$-$-$- 2TI:1
 
** The first design of this epistle seems to have been, to
apprize Timothy of what had occurred during the imprisonment of
the apostle, and to request him to come to Rome. But being
uncertain whether he should be suffered to live to see him, Paul
gives a variety of advices and encouragements, for the faithful
discharge of his ministerial duties. As this was a private
epistle written to St. Paul's most intimate friend, under the
miseries of imprisonment, and in the near prospect of death, it
shows the temper and character of the apostle, and contains
convincing proofs that he sincerely believed the doctrines he
preached.
 
* Paul expresses great affection for Timothy. (1-5) Exhorts him
to improve his spiritual gifts. (6-14) Tells of many who basely
deserted him; but speaks with affection of Onesiphorus. (15-18)
 
#1-5 The promise of eternal life to believers in Christ Jesus,
is the leading subject of ministers who are employed according
to the will of God. The blessings here named, are the best we
can ask for our beloved friends, that they may have peace with
God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Whatever good we do,
God must have the glory. True believers have in every age the
same religion as to substance. Their faith is unfeigned; it will
stand the trial, and it dwells in them as a living principle.
Thus pious women may take encouragement from the success of Lois
and Eunice with Timothy, who proved so excellent and useful a
minister. Some of the most worthy and valuable ministers the
church of Christ has been favoured with, have had to bless God
for early religious impressions made upon their minds by the
teaching of their mothers or other female relatives.

#6-14 God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of
power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and
dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through
opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind.
The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly
disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear
afflictions well, when we have strength and power from God to
enable us to bear them. As is usual with Paul, when he mentions
Christ and his redemption, he enlarges upon them; so full was he
of that which is all our salvation, and ought to be all our
desire. The call of the gospel is a holy call, making holy.
Salvation is of free grace. This is said to be given us before
the world began, that is, in the purpose of God from all
eternity; in Christ Jesus, for all the gifts that come from God
to sinful man, come in and through Christ Jesus alone. And as
there is so clear a prospect of eternal happiness by faith in
Him, who is the Resurrection and the Life, let us give more
diligence in making his salvation sure to our souls. Those who
cleave to the gospel, need not be ashamed, the cause will bear
them out; but those who oppose it, shall be ashamed. The apostle
had trusted his life, his soul, and eternal interests, to the
Lord Jesus. No one else could deliver and secure his soul
through the trials of life and death. There is a day coming,
when our souls will be inquired after. Thou hadst a soul
committed to thee; how was it employed? in the service of sin,
or in the service of Christ? The hope of the lowest real
Christian rests on the same foundation as that of the great
apostle. He also has learned the value and the danger of his
soul; he also has believed in Christ; and the change wrought in
his soul, convinces the believer that the Lord Jesus will keep
him to his heavenly kingdom. Paul exhorts Timothy to hold fast
the Holy Scriptures, the substance of solid gospel truth in
them. It is not enough to assent to the sound words, but we must
love them. The Christian doctrine is a trust committed to us; it
is of unspeakable value in itself, and will be of unspeakable
advantage to us. It is committed to us, to be preserved pure and
entire, yet we must not think to keep it by our own strength,
but by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us; and it will
not be gained by those who trust in their own hearts, and lean
to their own understandings.

#15-18 The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft
refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and
was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day
of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have
mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can
ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant
that we and they may find mercy of the Lord, when called to pass
out of time into eternity, and to appear before the judgment
seat of Christ.
$-$-$- 2TI:2
 
* The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like
a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman. (1-7) Encouraging him
by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness. (8-13)
Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors. (14-21)
Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal
against error, but with meekness of spirit. (22-26)
 
#1-7 As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that
which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our
love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being
strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially
ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in
his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please
Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and
corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe
the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner,
that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active,
spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations.
But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we
would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the
prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before
we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of
patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord
would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and
stir them up to consider what they hear or read.

#8-13 Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the
Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set
before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now
set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not
think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment;
but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we
see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble
in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this
world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever
with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his
threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes
sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's
salvation.

#14-21 Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters
of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God.
The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the
resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing
can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the
temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two
writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the
faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty.
Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make
conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, #Tit 2:14|. The church of Christ is
like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of
smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of
religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of
dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be
filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we
are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves,
will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his
use.

#22-26 The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the
further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up
the communion of saints, will take us from fellowship with
unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions
against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion
consists more in believing and practising what God requires,
than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt
to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not
persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in
error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth, by his
grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would
continue to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure," in
respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot
tell that he will give repentance to those who oppose his will.
Sinners are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it
is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for
deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except by
repentance, which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him
by earnest, persevering prayer.
$-$-$- 2TI:3
 
* The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the
gospel. (1-9) Proposes his own example to Timothy. (10-13) And
exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the
Holy Scriptures. (14-17)
 
#1-9 Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on
account of persecution from without, still more on account of
corruptions within. Men love to gratify their own lusts, more
than to please God and do their duty. When every man is eager
for what he can get, and anxious to keep what he has, this makes
men dangerous to one another. When men do not fear God, they
will not regard man. When children are disobedient to their
parents, that makes the times perilous. Men are unholy and
without the fear of God, because unthankful for the mercies of
God. We abuse God's gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of
our lusts. Times are perilous also, when parents are without
natural affection to children. And when men have no rule over
their own spirits, but despise that which is good and to be
honoured. God is to be loved above all; but a carnal mind, full
of enmity against him, prefers any thing before him, especially
carnal pleasure. A form of godliness is very different from the
power; from such as are found to be hypocrites, real Christians
must withdraw. Such persons have been found within the outward
church, in every place, and at all times. There ever have been
artful men, who, by pretences and flatteries, creep into the
favour and confidence of those who are too easy of belief,
ignorant, and fanciful. All must be ever learning to know the
Lord; but these follow every new notion, yet never seek the
truth as it is in Jesus. Like the Egyptian magicians, these were
men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and found to
be quite without faith. Yet though the spirit of error may be
let loose for a time, Satan can deceive the nations and the
churches no further, and no longer, than God will permit.

#10-13 The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ, as taught
by the apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it. When we
know the afflictions of believers only in part, they tempt us to
decline the cause for which they suffer. A form of godliness, a
profession of Christian faith without a godly life, often is
allowed to pass, while open profession of the truth as it is in
Jesus, and resolute attention to the duties of godliness, stir
up the scorn and enmity of the world. As good men, by the grace
of God, grow better, so bad men, through the craft of Satan, and
the power of their own corruptions, grow worse. The way of sin
is down-hill; such go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being
deceived. Those who deceive others, deceive themselves, as they
will find at last, to their cost. The history of the outward
church, awfully shows that the apostle spake this as he was
moved by the Holy Ghost.

#14-17 Those who would learn the things of God, and be assured
of them, must know the Holy Scriptures, for they are the Divine
revelation. The age of children is the age to learn; and those
who would get true learning, must get it out of the Scriptures.
They must not lie by us neglected, seldom or never looked into.
The Bible is a sure guide to eternal life. The prophets and
apostles did not speak from themselves, but delivered what they
received of God, #2Pe 1:21|. It is profitable for all purposes
of the Christian life. It is of use to all, for all need to be
taught, corrected, and reproved. There is something in the
Scriptures suitable for every case. Oh that we may love our
Bibles more, and keep closer to them! then shall we find
benefit, and at last gain the happiness therein promised by
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the main subject of both
Testaments. We best oppose error by promoting a solid knowledge
of the word of truth; and the greatest kindness we can do to
children, is to make them early to know the Bible.
$-$-$- 2TI:4
 
* The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though
many will not bear sound doctrine. (1-5) Enforces the charge
from his own martyrdom, then at hand. (6-8) Desires him to come
speedily. (9-13) He cautions, and complains of such as had
deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation
to the heavenly kingdom. (14-18) Friendly greetings and his
usual blessing. (19-22)
 
#1-5 People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary
of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables,
and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not
endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the
purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must
venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness,
and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.

#6-8 The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of
atonement, yet was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the grace of
God and his truth. Death to a good man, is his release from the
imprisonment of this world, and his departure to the enjoyments
of another world. As a Christian, and a minister, Paul had kept
the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort will
it afford, to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of
our days! The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness,
purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers have it not
at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The
believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of
death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and
station are neglected, his evidence of interest in Christ will
be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to
cloud and harass his last hours.

#9-13 The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back
from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by
Divine inspiration, yet he would have his books. As long as we
live, we must still learn. The apostles did not neglect human
means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own
instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us
so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us
seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.

#14-18 There is as much danger from false brethren, as from open
enemies. It is dangerous having to do with those who would be
enemies to such a man as Paul. The Christians at Rome were
forward to meet him, #Ac 28|, but when there seemed to be a
danger of suffering with him, then all forsook him. God might
justly be angry with them, but he prays God to forgive them. The
apostle was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, that is, of
Nero, or some of his judges. If the Lord stands by us, he will
strengthen us in difficulties and dangers, and his presence will
more than supply every one's absence.

#19-22 We need no more to make us happy, than to have the Lord
Jesus Christ with our spirits; for in him all spiritual
blessings are summed up. It is the best prayer we can offer for
our friends, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with their
spirits, to sanctify and save them, and at last to receive them
to himself. Many who believed as Paul, are now before the
throne, giving glory to their Lord: may we be followers of them.