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| Hermeneutics with Jim Leffel |
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Week #10: Epistles
Review exercises
Paragraph structure of 2 Tim. 2:15—26
| J.N.D. Kelly | Ralph Earle | NASB | NIV | Tyndale | Leffel |
| 2:14—21 | 2:14—19 | 2:14—26 | 2:14—19 | 2:14—26 | 2:15—19 |
| 2:20, 21 | 2:20, 21 | ||||
| 2:22—26 | 2:22—26 | 2:22—26 | 2:20—26 |
Note: Clearly the passage (2:14—26) is related conceptually—godly character and skill in scripture are essential to effectively respond to the challenge of heresy. Some commentators recognize that vs.14—19 address content, while vs. 22—26 are not content specific, but emphasize character, each with imperatives relating to these concerns. This makes the narrower divisions by these commentators sensible. The remaining question is the role of vs. 20, 21. Since the allegory seems to focus on character purity, rather than doctrinal purity, it seems best to include it in the vs. 22—26 paragraph addressing character issues.
Finally, I begin the paragraph in vs. 15 rather than 14, because I think 2:8—14 is a complete unit of thought, beginning with the charge to "remember", and ending with the charge to "remind"
2 Tim. 2:15—19
Skeleton
Context
Preceding paragraph (2:8—14): Remember/Remind core Christian truths
Following paragraph (2:20—26): Flee lusts and pursue…
Main point: What Paul is calling Timothy to do:
"Be diligent to present yourself as God’s approved workman" (Imperative)
Supporting points: Why/how Timothy is to do what he is charged to do:
15b. How: Handling accurately the word of truth (positive, dependent clause)
16. How: Avoid worldly and empty chatter (cautionary contrast to positive, vs.16—18 is a parenthetical statement introduced by "But")
16b, 17a Why: Because it leads to further ungodliness, spreading like gangrene
17b, 18: How: Hymenaeus and Philetus’ teaching that the resurrection has already taken place, upsetting some
19a. Why: Because (nevertheless, returning to vs. 15b) the foundation of God stands:
19b. How: To extend the analogy, with inscriptions:
"The Lord knows who are his"
"Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from evil"
Muscle
Key and unfamiliar words
Diligent (spoudazo, be zealous)
"resurrection" a physical raising from death
Theology of man and supporting points
Main Point: Diligence in presenting ourselves as approved workmen means that Timothy is to apply zeal in offering himself as a competent worker
Supporting points:
Effectiveness in the word is the concrete measure of our diligence and competence (vs.15b)
Engaging doctrinal tangents is not productive (vs. 16, see also vs. 23)
Resurrection of the dead is central to biblical soteriology and eschatology
Other relevant passages
1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 4:13—5:11 on the resurrection
Skin
How does the argument of the paragraph relate to Timothy in terms of actions, attitudes, convictions?
How does the argument of the paragraph relate to our attitudes, actions, convictions?
2 Tim. 2:20—26
Skeleton
Context
Preceding paragraph: Diligence as a Christian worker requires skill in the word
Following paragraph: The difficulty of the "last days" requires Timothy to continue in the things he learned and became convinced of in Paul’s teaching
Main point: What is Paul calling Timothy to?
"flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace" (imperative)Supporting points: Why/how Timothy is to do what he is called to do
20, 21. Why: Allegory of the honored vessel vs. dishonored vessel
23. How: By avoiding quarrelsome foolish speculations
24, 25a. How: Kindly, patiently, gently correcting those in error
25b, 26 Why: So that the opposition might repent
leading to a knowledge of the truth
escaping the snare of the devil who has captivated them to do his will
Muscle
Key and unfamiliar words
"snare of the devil"— a trap (1 Tim. 3:7)
"held captive to do his will"—perhaps in the sense of Mt. 16:23, that the misunderstanding of the false teachers accomplishes Satan’s will to deceive and confuse the believers
Theological meaning of main and supporting points
Main point: the ability of the worker to do the work is tied to the integrity of his or her character
Supporting points:
Christians can be vessels of honor to God (vs. 21b)
Workers must not indulge foolishness (vs. 23)
A sound character (vs. 22) in a troubled church is kind, capable, patient and gentle (vs. 24, 25a)
Goal of the vessel is to restore and deliver those in error, not merely to maintain doctrinal purity (25b, 26)
Other relevant passages that affect interpretation
Skin
How is the argument of the passage intended to affect Timothy’s actions, attitudes, convictions?
How is the argument of the passage intended to affect our actions, attitudes, convictions?
Suggestions for 2 Timothy series on discipleship
| 1:3—7 | Fanning the flames—renewing our focus | |
| 1:8—11 | Join me in suffering—the way of the cross | |
| 1:12—2:2 | Entrusted with the truth—making good investments | |
| 2:3—7 | Be strong in grace—three qualities of the Christian worker | |
| 2:8—14 | Remember and remind—a focus on the essentials | |
| 2:15—18 | A call to diligence—wielding the sword accurately | |
| 2:19—26 | Fleeing and pursuing—character that counts | |
| 3:1—15 | Look to the lighthouse—keeping it together in a world falling apart | |
| 3:16—4:4 | Preach the word—practical use of the scripture in pastoral ministry | |
| 4:5—8 | Fulfill your ministry—Christian work through the eyes of eternity | |
| 4:9—18 | Come see me!—the unique bond of love among Christian workers |
Copyright © 2000 Jim Leffel
