2Ti 3:2, Tit 1:16 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves . It shall be one of the characteristics of those times, that men shall be eminently selfish, evidently under the garb of religion. . The word here used φιλαυτος--does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It means a lover of one's self, selfish . Such a love of self as to lead us to secure our salvation is proper. But this interferes with the rights and happiness of no other persons. the selfishness which is condemned, is that regard to our own interests which interferes with the rights and comforts of others; which makes self the central and leading object of living; and which tramples on all that would interfere with that. As such it is a base and hateful and narrow passion; but it has been so common in the world that no one can doubt the correctness of the prophecy of the apostle that it would exist " in the last times ." Covetous . Gr., Lovers of silver ; i.e., of money, see . . Boasters . . Proud . . Blasphemers . . Disobedient to parents . . Unthankful . See . The word here used occurs in the New Testament only in these two places. Ingratitude has always been regarded as one of the worst of crimes. It is said here that it would characterize that wicked age of which the apostle speaks, and its prevalence would, as it always does, indicate a decline of religion. Religion makes us grateful to every benefactor--to God, and to man. Unholy . . (c) "men"

2 Timothy 3:2

Verse 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves. It shall be one of the characteristics of those times, that men shall be eminently selfish, evidently under the garb of religion. 2Ti 3:5. The word here used φιλαυτος--does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It means a lover of one's self, selfish. Such a love of self as to lead us to secure our salvation is proper. But this interferes with the rights and happiness of no other persons. the selfishness which is condemned, is that regard to our own interests which interferes with the rights and comforts of others; which makes self the central and leading object of living; and which tramples on all that would interfere with that. As such it is a base and hateful and narrow passion; but it has been so common in the world that no one can doubt the correctness of the prophecy of the apostle that it would exist "in the last times."

Covetous. Gr., Lovers of silver; i.e., of money, see Lk 16:14. 1Timm 6:10.

Boasters. Rom 1:30.

Proud. Rom 1:30.

Blasphemers. Mt 9:3.

Disobedient to parents. Rom 1:30.

Unthankful. See Lk 6:35. The word here used occurs in the New Testament only in these two places. Ingratitude has always been regarded as one of the worst of crimes. It is said here that it would characterize that wicked age of which the apostle speaks, and its prevalence would, as it always does, indicate a decline of religion. Religion makes us grateful to every benefactor--to God, and to man.

Unholy. 1Timm 1:9.

Titus 1:16

Verse 16. They profess that they know God. That is, the Jewish teachers particularly, who are referred to in Tit 1:14. All those persons were professors of religion, and claimed that they had a peculiar knowledge of God.

But in works they deny him. Their conduct is such as to show that they have no real acquaintance with him.

Being abominable. In their conduct. The word here used-- βδελυκτοι--occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means that which is detestable, or to be held in abhorrence.

And disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Marg., void of judgment. On the word here used-- αδοκιμος, Rom 1:28; 2Cor 13:5. It means here, that in reference to everything that was good, their conduct was such that it could not be approved, or deserved disapprobation. It was for this reason; from the character of the people of the island of Crete, and of those who claimed to be teachers there enforcing the obligation of the Mosaic law, that it was so important for Titus to exercise special care in introducing men into the ministry, and in completing the arrangements contemplated in the organization of the churches there. Yet, is this character confined to them? Are there none now who profess that they know God, but in works deny him; whose conduct is such that it ought to be abhorred; who are disobedient to the plain commands of God, and whose character in respect to all that pertains to true piety, is to be disapproved by the truly pious, and will be by God at the last day? Alas! taking the church at large, there are many such; and the fact that there are such persons, is the grand hinderance to the triumphs of religion on the earth. "The way to heaven is blocked up by dead professors of religion."

(d) "profess" 2Ti 3:5,7 (1) "reprobate" "void of judgment"