Fathers

2 Timothy 2

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You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules. The farmer who labors must be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News, in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.” Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus: men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work. Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient, in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to 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 ↗