A Paraphrase on the New Testament, 2 Timothy
The Second Epiſtle of PAUL the Apoſtle to TIMOTHY.
CHAP. I.
1. PAul an apoſtle of Jeſus Chriſt by the will of God, according to to the promiſe of life, which is in Chriſt Jeſus: 2. To Timothy my dearly beloved ſon: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and Chriſt Jeſus our Lord.
1. Note, 1. It is Gods calling Will, and not onelyonly his permitting Will, which muſt warrant any to aſſume the Sacred Miniſtry, and prove him a true Miniſter of Chriſt.
2. The Promiſe of Life in Chriſt, muſt have Miniſters to proclaim it, and to preach this is their Work.
3. I thank God, whom I ſerve from my forefathers with pure conſcience, that without ceaſing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day:
3. Note, It ſeemeth ſtrange, that a Perſecutor, and the chief of Sinners, ſhould ſay, That from his Forefathers he ſerved God with pure Conſcience; and to the High Prieſt, That he had lived in all good Conſcience to that day. Anſ. 1. Some think he meaneth, [Since I was a Chriſtian, I have ſerved God ſincerely, as Abraham, Iſaac, and Jacob did.] Others think he meaneth, [Not onelyonly ſince my Converſion, but before, I deſigned onelyonly to ſerve God; and though through ignorance I miſtook the Matter, I did it in zeal to pleaſe God, and faithfully obeyed my Conſcience.] Which ever be the Senſe, there is no Doctrinal Difference dependeth on the Controverſie.
4. Greatly deſiring to ſee thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy: 5. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt firſt in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am perſwaded that in thee alſo.
4, 5. Note, 1. Though we muſt love all Chriſtians with a ſpecial Love, yet with great difference, as they differ. Choice, Chriſtians, and very loving Friends, muſt be loved above the reſt.
2. The more unfeigned and free from Hypocriſie, in Faith and Godlineſs he appears to be, the more amiable is that Chriſtian.
3. God often bleſſeth the Labours and Examples of Godly Women, to raiſe up excellent Inſtruments in his Church.
4. It rendreth a good Chriſtian more amiable and honourable, to be the Off-ſpring of Godly Parents.
6. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance, that thou ſtir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
6. Note, 1. Gods Spiritual Gifts muſt be uſed by our own ſtirring them up.
2. It is here controverted, 1. Whether it be the Gift of the Miniſtry, and its proper Neceſſaries, that is here meant, or the foregoing Gift of the Holy Ghoſt? 2. Whether it be meant of Paul's laying on his Hands for the former, or the latter?
To theſe, it may ſuffice us to know, 1. That Timothy was converted by Paul; and then it was uſual for Converts to receive the Holy Ghoſt for ſome wonderful Gifts, by the Laying on of the Apoſtles Hands: And it is not to be doubted, but ſo did Timothy, long before his Ordination to the Miniſtry. And who was ſo likely to do this as Paul? 2. It's not to be doubted, but Timothy, after this, had Impoſition of Hands at his Ordination. 3. It is certain, that it was then by the Hands of the Presbytery. 4. It is probable, that Paul was one of them, and the …ief. 5. Therefore, as the next Verſe ſheweth, that he ſpeaketh of the Spirit or Gift of Sanctification, not proper to Miniſters; ſo it is certain, that Paul meant this, but not improbable that he meant the other alſo, but comprehended both.
7. For God hath not given us the ſpirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a ſound mind.
7. For though Jews are under the Spirit of Legal Fear and Bondage, and Unbelievers have a cowardly Fear of Men, this is not the Spirit given us by the Goſpel; but it is the ſanctifying of the three great Faculties of the Soul, the Executive Faculty by Holy Power, the Will by Holy Love, and the Intellect by ſound and ſober Judgment: This is the Spirit of Chriſt.
8. Be not thou therefore aſhamed of the teſtimony of our Lord, nor of me his priſoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the goſpel, according to the power of God;
8. Be not therefore aſhamed of preaching and owning the Goſpel, or of any Suffering that this will bring, nor of me, who am Chriſts Priſoner, as ſuffering for his Work: But whatever hard uſage Men exerciſe againſt the Goſpel, and the Preachers of it, be content to bear thy part with others, as ſtrengthened by the Power of God.
9. Who hath ſaved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpoſe and grace which was given us in Chriſt Jeſus, before the world began.
9. Who hath ſaved us from our ſervitude to ſin and Satan, and called us out of the World to be a Holy People, ſeparated to himſelf; not becauſe by our Works we were a more Deſerving People before than others, but according to his own Purpoſe and Gracious Decree of ſaving us by Chriſt which he had for us before the World or Ages began.
10. But is now made manifeſt by the appearing of our Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, who hath aboliſhed death, and hath brought life and immortality to light, through the goſpel:
40. But now this purpoſe is opened by Chriſts appearing in Fleſh, who hath now delivered us from the Power of that Death which was the Wages of ſin, aſſuring us of a Reſurrection, and hath brought future Life and Immortality to our more full aſſured notice by his Goſpel.
Note, That though the Souls Immortality, and a life of Retribution be knowable by the light of Nature, yet, 1. It is with far leſs Certainty than the Goſpel giveth us. 2. And Nature tells us not with any clearneſs of a Reſurrection of the Body. 3. Nor doth it give Men …ear notice of the Conditions of our attaining that Felicity: But Chriſt by the Goſpel hath given us aſſured notice of all this. And this is the chief thing in which Chriſts plain teaching excelleth all the Subtilties of the Trifling, Heathen Philoſophers.
11. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apoſtle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
11. To Preach this, and teach the Gentiles I am a Commiſſioned Apoſtle, and for this I ſuffer.
12. For the which cauſe I alſo ſuffer theſe things; nevertheleſs I am not aſhamed: for I know whom I have believed, and I am perſwaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him againſt that day.
12. But I am not aſhamed of my Preaching or Suffering; for I know whom I have truſted, and am perſwaded that he can and will keep me in ſafety, who have committed my ſelf wholly to him, even to the great day (in which all his promiſes ſhall be performed.)
13. Hold faſt the form of ſound words, which thou haſt heard of me in faith, and love which is in Chriſt Jeſus.
13. Keep before thee the Form, or Summary of Sound Doctrine which thou heardeſt of me, which conſiſteth in the Articles of Faith, and the Precepts of Love, of both which Chriſt is the Object and Sum, (or which form of Sound Doctrine thou muſt hold faſt by a Firm Belief, and Practical Love of Chriſt and his Cauſe).
14. That good thing which was committed unto thee, keep by the holy Ghoſt which dwelleth in us.
14. That good and ſure ſummary of Sound Doctrine which I committed to thy keeping, hold cloſe to, by the Spirit of God who dwelleth in us, to help our Memory, Love and Practice.
Note, Tho it be not certain that Paul meaneth our Creed in the very Words as now we have them, it is more than probable that he meaneth the ſame Articles in Sence, which he reciteth, 1 Cor. 15.3, 4, 5. and elſwhere.
15. This thou knoweſt that all they which are in Aſia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
15. I ſuppoſe thou knoweſt that all the Biſhops or Teachers in Aſia have forſaken me in my Sufferings, and rejected my Apoſtolick Authority, or neglect it; of whom are, &c.
Note, 1. That he accuſeth them not of Apoſtacie from Chriſt, but forſaking him. 2. That thoſe that forſake not Chriſt or his Church, may forſake a particular Ruler of it, even an Apoſtle eſpecially if he be in Priſon. 3. That all the Churches or Biſhops in Aſia were conjoyned in this ſin: Sin may have the Major Vote of the Biſhops. 4. Its like then Timothy was no Biſhop of Epheſus which was in Aſia, for Timothy forſook not Paul.
16, 17. The Lord give mercy unto the houſe of Oneſiphorus; for he oft refreſhed me, and was not aſhamed of my chain. But when he was in Rome, he ſought me out very diligently, and found me. 18. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: And in how many things he miniſtred unto me at Epheſus, thou knoweſt very well.
16, 17, 18. Note, That the particular Acts of Chriſtian Charity are here rewarded with the moſt Hearty Prayers of the Saints, and in the day of the Lord with ſpecial mercy. 2. That it is no ſinful ſelfiſhneſs to return a Special Gratitude, Love and Prayer for thoſe that have been ſpecially kind to us in diſtreſs; eſpecially when by it they manifeſt a ſpecial degree of love and fidelity to Chriſt.
CHAP. II.
1. THou therefore my ſon, be ſtrong in the grace that is in Chriſt Jeſus.
1. Let other Mens Caſes provoke thee to grow ſtrong, confirmed and reſolved in the Doctrine, Practice, Comfort, and Patience of that Grace which is treaſured up for us in Chriſt.
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. Note, 1. That the Senior Paſtors muſt train up others to Preach the Goſpel: And this ſeemeth the Original of Eminent Epiſcopacy: The Elders introducing their own Scholars were as Fathers to them, and fit to be their Guides. 2. None ſhould be truſted with the Miniſtry but Men Faithful and able to teach others. 3. It is the ſame Doctrine which was delivered by the Apoſtles which muſt be committed to Miniſters to teach the People. 4. While the Scriptures were yet unwritten or unfiniſhed, the words which Men heard from the Apoſtles, were to be their Rule of Doctrine.
3. Thou therefore endure hardneſs, as a good ſouldier of Jeſus Chriſt.
3. Note, The Life of a Miniſter or Biſhop is not a Life of Eaſe, and Idleneſs, and Safeneſs, and Dominion, and fulneſs; but like a Souldiers, a Life of Hardſhip, hard Labour: hard uſage by the World, Hard Sufferings, requiring Reſolution, Fortitude and Patience.
4. No man that warreth intangleth himſelf with the affairs of this life; that he may pleaſe him who hath choſen him to be a ſouldier.
4. A Biſhop or Miniſter muſt be like a Souldier who maketh it his whole Buſineſs, and doth not joyn any other Trade of Life that would take up any of his time.
5. And if a man alſo ſtrive for maſteries, yet is he not crowned except he ſtrive lawfully.
5. And in the Games in which Men ſtrive for Maſteries for a Prize (as Running, Wreſtling, Fencing, Fighting) it is not every one that ſtriveth that hath the Crown or Prize, but onelyonly he that winneth it by getting the better: And ſo muſt a Miniſter of Chriſt ſtrive for the Crown of Life, by putting forth all his care and ſtrength.
6. The husbandmen that laboureth muſt be firſt partaker of his fruits.
6. The Husbandman muſt labour (Plow, Sow, &c.) before he reap and gather the Fruit.
Note, God will reward no Paſtors but the Laborours, tho' Men may advance the Proud and Idle.
7. Conſider what I ſay, and the Lord give thee underſtanding in all things.
7. Note, They that will have Gods Word and good Council bleſt by God to their Underſtanding, muſt conſider of it, even of its meaning, truth, and uſe.
8. Remember that Jeſus Chriſt of the ſeed of David was raiſed from the dead,
8. If thou deeply conſider and remember that Chriſt was raiſed from the Dead, as it will infer the truth of all the reſt of the Goſpel to thee, ſo it will be to thee a powerful example of Patience and Hope in all thy Sufferings for Chriſt.
8, 9. According to my Goſpel: Wherein I ſuffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
8, 9. This Reſurrection of Chriſt is it which I Preach, for which I ſuffer as reputed a Malefactor, and that even to Impriſonment and Bonds, but God… Word ſtill proſpereth and is not bound.
Note, So blind and Deviliſh is Malignant Enmity to Truth and Godlineſs, that Chriſts beſt Servants. are reputed and uſed as Malefactors and Rogues, even for the beſt of their Duty to God, and that which is moſt profitable to the World.
10. Therefore I endure all things for the elects ſakes, that they may alſo obtain the ſalvation which is in Chriſt Jeſus, with eternal glory.
10. And I think not any Suffering too dear for the ſake of Gods Elect, (though the reſt of the World reject the Goſpel) that it may but further the Salvation of them by the Grace of Chriſt to bring them to Eternal Glory.
11. It is a faithful ſaying. For if we be dead with him, we ſhall alſo live with him: 12. If we ſuffer, we ſhall alſo reign with him:
11, 12. Believe this as a Goſpel Maxim, if we be dead to the World for him, as he died for us, we ſhall live in glory with him: And it we ſuffer for and with him, we ſhall follow him alſo in Exaltation unto Glory.
12, 13. If we deny him, he alſo wil deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful; he cannot deny himſelf.
12, 13. If for fear of ſuffering we deny him, he will diſown us, and deny us his Salvation: And if we be unfaithful, and forſake him and our own Salvation, yet he will be true of his Word, and will not deny and forſake his own Cauſe, but make good his threatnings againſt them that forſake his Mercies.
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 of the hearers.
14. Note, Biſhops and Miniſters have great need to call Men to the ſerious ſtudy of fundamental practical truths, from vain diverting kinds of ſtudy, 2. Such are the Diſputes and Contentions about Words or Grammatical Criticiſms, and Barren Speculations in Arts and Sciences, which profit not by their due ſubſerviency to Saving Truths, but ſubvert Men, by diverting their Thoughts, Love, and Labour.
15. Study to ſhew thy ſelf approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be aſhamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
15. Study not for applauſe, and to humour ſick-brains, but to pleaſe God, and do all as approved to him; with ſuch skill, and care, and diligence, as beſeemeth, a good Workman that need not be aſhamed of his Work, and diſgrace not the Work by an ignorant bungling, confuſed handling; but take great care rightly to order, methodize and diſtribute the word of Truth.
Note, That tho curious unprofitable trifling with Words be ſinful, yet the more accurate ordering, methodizing or diſtributing Truth, ſetting each in its proper place, and giving every hearer his due part is the part of a skilful Teacher.
16. But ſhun profane and vain bablings; for they will increaſe unto more ungodlineſs. 17. And their word will eat as doth a canker:
16. But avoid profane and vain Clamors and Bablings of Heathen Philoſophers or Hereticks, who ſet up a courſe of Oſtentation of their Wit by unprofitable Diſputes; for the Fruit will be but the Increaſe of ungodlineſs: And Vain Proud Wits are ſo liable to the Infection, that their words will eat like a Gangren.
17, 18. Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, ſaying, That the reſurrection is paſt already; and overthrow the faith of ſome.
17, 18. Note, It is not certain on what account they ſaid the Reſurrect…on was paſt, 1. Whether as the Familiſts and Quakers by pretending that it is but an inward Reſurrection from ſin, that is meant. Or, 2. As Pythagoreans, ſaying, That it's but the Tranſition of Souls into other Bodies which is done here, and no more to be expected. I incline moſt to this laſt: It is that which Paul Diſputeth againſt, 1 Cor. 15. that is here meant. And the Doctrine of Tranſmigration was then ſo common, and the Hereticks had ſo much from the Pythagorean Philoſophers that it's moſt likely to be this.
19. Nevertheleſs, the foundation of God ſtandeth ſure, having this ſeal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Chriſt, depart from iniquity,
19. But whoever falls away, God's Foundation on which we build our Hope is ſure, and hath a Seal as it were, with this double Inſcription; on one ſide [The Lord knoweth them that are his] (for he hath Decreed their Salvation, and will not loſe them, and he hath marked them out by his Spirit, and written on them Holineſs to the Lord: And therefore on the other ſide is written, [Let every one that nameth the name of Chriſt depart from iniquity.] For Gods Decree conjoyneth the End and Means, and he Decreeth none to Salvation that are not at once Decreed to Sanctification: As his Covenant on his part promiſeth us Life, ſo our Covenant to him obligeth us to Holineſs.
20. But in a great houſe there are not onelyonly veſſels of gold, and of ſilver, but alſo of wood, and earth; and ſome to honour, and ſome to diſhonour.
20. But it is not to be wondered at, if in Gods Houſe which is his Church-viſible, or the Profeſſors of Chriſtianity, there be Errours and Scandals and ſome Backſlide. For it's uſual in great Mens Houſes to have ſome Wooden and Earthen Veſſels for low and baſe uſage, as well as Silver and Gold for the Table, &c.
21. If a man therefore purge himſelf from theſe, he ſhall be a veſſel unto honour, ſanctified and meet for the maſters uſe, and prepared unto every good work.
21. All that (by Gods Grace) do purge themſelves from Hereſie and Iniquity, are Veſſels of Honour, ſanctified, and meet to ſerve and honour God, and diſpoſed to all good Works.
22. Flee alſo youthful luſts: but follow righteouſneſs, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
22. Note, 1. That the Fleſh and its Luſts, eſpecially in Youth, are ſuch dangerous Enemies to our Holineſs and Salvation, that we have greet need to be warned to avoid thoſe Luſts; and conſequently all that cheriſheth them, (Fulneſs, Idleneſs, looſe Company, &c.) 2. Righteouſneſs, Faith, Charity, and Peace are the Sum of a Holy Life. 3. Charity and Peace muſt extend to all that call on the Lord out of a pure Heart (though not in our Forms or Ceremonies.
23. But fooliſh and unlearned queſtions avoid, knowing that they do gender ſtrifes.
23. But whereas the more ignorant and unſound Profeſſors are apt to turn Practical Godlineſs into Self-conceited, Ignorant Controverſie and Diſputes, avoid this ill Practice as knowing that ſuch wranglings do but but breed ſtrifes.
24. And the ſervant of the Lord muſt not ſtrive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25. In meekneſs inſtructing thoſe that oppoſe themſelves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26. And that they may recover themſelves out of the ſnare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
24, 25, 26. But God's Servants, eſpecially Biſhops and Teachers muſt not provoke D…ſſenters by ſtriving Debates, but be gentle to all Men, even the Erroneous; apt to teach them, and patient with them in Errour, Inſtructing them in Meeekneſs, and in a gentle ſort, even when they oppoſe the Truth; and thus to wait in the right uſe of Gods means, to ſee whether God will convince them, and turn them by Repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth, and that by conſideration of what you teach them, they may recover themſelves out of the Snare of the Devil, who captivateth them alive to do his Will.
Note, 1. If Men will not hear gentle teaching, much leſs will they yield to provoking Diſputes. 2. Yet Diſputes like defenſive Wars are oft neceſſary to the defenſe of the Truth and Church, tho it be not the way to win the Opponent. 3. Till ſinners by conſideration can be brought to be Agents in recovering themſelves, no Teaching or Diſputing is like to recover them. 4 Fire and Water are not more contrary than this word of God, and the way of Romiſh Prelates, who Hereticate, Impriſon, Silence, Ruine, and Murder True Chriſtians, for conforming to all their Superſtitious Canons and Ceremonies, and not ſwearing obedience to their uſurped Domination.
CHAP. III.
1. THis know alſo that in the laſt days perillous times ſhall come.
1. Before the End the times will grow yet harder, more difficult and dangerous.
2, 3. For men ſhall be lovers of their own ſelves, covetous, boaſters, proud, blaſphemers, diſobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, falſe accuſers, incontinent, fierce, deſpiſers of thoſe that are good, 4. Traitours, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleaſures more then lovers of God; 5. Having a form of godlineſs, but denying the power thereof: from ſuch turn away.
2, 3, 4, 5. The ſins which will abound are theſe, 1. They will be enſlaved by ſelfiſhneſs, and little care for any but themſelves, 2. Lovers of Money and Covetous, 3. Open boaſters and Vain glorious, 4. Proud, 5. Blaſphemers and r…oachful, 6. Diſobedient to their own Parents, 7. Unthankful, 8. Without Holineſs, Profane, 9. Having no true, friendly love, no not Natural. 10. Men that will not live in Peace, but are unreconcilable, 11. Devils, or falſe accuſers of others, eſpecially of the beſt, 12. Diſtempered, Ilconditioned, Incontinent, 13. Fierce and Cruel, 14. Having no love to Goodneſs, or Good Men. 15. Betrayers of others, or Treacherous, 16. Raſh, Precipitate Heady Men, 17. High-minded, puft up with ſelfconceit, inſtead of Solid Knowledge, 18. Lovers of Pleaſure, (Senſual and Fantaſtical, as Carnal Men,) more than lovers of God, 19. Having an Image, or form of Godlineſs, a ſhew and outſide, in Words, Geſtures, Liturgies, Ceremonies and Profeſſions: 20. But the Power of it for Sanctification, mortifying the Fleſh, and overcoming the World, and living above, they Savour not, but deny and do oppoſe. From this ſort of Men turn away, and have no communion with them.
Note, If the Apoſtle had written thus in theſe latter ages of the Church, Guilt would have made many accuſe him as Deſcribing and Defaming them and their Church Rulers.
6. For of this ſort are they which creep into houſes, and lead captive ſilly women laden with ſins, led away with divers luſts, 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
6.7. This Evil Spirit is already gone forth, and theſe Miſchiefs are begun, (and will increaſe) for ſuch are they that thruſt themſelves into Houſes, and there by deceit lead captive ſilly women, who being under a heep of their own ſins, and acted and led by divers luſts, or ill deſires, come to the Chriſtian Aſſemblies, and are ſtill learning, but grow not in ſound Religion, nor come to any ſound knowledge of the truth, and ſo are very capable Receptive Objects for any ſuch deceivers to draw away.
Note, That all the ſaid twenty foreſaid Vices which cleave to creeping Hereticks while they are low, do work with greater power and confidence in them, when they get into Domination.
8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withſtood Moſes, ſo do theſe alſo reſiſt the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
8. And as the Egyptian Magicians withſtoud Moſes to keep Pharoah from believing him, and that by Magick, ſo do theſe reſiſt the True Preachers of the Goſpel, by their Magick and Arts now, and by the Sword and Cruelty when they can get into Power): Men of Corrupt Minds, reprobate concerning the Faith, Unbelievers under the Name of Chriſtians.
Note, That the Names of Jannes and Jambres are taken by Paul from the Tradition of the Jews.
9. But they ſhall proceed no further: for their folly ſhall be manifeſt unto all men, as theirs alſo wa…
9. But as Moſes's Miracles overcame the Magicians, and ſhamed them, ſo theſe ſhall be ſtopt in the purſuit of their Deceit and Hereſie and Oppoſition to the Truth, and ſhall not proceed much further; but God will confound them and manifeſt all their folly.
10. But thou haſt fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpoſe, faith, long-ſuffering, charity, patience, 11. Perſecutions, afflictions which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lyſtra, what perſecutions I endured:
10, 11. But for thy eſtabliſhment, I ſet before thee the example of my miniſtry: Thou haſt been fully acquainted with the Doctrine which I have taught, with the courſe and ordering of my Life, my purpoſe and deſign, my faithfulneſs in my Work, my long-ſuffering and freedom from wrath, my love to others, my patient ſuffering, my perſecutions and ſufferings at Antioch, and other places where I have Preached, and what the Miniſtry hath coſt me.
11, 12. But out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Chriſt Jeſus ſhall ſuffer perſecution.
11, 12. But out of them all God delivered me, ſo that I went on to do his Work: Yea, ſuch is the malignity of the Carnal World, againſt that which croſſeth their Luſts and Errour, and Carnal Intereſt, that all that reſolve in a throughly Godly Life, and not by flattery or ſin to comply with the wiles of Proud Ungodly Men, but to be true to Chriſt, ſhall ſuffer ſome ſort of Perſecution.
13. But evil men and ſeducers ſhall wax worſe and worſe, deceiving, and being deceived.
13. But the ſin which hardeneth theſe Wicked Men to be Perſecutors of Godly Chriſtians, will harden them ſo far as to juſtifie it, and ſtand to it impenitently, and think they do God ſervice by Perſecuting his Servants, pretending that it's they that are erroneous and bad men, and do deſerve it; and being deceived themſelves, will by deceit draw others to do the like.
14. But continue thou in the things which thou haſt learned, and haſt been aſſured of, knowing of whom thou haſt learned them;
14. But do thou continue in that Doctrine which I have taught, and thou haſt received as aſſured truth▪ as knowing that thou hadſt it from Chriſt by an Authoriz'd Apoſtle.
15. And that from a child thou haſt known the holy ſcriptures, which are able to make thee wiſe unto ſalvation, through faith which is in Chriſt Jeſus.
15. And from thy Childhood thou haſt been trained up in the knowledge of the Old Teſtament, whoſe Propheſies of Chriſt, and ſacred Precepts, now Illuſtrated by the Goſpel of Chriſtian Faith, are ſufficient to make thee wiſe (by the Spirit of Grace) in all that's neeedful to Salvation.
16, 17. All ſcripture is given by inſpiration of of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inſtruction in righteouſneſs: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good works.
16, 17. All thoſe Writings which are of Divine Inſpiration, are alſo profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Amendment and Correction, and for Education and Diſcipline in Righteouſneſs, that ſo all Gods Servants, and eſpecially Teachers may be compleat and fully inſtructed and furniſhed for every good work required of God, for the Miniſterial Service, and for Mens Salvation.
Note, Tho this exclude not the uſe of any Subſervient Arts or Knowledge, yet certainly this is little underſtood or believed by the Roman Clergy, who have made it neceſſary to a tolerated Miniſter to know and obſerve their numerous Canons, and Oaths, Subſcriptions, and Ceremonies, beſides many Books of theirs, while they admit Prieſts that are ignorant of the Scripture, and forbid the reading of them to the People.
CHAP. IV.
1. I Charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who ſhall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: 2. Preach the word, be inſtant in ſeaſon, out of ſeaſon; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long ſuffering and doctrine.
1, 2. So dreadful is the ſin Sacrilegiouſly to deny Chriſt the Service which thou haſt vowed him, and art ordained to, and to betray the Goſpel, and Mens Souls by ſo doing, that I do adjure thee with all poſſible earneſtneſs, as before God, and as thou wilt anſwer it to Chriſt in Judgment, when he cometh in the Kingdom of his Glory, that thou forbear, not by any Perſecution, as far as poſſibly thou canſt, to Preach the Word, be inſtant and urgent, in ſeaſon, or fair opportunities, yea, Out of ſeaſon, (neceſſity muſt take place of Convenience and Circumſtantial Decencies,) Reprove the faulty, Rebuke groſs ſinners, Exhort all Men, with unwearied long-ſuffering and ſound Doctrine.
Note, How dreadful a thing it is to ceaſe Preaching the Goſpel while we can, whatever we ſuffer for it, and whoever forbiddeth it. Let them that think that the Apoſtles onelyonly were exempted from yielding to Mens Prohibition, remember that Timothy had his call and Commiſſion from Men: Qu. But may not Church Rulers ſilence Miniſters? Anſ. Yes, when they ſo deſerve it, by doing more hurt than good, that Chriſts Law doth ſilence them; elſe not: Tho they may determine of Place, and Circumſtances, and Magiſtrates may alſo diſpoſe of their own free encouragements, and may reſtrain Men from evil doing.
3. For the time will come when they will not endure ſound doctrine; but after their own luſts ſhall they heap to themſelves teachers, having itching ears.
3. Note, 1. That the foreſight of Evil times by tempting Teachers, ſhould make Faithful Miniſters labour the harder in their time.
2. It is no new thing for Profeſſed Chriſtians not to endure Sound Doctrine, but to follow falſe Teachers.
3. It is by their own Luſts, or Erroneous Wills and Choice that Profeſſors are ſeduced by falſe Teachers.
4. Itching Ears is a dangerous Diſeaſe.
5. Falſe Teachers may be heaped up, and to have the Major Vote, when Sound Teachers cannot be endured.
4. And they ſhall turn away their ears from the truth, and ſhall be turned unto fables.
4. Note, That Chuches, Paſtors and People may turn away from the Truth to Fables.
5. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an Evangeliſt, make full proof of thy miniſtry.
5. Note, That great watchfulneſs, patient labouring and ſuffering, and fulfilling their Miniſtry approvedly in all Tryals, is the Deſcription of a True Miniſter of Chriſt.
6. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finiſhed my courſe, I have kept the faith. 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteouſneſs, which the Lord the righteous judge ſhall give me at that day: and not to me onelyonly, but unto all them alſo that love his appearing.
6, 7, 8. Note, That, 1. Our Miniſtry and Life is like a Battle, Combat or Race for Life or Death. 2. OnelyOnly they that overcome ſhall be Crowned. 3. Faithful Men may take great Comfort when when …eath is at hand in the Conſcience, and review of a well ſpent victorious Life and Miniſtry. 4. Their Reward will be a Crown of Righteouſneſs, given by God as a Righteous Judge, on Goſpel worthineſs, tho not on legal merit, but ſuppoſing free Grace in Chriſt.
5. To love Chriſts appearing is the effect of a Saving Faith.
9, 10, 11. Do thy diligence to come ſhortly unto me. For Demas hath forſaken me, having loved this preſent world, and is departed unto Theſſalonica: Creſcens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. OnelyOnly Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the miniſtry. 12. And Tychicus have I ſent to Epheſus.
19, 10, 11, 12. Note, That, 1. It is not Chriſt that Demas is ſaid to forſake, but Paul, and not to turn Worldling, but to go about his Worldly Buſineſs unſeaſonably. 2. Timothy was not then at Epheſus.
13. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comeſt bring with thee, and the books, but eſpecially the parchments.
13. Note, The word tranſlated [the Cloke] is very probably by others tranſlated [the Roll] viz. of Parchment.
14, 15. Alexander the copper-ſmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works. Of whom be thou aware alſo; for he hath greatly withſtood our words.
14, 15. Alexander an Excommunicate Man hath much wrong'd me: God will reward him according to his works,
Note, Excommunication enrageth impenitent, bad Men.
16. At my firſt anſwer no man ſtood with me, but all men forſook me: I pray God that may not be laid to their charge.
16. Note, 1. This was not a forſaking Paul's Cauſe, but his Perſon in danger, which is too uſual a caſe: Herein he followed Chriſt, whoſe Diſciples all forſook him and fled. 2. It's like Peter was not then at Rome among the forſakers of Paul.
17. Notwithſtanding the Lord ſtood with me, and ſtrengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
17. But God forſook me not when all Men forſook me, but was with me and ſtrengthened me in Vindicating my Perſon and Cauſe, that while I was admitted to anſwer for my ſelf, the Hearers might know and fame might tell abroad, what Doctrine it is that I ſuffer for Preaching, and ſo all the City of Rome, and others by their report might hear and have notice of it: And ſo I was delivered from the preſent danger of Death by the Roman Perſecutors, as from the Jaws of a Lion.
Note, 1. Some think that the words [that the Preaching might be fully known] refer to Paul's longer time to Preach: I exclude not this, but prefer the other ſence.
2. It was not Treaſon nor ſin for Paul to call his Deliverance from the unjuſt Judgment of the Civil Power, his being delivered out of the mouth of the Lion.
18. And the Lord ſhall deliver me from every evil work, and will preſerve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18. And I doubt not but God will ſtill keep me from all the ill Deſigns and Attempts of Men againſt me, at leaſt ſo far that they ſhall not draw me to do evil, and will keep me in a ſtate of right and preparation to his Heavenly Kingdom: In the hopeful Sence whereof I rejoicingly deſire that he be Glorified for ever. Amen.
19, 20. Salute Priſca and Aquila, and the houſhold of Oneſiphorus. Eraſtus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum ſick.
19, 20. Note, That Trophimus was ſick though Paul had the Gift of Healing, becauſe it was not to be common, nor at the Will of Man;
21. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
21. Make haſt to come, &c.
22. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt be with thy ſpirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
22. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who is our Mediator and Head, and hath purchaſed, choſen and called thee, performed for thee his ſaving Office, in keeping thy Soul in Holineſs and Peace: His Grace (which is the greateſt Treaſure on Earth) be with you, to keep you and prepare you for Glory. Amen.
Note, The Suſcriptions to the Epiſtles, are no part of the Holy Scripture.
ANNOTATIONS.
FAithful Miniſters whoſe Work is to Preach the Goſpel of Salvation, ſhould have ſo much of the Form, Belief, and Power of it in themſelves, as to paſs triumphantly out of the World in ſuffering for it, and not to think that God uſeth them hardly: And to be ſatisfied in God's acceptance, though their Brethren and Converts ſhould forſake them, as the Biſhops and Churches of Aſia did Paul.