of the soldier, those of the athlete, those of the farmer, he says: Understand what I say. For whose sake does he say this? in everything, Paul says, so that you may also understand these things as you ought, and do the other things as you must. Remember Jesus Christ, risen. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Understand what I say: he explains what he had said, following Christ's method of explaining his parable: he that has ears to hear let him hear (Matt 13:9). As if to say: reduce these to a spiritual meaning: for there is a need of understanding in a vision (Dan 10:1). As if someone were to say: you say: take a stipend, Timothy; but you do not do so, because you wish to live by the labor of your own hands. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗