Q: In 2 Tim 1:9, since God saved us only by His own purpose and grace before time began, why should we try to persuade men as 1 Cor 9:20-23 says? Either they are predestined to get saved or they are not.
A: Ephesians 2:8 says they are saved by grace through faith. God did save the elect before time began, but not in a way that lessens our responsibility or our choice. Do not confuse the ends with the means. Our preaching and persuasion, and their response, is a part of the means to their salvation.
Q: In 2 Tim 1:10, since Christ abolished death, why do believers still die?
A: There are two answers, and both of which are true.
1. Jesus abolished eternal death for believers.
2. While Jesus officially conquered death at the cross, He will abolish physical death eventually after His Second Coming.
See When Critics Ask p.503 for more info.
Q: In 2 Tim 1:13, since we are to hold fast to the form of sound words, why does Paul rebuke those who hold the form of godliness, but deny its power, in 2 Tim 3:5?
A: We are to hold the form of godliness as well as believe its power. We are supposed to have godliness on both the inside and outside, as Jesus taught in Matthew 23:15-26.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:1, since grace is undeserved favor given by God, how can we do something to be strong in grace?
A: There are multiple aspects to God’s grace. God’s grace was promised before time began (Titus 1:2), and redemption through Jesus (Romans 3:24). Grace also sustains us day to day.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:7, why did Paul not explain himself to Timothy as clearly as possible?
A: Why did the Greek philosopher Socrates ask questions? Probably Paul asked for the same reasons. Paul was clear, but Paul spoke these illustrations in general terms for Timothy to ponder. Sometimes when we teach others, a good method is to use general illustrations and questions and have the students go through the process of coming up with the particular answers. Of course, Timothy could write Paul or see him later, to ask on anything about which he failed to get insight.
Likewise, God often uses general illustrations to teach us. He does not leave us in the dark either, for God has given us the Holy Spirit, and each other, to guide us.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:8, why would Paul tell Timothy to remember Jesus raised from the dead, like it was an afterthought easy to forget?
A: It was no afterthought. Paul is saying to remember to emphasize this as one of the essential and primary parts of the Gospel, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:10, why does Paul endure for the sake of the elect, and not everyone else’s?
A: Paul preached and suffered persecution indiscriminately for all. Yet, while all of Paul’s work glorified God, Paul knew that his efforts would be in vain for those who did not choose the Lord (Joshua 24:21-22) and did not combine the Gospel they heard with faith (Hebrews 4:2)
Q: Does 2 Tim 2:12, indicate we can lose our salvation by denying Christ?
A: Genuine Christians disagree on this. Many early Christians, and Christians today such as many Biblical Methodists, Nazarenes, Charismatics, and Lutherans would say yes. Baptist, Bible Church, and Reformed would generally say no. See the discussion on Hebrews 6:4-12 for more info.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:14, since we should not quarrel about words, should we never dispute with those who disagree with us?
A: No. First, 2 Timothy 2:14 says "quarrel", not debate, dispute, correct, or rebuke. Second, it says quarrel "about words", versus more substantive matters. See When Critics Ask p.503-504 for more info.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:15, should everyone be a student to be approved by God?
A: Yes. Every Christian should study the scriptures, as Acts 2:42, Psalms 119, and 2 Timothy 3:15-16 imply. Only some have the gift of teaching and should be teachers (1 Corinthians 12:29; James 3:1).
Q: In 2 Tim 2:20-21, how can we choose what kind of vessel we are, since Rom 9:21-23 says it was God who made some vessels for honor and some for no honor?
A: God formed us like clay, but God and us interact more than simply a potter and clay. Even more than lifeless clay, we have some ability to either harden ourselves (Exodus 8:15, Hebrews 3:15) or be soft. To at least some degree, all people can choose whether to ignore or to see their own sinfulness, their need for God, and cry out for help.
Q: In 2 Tim 2:25 and Acts 5:31, is repentance given by God, or is it something we are commanded to do as Acts 17:30 and Mark 1:5 show?
A: Both.
1. God gives us the opportunity to repent, but God does not actually repent for us.
2. Repentance is a gift from God, but we have to receive this gift.
See When Critics Ask p.504 for more info.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:1-8, instead of God just telling us He knows about a future terrible time, why did God not do something to prevent it?
A: An important part of sound theology is understanding two words: "God permits". Every single thing is worked together in God’s purpose (Ephesians 1:11, Proverbs 16:4), but as Matthew 23:37-39, Ephesians 4:30, and Hebrews 3:10 show, God allows things that break his heart, make Him angry, and grieve His Holy Spirit (Isaiah 63:10). The Bible never says this is the best possible world, but many believe this is God’s best possible process for making the best possible world, in Heaven.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:3 (KJV), is this "truce breakers" or "implacable" as other translations say?
A: This is an English translation mistake and not a Greek mistake. It is implacable in the Greek manuscripts. See the Wycliffe Bible Dictionary p.1750 for more info.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:8, who are Jannes and Jambres, and how did their names get in the New Testament?
A: These are the names of some of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in Exodus 7:11-12,22; 8:7,18-19. Their names are not mentioned in the Old Testament, but their names were preserved in Jewish tradition. Examples are "Yohane and Mambres" (Menahoth 85a) and "Yohaneh and his brother" in the Zadokite Work at Qumran (7:19). Even some pagan works mention them. See The New Bible Dictionary first edition p.599 for more information.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:12, if someone has not been persecuted, does that mean he or she is not a Christian?
A: Yes and no. Some godly people, such as Paul, endured severe persecution from other men. Other godly people, such as Job, have little or no persecution from people. However, all godly people need to persevere against inevitable persecution from demons. This persecution, in the form of threats, acts, and temptations, often comes through other people. See When Critics Ask p.505 for more info.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:16, does that mean all scripture, or only the scripture that is given by God?
A: According to rules of Greek grammar, when there is no first main verb, the phrase is "all scripture is inspired by God". It is incorrect to translated it "all scripture that is inspired by God" According to Bible Difficulties and Seeming Contradictions, p.13 Martin Luther translated it this way, though Luther believed that all Scripture was inspired of God.
"Scripture" that was not given by God was a concept unknown to all the Old and New Testament, and early church witnesses. The first known concept of people of another religion believing that "true" scripture that was not given God, or even given by God and later "abrogated" is not in Christianity but Islam in Mohammed’s time.
The KJV and all modern translations I am aware of translated this correctly. The NRSV translates this correctly, but puts in a footnote "Or Every scripture inspired by God is also" See When Critics Ask p.505-506 and Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties p.416-417 for a more detailed discussion, and 2 Peter 3:16-17 for another difficulty with the RSV.
Q: In 2 Tim 3:16, is Paul referring to just the Old Testament?
A: No. When Paul said "all scripture" that would refer to all that he considered scripture. Bible Difficulties and Seeming Contradictions p.12-13 mentions that Paul in 1 Timothy 5:18 quoted, as Scripture, from the gospels (Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7).
Q: In 2 Tim 3:16-17, is it really true that the Bible contains what is needed for Christian doctrine?
A: Yes. Here is an unusual statement from an unlikely source. The Watchtower magazine 8/15/1981 p.28-29 says, "They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,’ they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom’s clergy were teaching 100 years ago…" - strange indeed that Bible readers would revert back to these doctrines!
Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse p.98-100 points out that the Watchtower Society admits that JW’s who read the Bible alone stop believing in Watchtower teachings and return to the teachings of Christian churches. "Whose doctrines, then, are the ones that are truly based on the Bible?"
Q: In 2 Tim 3:17, can people become perfect?
A: -In this life no, but in Heaven all believers will be perfect. See also the discussion on Philippians 3:15.
Q: In 2 Tim 4:8, did Paul do things just to get a Heavenly crown?
A: No, it was primarily "the love of God that constrained him" (2 Corinthians 5:14). However, Paul also eagerly longed for his heavenly crown (2 Timothy 4:8). Paul’s crown was not just a mere gold weight, but the joy and fellowship of the people Paul introduced the Gospel to, as Philippians 4:1 states.
Q: In 2 Tim 4:10, how could Demas forsake Paul, since Paul spoke well of Demas in Phm 24?
A: 2 Timothy and Titus were the last epistles Paul wrote. Paul spoke well of Demas earlier in Philemon 24, and Paul was with Demas in Colossians 4:14 However, Demas turned back and deserted Paul because Demas loved this world. Even today, some can be serving Christ and yet later turn away because they love this world.
Q: In 2 Tim 4:11, why was Mark profitable to Paul, since Paul did not want to take Mark along in Acts 15:37-40?
A: Previously, Mark left Paul in the middle of his missionary journey. When Silas (Silvanus) wanted to give him another chance, Paul refused, so they separated. Church history tells us that Silas and Mark were much used of God to evangelize Egypt. Paul had an error in judgment in not taking Mark, but God is so wonderful, He can even use our errors for His glory.
Later, Paul recognized the Mark was valuable, and to underscore that fact without emphasizing Mark’s previous behavior, asked for Mark by name.
Q: In 2 Tim 4:13, why did Paul keep personal property, like scrolls and a cloak? The disciples had all things in common in Acts 4:32-35.
A: Acts 4:32-35 is an example, not a command, of the early disciples having all in common. 2 Timothy 4:13 shows that personal property is fine too. However, Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 show that whatever you decide to give to God, be honest about what you give. See the New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology p.697-699 for more on owning property.
Q: In 2 Tim 4:13, why is Paul asking a personal favor in God’s word?
A: Scripture shows us not only by direct teaching but by example. This verse is not worthless to us, but useful to show how Paul related to people and that personal property is fine,
Q: In 2 Tim 4:14, is this the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Tim 1:20?
A: Paul is talking to Timothy both times, and nothing prevents it from being the same Alexander. The NIV Study Bible p.1847 also says possibly it is the same person.
Q: In 2 Tim 4:14, is Paul cursing Alexander?
A: Paul never said he cursed Alexander, but Paul reminded his readers that Christians do not need to seek retribution, because God will repay people according to their deeds.
Q: In 2 Tim, How do we know that Paul really wrote this book?
A: 2 Timothy claims it was by Paul, and the early church never found reason to question this claim.
Clement of Alexandria (wrote 193-217/220 A.D.) mentions "the apostle" wrote the letters to Timothy, which Gnostic heretics rejected. (Stromata Book 2 chapter 11)
Chrysostom c.396 A.D. said it was by Paul the apostle in Homily 1 on 2 Timothy.
Q: In 2 Tim, how do we know if what we have today is a reliable preservation of what was originally written?
A: There are at least three reasons.
1. God promised to preserve His word in Isaiah 55: 10-11; 59:21; 1 Peter 1:24-25; and Matthew 24:35.
2. Evidence of the early church. Here are a few of the writers who referred to verses in 2 Timothy.
Polycarp Letter to the Philippians 110-155 A.D.
The Muratorian Canon (c.170 A.D.) mentions 2 Timothy
Irenaeus 170-202 A.D.
Cyprian 248-258 A.D.
Archelaus 278 A.D.
Ephraem 373 A.D.
Chrysostom 396 A.D. wrote down ten sermons on 2 Timothy which we still have preserved today. He said it was by Paul the apostle in Homily 1 on 2 Timothy.
others
3. Earliest manuscripts we have of 2 Timothy show there are small manuscript variations, but zero theologically significant errors.
Sinaiticus 340-350 A.D.
2 Timothy was not preserved in Vaticanus
Alexandrinus c.450 A.D.
Bohairic Coptic 3rd/4th century
Sahidic Coptic 3rd/4rth century
Gothic 493-555 A.D.
Ephraimi Rescriptus 5th century
Claromontanus 6th century
Ethiopic 6th century
Q: In 2 Tim, what are the manuscript variations with the Textus Receptus, the basis for the KJV?
A: Jay P. Green, Sr. in the Interlinear Bible records variations in approximately 5 words between the Textus Receptus and the majority text. These are in 5 places (2 Timothy 1:14,15,16; 2:19; 3:6). He does not record any additional alternates.
Q: In 2 Tim, what are the manuscript variations?
A: The book of 2 Timothy has a total of about 1,336 Greek words and a word-for-word accuracy of 99.0%, with only 13 words in question. These are in 10 verses (10 places), out of 83 total verses. Below are the variations with the primary choice and the top alternate choice.
2 Tim 1:11 "deacon" vs. "teacher" vs. "teacher of the Gentiles/nations" (Aland, The Expositor's Bible Commentary) (The KJV, NKJV, and Green's Literal Translation follow the Byzantine Lectionary with "of the Gentiles/nations)
2 Tim 2:14 "God" vs. "Lord"
2 Tim 2:18 "concerning the truth" vs. "concerning truth"
2 Tim 2:22 "with those calling" (Sinaiticus, Byzantine Lectionary) vs. "with all those calling" Coptic, Chrysostom. Alexandrinus alone has "with all those loving"
2 Tim 3:14 "from what" vs. "from whom"
2 Tim 4:1 "according to the" vs. "and the"
2 Tim 4:8 "but also all those" vs. "but also those"
2 Tim 4:10 "Galatia" vs. "Gaul" (Aland and NRSV)
2 Tim 4:22 "Lord" vs. "Lord Jsus Christ" (2 words)
2 Tim 4:22 add the word "amen" at the end. (Aland and NRSV)
Some manuscripts have the postscript: "To Timothy Second, of the Ephesians church/assembly first overseer chosen, written from Rome, when a second time was placed before Paul Causar Nero."
Bibliography for this question: The Greek New Testament Third Edition by Kurt Aland et al., The Greek New Testament Fourth Edition by Kurt Aland et al., Interlinear Greek-English New Testament by George Ricker Berry, the Interlinear Bible by Jay P. Green, The Expositor's Bible Commentary volume 8, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament 2nd edition by Bruce M. Metzger, The Complete Text of the Earliest New Testament Manuscripts edited by Philip W. Comfort and David P. Barrett, The Expositor's Greek Testament edited by W. Robertson Nicoll, and footnotes in the NASB, NIV, NKJV, and NRSV Bible translations. Manuscripts of the Greek Bible : An Introduction to Paleography by Bruce M. Metzger also has interesting information on the characteristics and quality of the copying of each manuscript.
