by Wells, Steve
(5.12) “Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.”
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
(5.13) “They learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
(5.14) “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children.”
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
(5.15) “For some are already turned aside after Satan.”
16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
(5.20) “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” Publicly humiliate those who sin by announcing their sins in front of God and everybody so “that others also may fear.”
21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
(5.23) “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake.”
71 Is it OK to drink alcohol?
24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1 TIMOTHY 6
(6.1-4) Slaves (“servants” in the KJV) should treat their masters “worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” This is especially true when both slave and owner are Christians. Anyone that teaches otherwise is a proud know-nothing.
336 Should we serve God alone?
42 Does God approve of slavery?
6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
(6.1) “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
(6.2) “They that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
(6.3-4) “If any man teach otherwise … He is proud, knowing nothing.”
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
(6.5) “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth … from such withdraw thyself.” Stay away from those who disagree with you about religion.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(6.7-10) On money
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(6.7) “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(6.8) “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(6.9) “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(6.10) “The love of money is the root of all evil.”
315 Is money good or bad?
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(6.14) “Keep this commandment … until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul (or whoever wrote this) expected Jesus to return within his lifetime.
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
(6.16) “Dwelling in the light … whom no man hath seen.”
227 Does God dwell in darkness or in light?
49 Can God be seen?
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
(6.17-18) “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be … ready to distribute.”
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
(6.20) “Keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.” This verse is often used by believers to justify the rejection of any idea, scientific or otherwise, that contradicts the Bible.
468 Should believers discuss their faith with non-believers?
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
2 TIMOTHY
In the last days … shall be … silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. — 2 Timothy 3.1-7
Like the other Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy and Titus), 2 Timothy was written by someone who claimed to be Paul, but wasn’t. It was written by an unknown author long after the real Paul had died.
There’s nothing very exciting in this one, but here are a few things of that might be of interest:
“If we deny him, he also will deny us.” (Fair is fair!) 2.12
The devil can take us captive any time he pleases. 2.26
In the last days, people will become evil, “without n
atural affection,” and “silly women” who are “ever learning” will be “led away with divers lusts.” 3.1-7
“All scripture is given by the inspiration of God.” 3.16 Even Leviticus 20.13, Judges 19.22-30 and Ezekiel 23.20?
2 TIMOTHY 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
(1.1-2) “Paul … to Timothy” Although Second Timothy claims to have been written by Paul, most scholars believe that it was written by someone else long after his death.
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(1.7) “God hath not given us the spirit of fear.”
132 Should we fear God?
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
(1.9) “Who hath saved us … according to his own purpose and grace.” God selected us to be either saved or damned, and there isn’t a damned thing we can do about it.
158 Do humans have free will?
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
2 TIMOTHY 2
2 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
(2.8) “Jesus Christ of the seed of David”
329 Was Joseph the father of Jesus?
9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
(2.12-18)
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
(2.12) “If we deny him, he also will deny us.” (Fair is fair!)
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
(2.16) “Shun profane and vain babblings.” Shun non-believers and other profane babblers.
468 Should believers discuss their faith with non-believers?
(2.17-18) Hymenaeus and Philetus are condemned for disagreeing with “Paul” about the timing of the resurrection. (See 1 Tim 1.20 and 2 Tim 4.14-15)
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
(2.17) “Their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;”
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
(2.18) “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
(2.19) “The Lord knoweth them that are his.” This verse was used by the Catholic Church during the inquisition to justify killing those suspected of heresy. (“Kill them all, for `the Lord knows them that are His’.”)
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
(2.24) “Be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.”
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
(2.26) “The devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” The devil can take us captive any time he pleases.
470 Can the devil capture us at will?
2 TIMOTHY 3
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
(3.1-3) “In the last days … men shall be … without natural affection.” In the last days people will become evil, “without natural affection.” Fundamentalist say that this refers to homosexuals.
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
&nb
sp; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(3.6-7) “Silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” In the last days, “silly women” who are “ever learning” will be “led away with divers lusts.”
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(3.12) “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
312 If God likes you, will everyone else?
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(3.16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Even Leviticus 20:13, Judges 19.22-30 and Ezekiel 23.20?
461 Was all scripture inspired by God?
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.