2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4:2

Now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. They knew because Paul had told them when with them. We have not that advantage, but I believe that he told them that this development could not take place until pagan imperial Rome fell. We know that it did “withhold”, or prevent it.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the mystery of iniquity. This revelation of the man of sin. It was a mystery, that is, something yet hidden. Doth already work. Causes are beginning to work which will lead to it. Only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. He that hindereth must first be taken out of the way. There was no room for an arrogant spiritual power in Rome as long as imperial Rome continued to persecute the church. A persecuted church cannot be a haughty church. Two things were needful before the papal power could be developed; viz., the overthrow of paganism, and the removal of the capital of the Empire from Rome. When these things were done, it was free to seize the old Roman scepter.

2 Timothy 4:4

Then shall that Wicked be revealed. After the hindering power is removed. Whom the Lord shall consume. The Wicked power will be destroyed by the Lord’s coming, and will continue to exist, possibly, until that event.

2 Timothy 4:5

Whose coming. That of the Wicked power. Is after the working of Satan. That is, it will deceive men as Satan does. Lying wonders. False miracles.

2 Timothy 4:6

All undeceivableness of unrighteousness. Unrighteous delusions which will be accepted by them that perish, its votaries. Those that perish, received not the love of the truth. They have a disinclination to receive it.

2 Timothy 4:7

For this cause God shall send them strong delusion. Because they do not receive the truth. That they should believe a lie. He who refuses to receive the truth will at last believe lies. It is the law of human nature. God sends the delusion by natural laws.

2 Timothy 4:8

Be damned. Because “they had pleasure in unrighteousness”.

2 Timothy 4:9

From the beginning. From the beginning God had determined on the salvation of the Gentiles, and arranged the plans by which they were saved. For a full discussion of the subject, see notes on Romans 9:1-33. Chosen you to salvation. In contrast with those who fall victims to the man of sin, the Thessalonian Christians had been chosen to life. Through sanctification of the Spirit. This clause tells how God chosen them to salvation. To this there are two sides, the human and the divine. On the human side they believed the truth. On the divine side, God sanctified them by the Spirit. He had chosen from the beginning all that believe and accept the truth.

2 Timothy 4:10

Whereunto he called you by our gospel. See how God calls! It is by the gospel.

2 Timothy 4:11

Therefore, brethren, stand fast. In view of your calling. Hold the traditions. Instructions.

2 Timothy 4:12

Everlasting consolation. God’s consolations are eternal in their effects.

2 Timothy 4:15

Closing Admonitions SUMMARY OF II THESSALONIANS 3: A Request for Prayer. A Command to Withdraw from the Disorderly. An Admonition to the Idle. The Salutation with His Own Hand. Pray for us. How often Paul makes this request in his letters! Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:25 Ephesians 6:19 Colossians 4:3. That the word of the Lord. He asks no prayers for his own ease, or worldly prosperity, but that he may be helped in his work of the gospel. Have [free] course. Not be hindered by opposition which might prevent success. When in bonds he rejoiced that the word of the Lord was “not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Be glorified. By its powers to save. See Acts 13:48.

2 Timothy 4:16

That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. That the wicked may not have power to prevent us from spreading the gospel. He is not moved by a desire to escape such hardships or dangers as these may cause, but by a desire that his work may move right on. All [men] have not faith. In all ages the preaching of the gospel divides those who hear it into two classes, the believers and unbelievers.

2 Timothy 4:17

The Lord is faithful. Men may be unbelievers, and hostile, but the Lord is faithful to every promise, and in spite of evil men will keep [you] from evil. From the power of the evil one.

2 Timothy 4:18

We have confidence in the Lord. That by the Lord’s power and protection “ye both do and will do the things” commanded.

2 Timothy 4:19

Patient waiting for Christ. “The patience of Christ” (Revised Version). A patient endurance for Christ.

2 Timothy 4:20

Now we command you. He has expressed a belief that they will readily obey his commands (2 Thessalonians 3:4). He now gives one. Brethren. The command is not directed to priest or presbyter, but to the whole church. Compare 1 Corinthians 5:4,5. Withdraw yourselves. Decline to receive as a brother longer. Exclude from fellowship. Every brother that walketh disorderly. This command applies to other disorderly walking also, but has a direct reference here to those who refused to work. Not after the tradition which he received of us. The instructions received from us.

2 Timothy 4:21

Ye know how ye ought to follow us. For Paul’s example in the matter of work at Thessalonica, see 1 Thessalonians 2:9. He labors for his own support.