CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Timothy 2:1. Be strong.—R.V. “be strengthened,” and continue so.
2 Timothy 2:2. Among many witnesses.—The instrumental form, lit. “by the mediation of,” here is equal to “in presence of many witnesses,” who were present to confirm the word. Able to teach others.—The others would not always be docile learners—others of a different quality or spirit, it is indicated.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Timothy 2:1-2
The Permanence of Christian Doctrine.
I. That Christian doctrine becomes more vivid as the soul is strengthened by Divine grace.—“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). In contrast to the weak conduct of those who had forsaken him, and in imitation of the devotion of a man like Onesiphorus and of his own resolute attitude, the apostle exhorts Timothy to seek increased spiritual strength. In our own strength we can do nothing; but in the grace supplied by Christ to all who believe in Him and ask Him, we find all we need for strengthening our own Christian character, and for imparting instruction to others. Our power to do good will depend upon the degree in which the truth influences our own souls. In the meeting of Elijah and Ahab at the plot of Naboth we have an illustration of the contrast between strength and weakness: the righteous man is strong, the wicked man weak and vacillating.
II. That the reality of Christian doctrine is attested by reliable witnesses.—“The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses” (2 Timothy 2:2)—by means of many witnesses. Every true believer is a witness of the truth. In other words, the truth is its own witness, exemplified in the changed lives and righteous conduct of those who have embraced it. The public teacher is called by his office to be a faithful and true witness, and the soundness of his doctrine is attested by the manifold witnesses of its transforming power.
III. That the permanence of Christian doctrine is secured by careful transmission to faithful and competent teachers.—“The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). There is only one gospel, and this has been authenticated by its own intrinsic value and by the testimony of incorruptible witnesses, and every care must be taken to preserve this gospel inviolate and transmit it in its purity and strength to future generations. Care must also be taken that the human vehicle of the truth be duly fitted and prepared to convey it to others. Here we have the earliest indication of the formation of a theological school, which shall not only train men to instruct the ignorant, but to defend and maintain the truth in its integrity. The teachers of Christian doctrine must be not only able to teach, but be men of unblemished character and undoubted fidelity. Truth will be rendered permanent not simply by human creeds and ecclesiastical traditions, but by living witnesses of its converting power.
Lessons.—
1. Christian doctrine and practice must go together.
2. We can only witness for the truth as we know it.
3. Experimental religion is the best guarantee of the permanence of truth.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Timothy 2:1-2. The Custody of the Gospel.
I. The truth of the gospel has been verified by reliable witnesses (2 Timothy 2:2).
II. Is to be handed on to the custody of faithful and competent teachers (2 Timothy 2:2).
III. Personal growth in the grace of Christ is essential to the safe custody of the gospel.