CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Timothy 3:10. But thou hast fully known.—R.V. “didst follow.” The mental process of investigation and the moral process of imitating the good seem to blend in this expression, as the words following indicate.
2 Timothy 3:11. What persecutions I endured.—The old man lives over again the life of hardship and glorifies his Deliverer.
2 Timothy 3:13. Seducers.—R.V. “impostors.” There is “a reference to incantation by howling, and then to the practice of magic generally, and thence to deception and imposture generally” (Ellicott). Shall wax worse and worse.—“Shall make advance toward the worse.” In 2 Timothy 3:9 the apostle says they shall not advance further without exposure; here he seems to say that after exposure they do not mind to what lengths they go. The Nemesis of deception is self-deception.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Timothy 3:10-13
Characteristics of a Genuine Teacher.
I. The genuine teacher is known by the character of his doctrine and the integrity of his life (2 Timothy 3:10).—In contrast with the false teachers the apostle appeals to his own teaching and manner of life. Both were well known and had been tested in trying circumstances. The genuine teacher is not actuated by selfish motives, but by a desire to spread the truth and promote the glory of Christ, and the purity of his aim is evident in the Christian spirit with which he treats his opponents and vilifiers.
II. The genuine teacher is known by his sufferings for the truth.—
1. Suffering for the truth is the lot of the faithful (2 Timothy 3:11-12). Christianity condemns all other religions and claims to be the only religion; it enjoins precepts directly contrary to the instincts of the natural man, and it predicts that persecutions are sure to overtake its most ardent followers. But it promises help in suffering and a future reward of unspeakable glory. A man must be truly in earnest who embraces Christianity with all its conditions and consequences.
2. From all suffering for the truth God graciously delivers. “But out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:11). If Paul was delivered from trials, unparalleled in their number and severity, the most oppressed servant of Christ need not despair. With this example before us we need not fear whatever persecution and suffering may be entailed in a faithful propagation of the truth.
III. The genuine teacher is known by contrast with the wicked and deceptive charlatanry of false teachers.—“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Magical arts were practised at Ephesus; but these were abandoned by all who embraced Christ. The false teachers did not hesitate to use the tricks of the conjuror to deceive the unwary; and as they became more reckless in their methods and more wicked in their lives, they ended by being themselves deceived. As Bengel remarks, “He who has once begun to deceive others is the less easily able to recover himself from error, and the more easily embraces in turn the errors of others.” There is the widest contrast between the showy and tricky charlatanry of false teachers, and the sedate straightforwardness and calmly fervent zeal of the gospel preacher.
Lessons.—
1. The truth forms the character of its advocate.
2. Christianity teaches us how to endure and conquer suffering.
3. The genuine teacher is a living witness for the truth.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Timothy 3:10-11. Personal Integrity—
I. Is founded on belief in the truth (2 Timothy 3:10).
II. Is manifested in the life (2 Timothy 3:10).
III. Is seen in the carrying out of a definite purpose (2 Timothy 3:10).
IV. Is exemplified in the virtues of the Christian character (2 Timothy 3:10).
V. Is tested and strengthened by suffering (2 Timothy 3:11).
VI. Recognises the special help of God in affliction (2 Timothy 3:11).
2 Timothy 3:12. The Persecution of Goodness.
I. The text characterises the morality of believers.—They “live godly.”
1. The believer complies with the will of God.
2. Presents his services as an offering to God.
3. Aims at the glory of God.
4. Seeks the enjoyment of God.
II. The text declares the origin of the morality of the believer.—“In Christ Jesus.”
1. Implies union with Christ.
2. Christ frees from condemnation and punishment.
3. Christ furnishes motives to obedience.
III. The text declares the consequence of the morality of the believer.—“Shall suffer persecution.”
1. The world hates godliness.
2. The world is reproved by godliness.—Stewart.