2 Timothy 3 is the third chapter of the Second Epistle to Timothy in the New Testament of the ChristianBible. The letter is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, the last one written in Rome before his death (c. 64 or 67), addressed to Timothy.[1][2] However, most biblical scholars believe that it and the other Pastoral Epistles are the work of an anonymous follower, writing after Paul's death in the first century AD.[3][4] This chapter contains a charge to Timothy to keep away from heterodoxy, and use Paul's steadfast faith under persecution as an example to contrast the opponents' characters, while continuing to follow the teachings of the Scriptures.[5]
The heresy in Ephesus in prophetic perspective (3:1–9)
Paul paints a picture of the false teachers as 'actual deviants from the norm established by his gospel' who, as a result, endanger the faith of themselves and their followers.[6] A lengthy list of their vices spans verses 2-4. Among the terms listed is Greek: βλασφημοι (blasphēmoi), translated in some places as "blasphemers",[7] but also as "abusive".[8]
Verse 5
[People] ... having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away![9]
This verse makes clear that the listed vices "belong to heterodox Christians", given the directive that Timothy and his congregation are to keep away from them.[10]
The way of following Paul (3:10–17)
In this section Paul instructs Timothy to commit to Paul's teaching, as Timothy already shared many experiences with Paul, and urge him to 'accept the mantle of the Pauline mission'.[11]
Verse 16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,[12]
"God-breathed" (Greek: θεόπνευστος, theopneustos): can be rendered as "given by inspiration of God".[13] The Syriac version renders it "written by the Spirit", the Ethiopian version: "by the Spirit of God".[14] All Scripture (πᾶσα γραφὴ, pasagraphē; Towner renders it: "every [text of] Scripture"
Verse 17
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.[15]
The thoroughness in preparation for the work of God is significantly stressed and applicable for every Christian workers although the term the man of God narrowly can be interpreted for Christian teachers.[16]
Drury, Clare (2007). "73. The Pastoral Epistles". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (first (paperback)ed.). Oxford University Press. pp.1220–1233. ISBN978-0-19-927718-6. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.