2Ti 2:1-15 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Tim 2:1-13: 2:1-13 Timothy is again told to be strong and to endure suffering along with Paul (2:1-7 ; see 1:8 ). Timothy’s obedience should be motivated by reflecting on the Good News and on Paul’s example (2:8-13 ). 2:1 Timothy, my dear son (literally Therefore you, my child ): In the Greek, therefore links this phrase back to 1:15-18 and the emphatic you is in contrast to those examples.

Summary for 2Tim 2:1-13: 2:1-13 ^a Timothy is again told to be strong and to endure suffering along with Paul (2:1-7 ^b; see 1:8 ^c). Timothy’s obedience should be motivated by reflecting on the Good News and on Paul’s example (2:8-13 ^d). 2:1 ^e Timothy, my dear son (literally Therefore you, my child): In the Greek, therefore links this phrase back to 1:15-18 ^f and the emphatic you is in contrast to those examples.
2:2 ^g The many reliable witnesses would confirm the validity and veracity of Paul’s teaching (see also 3:10-11 ^h).

• teach these truths (literally entrust these things): This verb is a cognate of deposit (see study notes on 1:12, 14). Timothy’s own guarding of the deposit includes entrusting it to faithful people.
Summary for 2Tim 2:4-7: 2:4-7 ⁱ In rapid-fire sequence, Paul quotes maxims about single-minded struggling and laboring.
Summary for 2Tim 2:8-13: 2:8-13 ^j Paul’s suffering (1:12 ^k) reflects the suffering of Jesus Christ and points to the cross and resurrection as the inner meaning of that Good News (see 1:8 ^l). Paul’s suffering, like Christ’s, was instrumental in bringing salvation to others. Christ gives his approval to those who suffer and endure with him. 2:8 ^m Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead: Cp. Rom 1:3-4 ⁿ. Suffering with Christ should be viewed from the perspective of the resurrection to come.
2:9 ^o like a criminal: Paul was identifying with Jesus’ death (2:11 ^p; Phil 3:10-11 ^q).

• the word of God cannot be chained: Both Paul and the Good News would be victorious through the power of Christ’s resurrection (see 2 Tim 4:17-18 ^r; see also 2 Cor 12:8-10 ^s; Phil 1:12-14 ^t).
2:11 ^u a trustworthy saying: See study notes on 1 Tim 1:15; 2:5-6.
2:13 ^v he remains faithful: This could mean that (1) he allows those who have stumbled an opportunity for repentance; (2) he faithfully judges unbelievers in accord with his unchanging will; (3) he himself is an example of faithfulness for his people to follow; and/or (4) he will faithfully accomplish his purposes in history, to save those who trust in him through the Good News (1:12 ^w; 2:19 ^x). See also Rom 3:3-4 ^y; 1 Cor 10:13 ^z; 1 Jn 1:9 ^aa.
Summary for 2Tim 2:14-26: 2:14-26 ^ab Timothy must insist on the teaching of 2:8-13 ^ac and steer clear of the teaching and conduct of the false teachers. The heresy was probably the same as in 1 Tim 6:20-21 ^ad.
2:15 ^ae who correctly explains (literally who guides along a straight path): The NLT relates this verse to right interpretation of the word of truth. Another possibility is that Timothy should keep to his purpose in teaching the word (see 1 Tim 1:4 ^af) and not turn aside by engaging in the false teachers’ controversies (2 Tim 2:16 ^ag).