FocusReligious appearance without godliness
Connection to the wholeThe catalogue of conduct and descriptions of deceivers call for discernment about people who retain an appearance of religion while resisting the truth.
interpretation 2 Timothy 3:5
KJVHaving a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Read it in context
Perilous times
Start reading at 2 Timothy 3:1 (2 Timothy 3:1 to 2 Timothy 3:9).
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 catalogue of conduct and descriptions of deceivers call for discernment about people who retain an appearance of religion while resisting the truth.
- 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
- 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
- 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
- 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
- 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
- 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
- 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
- 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
- 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
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? Perilous times. Read 2 Timothy 3:1 through 2 Timothy 3:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The catalogue of conduct and descriptions of deceivers call for discernment about people who retain an appearance of religion while resisting the truth. 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 Perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1 to 2 Timothy 3:9). Start reading at 2 Timothy 3:1. 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 3:1, 2 Timothy 3:9, 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
- a form Isa 29:13 Isa 48:1-2 Isa 58:1-3 Ezek 33:30-32 Matt 7:15 Matt 23:27-28 Rom 2:20-24 1 Tim 5:8
- from 2 Tim 2:16,23 Rom 16:17-18 Eph 4:14 2 Thess 3:6,14 1 Tim 6:5 Titus 3:10 2 John 1:10-12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 3
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
Continue in what you have learned
2 Timothy 3:10–17FocusExample, endurance, and Scripture
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts such deception with Timothy's knowledge of his life and the Scriptures, which equip the man of God for good works.
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 The faithful worker
2 Timothy 2:1–26FocusTransmission, endurance, and gentle correction
Connection to the wholeImages of disciplined service lead into directions for teaching, personal holiness, and patient treatment of opponents.
interpretation FocusDiscernment 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.