2 Timothy 2:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

NIV: Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

NASB: For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

CSB: This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

NLT: So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

KJV: Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

NKJV: Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Because the Word of God cannot be limited like a physical person can, Paul is willing to "endure" whatever he has to for the sake of saving souls. Paul would suffer in any way necessary for those who would come to faith in Christ. The elect referred to those who were believers or would become believers. Paul addressed election in his letter to the Romans written about a decade earlier (Romans 8:33; 9:11; 11:7, 28). Paul considered himself a servant to the elect: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth" (Titus 1:1).

The destiny of those who are elect includes two aspects. First, it means obtaining salvation during this life, which brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This gives believers the power of that Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). Second, being one of God's elect includes a glorious eternity with the Lord. These two aspects were also developed by John, as he notes the abundant life of the believer now (John 10:10), and the eternal life of the believer with the Lord in heaven (John 3:16).

Second Timothy 2:1–13 presents a series of examples Paul wants Timothy to consider. Among these are soldiers, athletes, farmers, Jesus Christ, and Paul himself. Rather than give extensive details, Paul encourages Timothy to consider how each of these applies to his own life. The context for all of this is ''suffering,'' meaning the hardships endured for the sake of Christ. Those who endure do so by the power of God, not their own efforts.

Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.

In chapter 1, Paul gave Timothy encouragement by reminding him of his heritage and spiritual power. Here, in chapter 2, Paul expands on these commands. Rather than giving minute details, Paul presents a series of examples and tells Timothy to consider them carefully. Paul's instructions here set the stage for the warnings coming up in the next chapter. Timothy—and all believers—need to be prepared and right-minded, because the world is going to become spiritually darker and darker.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.