FocusFaithful transmission and disciplined service
Connection to the wholeThe soldier, athlete, and husbandman illustrate Timothy's task, which is grounded in Jesus' resurrection and the need to endure.
interpretation 2 Timothy 2:3
KJVThou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Read it in context
Entrust and endure
Start reading at 2 Timothy 2:1 (2 Timothy 2:1 to 2 Timothy 2:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The soldier, athlete, and husbandman illustrate Timothy's task, which is grounded in Jesus' resurrection and the need to endure.
- 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- 2:2 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.
- 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
- 2:4 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.
- 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
- 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
- 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
- 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
- 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
- 2:10 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.
- 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
- 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
- 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, traditionally understood as writing to Timothy late in his ministry. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:6. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Timothy 1:1–4:22): Paul addresses Timothy personally, urging faithful teaching and endurance and asking him to come; coworkers and opponents are named in the circumstances he describes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, called Paul's dearly beloved son, with instructions he is to entrust to other faithful teachers. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Entrust and endure. Read 2 Timothy 2:1 through 2 Timothy 2:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The soldier, athlete, and husbandman illustrate Timothy's task, which is grounded in Jesus' resurrection and the need to endure. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul describes imprisonment and speaks of his departure as approaching. The letter does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Rome is named in the account of Onesiphorus' search for Paul; other places concern earlier ministry and fellow workers. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Entrust and endure (2 Timothy 2:1 to 2 Timothy 2:13). Start reading at 2 Timothy 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul calls Timothy to remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead and to continue in the Scriptures that make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. See 2 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:15. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Continue faithfully in teaching and conduct despite opposition. Use Scripture for its stated work of instruction and correction, and do not confuse faithfulness with the absence of suffering. interpretation
Cited: 2 Timothy 2:1, 2 Timothy 2:13, 2 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Related passages
- endure 2 Tim 2:10 2 Tim 1:8 2 Tim 3:11 2 Tim 4:5 1 Cor 13:7 2 Cor 1:6 Heb 6:15 Heb 10:32
- a good 2 Cor 10:3-5 Eph 6:11-18 1 Tim 1:18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 2
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
2 Timothy 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 4:6
Handle the word rightly
2 Timothy 2:14–19FocusAvoiding destructive teaching
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts approved work with empty disputes and names a false teaching about resurrection that is overturning some hearers' faith.
interpretation A vessel fit for service
2 Timothy 2:20–26FocusHoliness and patient correction
Connection to the wholePersonal cleansing and pursuit of righteousness are joined to gentleness in correcting opponents, keeping the worker's character with his teaching.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
2 Timothy 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 4:6
The entrusted testimony
2 Timothy 1:1–18FocusCourage and faithful keeping
Connection to the wholePaul recalls Timothy's faith and gift, urging him not to be ashamed and to guard the trust through the Holy Ghost.
interpretation FocusTransmission, endurance, and gentle correction
Connection to the wholeImages of disciplined service lead into directions for teaching, personal holiness, and patient treatment of opponents.
interpretation Difficult times and the Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:1–17FocusDiscernment and continued learning
Connection to the wholePaul warns about corrupt conduct and deception, then directs Timothy to continue in what he has learned through the holy Scriptures.
interpretation The final charge and farewell
2 Timothy 4:1–22FocusPreaching and finishing the course
Connection to the wholeThe command to preach is set beside Paul's approaching death and personal instructions concerning fellow workers and needs.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.