This section has four verses:
2 Timothy 2:14-17
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 [undermining]
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.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom
is Hymenaeus [Hi may
nay us] and Philetus [Phi-le-tus]
We will begin with the Barclay Commentary.
THE DANGER OF WORDS
2 Timothy 2:14 ...paraphrased
Remind your people of these things; and charge them
before the Lord not to engage in battles of words –
a thing of no use at all, and a thing which can only
result in the undoing of those who listen to it.
ONCE again, Paul returns to the inadequacy of words.
We must remember that the Pastoral Epistles were
written against a background of those Gnostics who
produced their long words and their fantastic
theories, and who tried to make Christianity into an
obscure philosophy instead of an adventure of faith.
There is both fascination and danger in words. They
can become a substitute for actions. There are
people who are more concerned to talk than to act.
If the world’s problems could have been solved by
discussion, they would have been solved long ago.
But words cannot replace deeds. As Charles Kingsley
wrote in ‘A Farewell’:
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever;
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long.
As Philip James Bailey wrote in Festus:
We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not
breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most – feels the noblest – acts the best.
The eighteenth-century man of letters Dr Johnson was
one of the great talkers of all time; the founder of
Methodism, John Wesley, was one of the great men of
action of all time. They knew each other, and
Johnson had only one complaint about Wesley: ‘John
Wesley’s conversation is good, but he is never at
leisure. He is always obliged to go at a certain
hour. This is very disagreeable to a man who loves
to fold his legs and have his talk out, as I do.’
But the fact remains that Wesley, the man of action,
wrote his name across England in a way in which
Johnson, the man of talk, never did.
It is not even true that talk and discussion fully
solve intellectual problems. One of the most
significant things Jesus ever said was: ‘Anyone who
resolves to do the will of God will know whether the
teaching is from God’ (John 7:17). Often,
understanding comes not by talking but by doing. In
the old Latin phrase, solvitur ambulando, the thing
will solve itself as you go on. It often happens
that the best way to understand the deep things of
Christianity is to embark on the unmistakable duties
of the Christian life.
Quoted verse:
John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the
doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself.
There remains one further thing to be said. Too much
talk and too much discussion can have two dangerous
effects.
First, they may give the impression that
Christianity is nothing but a collection of
questions for discussion and problems for solution.
The discussion group is a characteristic phenomenon
of our age. As the writer G. K. Chesterton once
said: ‘We have asked all the questions which can be
asked. It is time we stopped looking for questions,
and started looking for answers.’ In any society,
the discussion group must be balanced by the action
group.
Second, discussion can be invigorating for those
whose approach to the Christian faith is
intellectual, for those who have a background of
knowledge and of culture, for those who have a real
knowledge of, or interest in, theology. But it
sometimes happens that people with uncomplicated
views find themselves in a group which is tossing
heresies about and putting forward unanswerable
questions; and their faith, far from being helped,
is disturbed. It may well be that that is what Paul
means when he says that wordy battles can undo those
who listen to them. The normal word used for
building a person up in the Christian faith, for
edification, is the same as is used for literally
building a house; the word which Paul uses here for
ruin (katastrophe)
is what might well be used for the demolition of a
house. And it may well happen that clever, subtle,
speculative, intellectually reckless discussion may
have the effect of demolishing, and not building up,
the faith of some of those who happen to become
involved in it. As in all things, there is a time to
discuss and a time to be silent.
~Barclay commentary
Now to the other commentaries. We will begin with
the general and go to the specific.
From the Matthew Henry Main:
He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance
to him in his work, 2 Timothy 2:16. He must take
heed of error: Shun profane and vain babblings. The
heretics, who boasted of their notions and their
arguments, thought their performances such as might
recommend them; but the apostle calls them profane
and vain babblings: when once men become fond of
those they will increase unto more ungodliness. The
way of error is down-hill; one absurdity being
granted or contended for, a thousand follow: Their
word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene; when
errors or heresies come into the church, the
infecting of one often proves the infecting of many,
or the infecting of the same person with one error
often proves the infecting of him with many errors.
~Matthew Henry Main
Now to the Matthew Henry Concise which covers verses
14-21.
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about
matters of small moment. But strifes of words
destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some
who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but
they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can
be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the
temporary faith of some professors. This foundation
has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None
can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen.
The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the
comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of
the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church
of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of
great value; some of smaller value, and put to
meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like
vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of
dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others
will be filled with all the fullness of God. We must
see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the
church whom God approves, will be devoted to his
Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.
~Matthew Henry Concise
Quoted verse:
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Now we will look at the Biblical Illustrator for
some entries there.
Shun
The word rendered “shun” is a strong one, and
signifies, literally, to make a circuit so as to
avoid; or as Alford paraphrases it, “the meaning
seems to come from a number of persons falling back
from an object of fear or loathing, and standing at
a distance round it.” The word is used in Titus 3:9.
Quoted verse:
Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and
contentions, and strivings about the law; for they
are unprofitable and vain.
They will increase unto more ungodliness.
Will increase
προκόψουσιν. The metaphor is from pioneers clearing
the way before an army, by cutting down all
obstacles: hence to make progress, to advance.
A lax life connected with erroneous doctrine
The close connection between grave fundamental
errors in doctrine and a lax and purely selfish life
is constantly alluded to by Paul.
Error is of an encroaching nature
Let the serpent but wind in his head, and he will
quickly bring in his whole body. He that saith Yea
to the devil in a little, shall not say Nay when he
pleases.
Profane babbling to be avoided
I. Profane vain babblings are to be avoided. How
often does our apostle condemn them? Why are they to
be avoided?
1. Because the branches which bear them are evil; as
weakness of judgment, frowardness of will, and
disorder in tile affections.
2. And do they not blemish our reputation? obscure
the gloss of grace? hinder the acts of it? kindle
corruption? and turn from the faith?
II. The causes which increase sin are to be removed.
~The Biblical Illustrator
Now to the specific commentaries.
Though most commentaries break this out in two
parts, several will deal with single words.
1] But shun profane and vain babblings.
2] For they will increase unto more ungodliness.
1] But shun profane and vain
babblings.
But shun - Preach the truth. Shun foolish
speculations. ~People's New Testament
Profane - Unholy. ~People's New Testament
Shun — literally, “stand above,” separate from, and
superior to. ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Vain — opposed to “the truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verse:
2 Timothy 2:15 [See
Lesson]
Babblings — with loud voice: opposed to the
temperate “word” (Titus 3:9 - quoted above).
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Shun - The word is the same as in Titus 3:9 [quoted
above - "But avoid foolish questions, etc.]
where reasons are given for rendering it avoid. The
present tense here and in 2 Timothy 2:14 are all the
more forcible for the aorists [verb tense
expressing action] which come in between. ‘Be
ever putting in remembrance’ ‘ever avoiding.’ The
article before ‘profane babblings’ points to a
well-known theme, ‘these false teachers and their
talk.’ ‘Let your teachers and yourself handle truth
aright; but the false teachers and their profane
babblings avoid.’ Hence there is no real ambiguity
about the subject to the next clause. ‘For these
false teachers will only proceed further in
ungodliness.’ The pronoun in the next verse refers
back to them. ~Cambridge
Profane and vain babblings - Profane babblings;
‘babblings’ is sufficient rendering of the word
without the addition of ‘vain’: the word only occurs
here and 1 Timothy 6:20. ~Cambridge
Quoted verse:
1 Timothy 6:20 [See
Lesson]
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy
trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and
oppositions of science falsely so called:
Note: As we have abundantly seen, Paul is
totally against false teachers and false doctrine.
Notice some of the words used in the two letters to
Timothy:
Profane: 4 times
Vain: 3 times
Babblings: 2 times...only times used in the
Bible
Corrupt minds: 2 times
Perverse: 1 time
Destitute: 1 time
Lies: 1 time...only time used in the Bible
Hypocrisy: 1 time
Jangling: 1 time...only time used in the
Bible
Turned aside after Satan: 1 time
...along with:
1 Timothy 1:4 [See
Lesson]
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
which minister questions, rather than godly edifying
which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 1:19 [See
Lesson]
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some
having put away concerning faith have made
shipwreck:
1 Timothy 4:1-2 [See
Lesson-verse 1] [See
Lesson-verse 2]
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith,
giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their
conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:7 [See
Lesson]
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and
exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
1 Timothy 6:4-5 [See
Lesson-verse 4] [See
Lesson-verse 5]
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about
questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy,
strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is
godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 [See
Lesson-verse 9] [See
Lesson-verse 10]
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.
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.
2 Timothy 2:14 [See
Lesson]
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.
2 Timothy 2:18 [See
Lesson]
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the
resurrection is past already; and overthrow the
faith of some.
2 Timothy 2:23 [See
Lesson]
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing
that they do gender strifes.
2 Timothy 4:4 [See
Lesson]
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.
Now back to the commentaries on the first part of
today's verse:
Shun profane and vain babblings - This is the
character he gives of the preaching of the false
teachers. Whatever was not agreeable to the doctrine
of truth was, in the sight of God, empty and profane
babbling; engendering nothing but ungodliness, and
daily increasing in that. ~Adam Clarke
But shun profane and vain babblings - The ministry
of false teachers is mere babbling; a voice, and
nothing else, as the man said of his nightingale; a
sound of words, but no solid matter in them; great
swelling words of vanity, like large bubbles of
water, look big, and make a great noise, but have
nothing in them; contain nothing but vain, empty,
idle, and trifling stuff; what is unprofitable and
unedifying, yea, what is profane, contrary to the
nature and perfections of God, and not agreeable to
the doctrine which is according to godliness; and
being palmed upon the Holy Scriptures, is a
profanation of them. And all such wicked and empty
prate [foolish talk], and babbling, is to be
shunned [to keep away from; take pains to avoid],
avoided, and discouraged, refused, and rejected;
and, as much as can be, a stop should be put to it,
both by ministers and hearers of the word. ~John
Gill
2] For they will increase unto
more ungodliness.
They will increase unto more ungodliness - Literally
they will proceed further on. The verb corresponds
to the word for ‘progress’ in 1 Timothy 4:15 where
its usage is noted. As Ellicott points out, the
future shews that the error of the false teachers
had not yet ‘appeared in its most developed state.’
~Cambridge
Quoted verse:
1 Timothy 4:15 [See
Lesson]
Meditate upon these things; give
thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may
appear to all.
For they will increase unto more ungodliness. - He
reveals the subtlety of Satan, who beginning with
these principles, draws us by little and little to
ungodliness through the means of that wicked and
profane babbling, which gradually increases. And
this he proves by the horrible example of those that
taught that the resurrection was already past.
~Geneva Bible Translation Notes
For they will increase unto more ungodliness -
meaning either that such babblings, if used and
encouraged, will grow more and more profane and
wicked; or the persons that use them, the unruly and
vain talkers, will grow more daring, bold; and
impudent, will wax worse and worse, and from one
error will proceed to another, for such seldom stop;
and having abused one passage of Scripture, will go
on to attack another, and will not cease, till they
have wrested the whole Scripture to their own
destruction, and that of others. ~John Gill
Increase — Greek, “advance”; literally, “strike
forward”: an image from pioneers cutting away all
obstacles before an advancing army. They pretend
progress; the only kind of progress they make is to
a greater pitch of impiety. ~Jamieson, Fausset,
Brown
More ungodliness — Greek, “a greater degree of
impiety.” ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Note: Impiety: lack of piety; lack of
reverence for God or sacred things; irreverence.
Lack of dutifulness or respect.
Quotes on Piety and Impiety:
"Piety requires us to honor truth above our
friends."
"Piety is not a goal but a means to attain through
the purest peace of mind the highest culture."
"Paganism is infectious, more infectious than
diphtheria or piety."
“Being kind to someone, only to look kind to others,
defeats the purpose of being kind.”
Quote on Ungodliness:
“It is the most ungodly and dangerous business to
abandon the certain and revealed will of God in
order to search into the hidden mysteries of God [Gnosticism]” |