Charge to Timothy concerning Present Error.
The false teaching considered in this epistle is partly present and partly future. Paul's first charge relates to the former type. For its general character cf. 1 Timothy 1:3-11 *. Such particular doctrines as that of 2 Timothy 2:18 were possibly confined to individual teachers. The charge expounds:
(a) 2 Timothy 2:14-18. Timothy's Immediate Duty. Mere debates are diverting and evil. Timothy must so handle the situation as to win God's approval. This involves (a) framing his own positive teaching after the right pattern, and (b) definite hostility to the errorists-' discussions (cf. 1 Timothy 6:20). This is essential because the errorists will become increasingly dangerous, as Hymenæ us (now probably excommunicated, 1 Timothy 1:20) and Philetus prove, with their theory (perverting the truth of Romans 6:3 ff.) that the only resurrection is the spiritual rising experienced in baptism.
2 Timothy 2:15. handling, etc.: the image is that of a man cutting his doctrine to the pattern of the gospel.
2 Timothy 2:17. Hymenæ us and Philetus: otherwise unknown.
2 Timothy 2:18. See above. Another early theory was that men rise again only in their children.
(b) 2 Timothy 2:19-21. The Right Spirit for Timothy's Task. Nevertheless the situation does not call for panic. Timothy's spirit must be one of quiet confidence in God, since the Church rests on a firm foundation laid by God Himself and sealed (cf. Revelation 21:14) by His knowledge (Numbers 16:5) and moral requirements. The most firmly-founded building, however, contains both worthy and unworthy vessels. The latter (i.e. the errorists) Timothy must remove from the Church, if he himself would remain fit for God's employment.
(c) 2 Timothy 2:22-26. The Influence of Personal Example. Meanwhile much depends on Timothy's own behaviour (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12). (a) His personal example must be irreproachable (2 Timothy 2:22; youthful lusts, 1 Timothy 4:11-16 *); (b) he must avoid controversy with the errorists, a Christian teacher's aim being not strife but gentle persuasion, based on instruction. Through these means opponents, captured by Satan, may return from his snare to a sober mind, to do the will of God (EV renders 2 Timothy 2:26 unnaturally).