2 Timothy 4:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

NIV: They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

NASB: and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

CSB: They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

NLT: They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

KJV: And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

NKJV: and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Paul presents the third and fourth traits of those who would turn from the true preaching of God's Word in the future. The first was growing tired of the gospel and looking for alternatives. The second was seeking out people to tell them what they wanted to hear, rather than what was true.

Third, these who fall away will specifically be avoiding the truth. In addition to not enduring sound teaching and finding teachers of their liking, these unfaithful people will literally turn the other direction from the truth. If the truth says to go right, these people go left. They will not live by the truth or even listen to it. Instead of responding to reason, and conviction, they will rebel against it.

Fourth, these unfaithful people will stumble through false ideas and myths. Timothy had already been warned about false teachers who were devoting themselves to myths (1 Timothy 1:4) and was warned against this practice in this own life (1 Timothy 4:7). Paul also gave a similar warning to Titus (Titus 1:14). Peter firmly stated he and the other apostles did not follow "cleverly devised myths" but were "eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). Once a person is determined to reject the truth, they are prone to believing anything, no matter how silly it might be.

Second Timothy 4:1–8 contains Paul's last ministry instructions to Timothy. Paul knows that he will not survive his current imprisonment. So, he clearly and boldly charges Timothy—commands him—to hold to the faith he has seen and lived. He can do this knowing that Paul has faithfully served God, expecting the heavenly rewards given to all of God's followers. The poignant tone of this passage is made even more bittersweet by the long friendship these two men have shared.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

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.