2 Timothy 2:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

NIV: Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.'

NASB: Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His;' and, 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.'

CSB: Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.

NLT: But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and 'All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.'

KJV: Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

NKJV: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Paul has been discussing the importance of holding to sound teaching, especially in the face of false teaching. In particular, he has named certain teachers who are causing a crisis of faith in Ephesus due to their errors. Here, Paul turns to the Old Testament for his source of authority. This "firm foundation" is likely a reference to the Torah. He quotes from Numbers 16:5 in the first citation: "The Lord knows those who are his." Paul affirms that God knows who has truly believed in Christ. False teachers may be persuasive to some people, but not to the Lord.

The second Old Testament reference is general, not quoting a specific passage. Most likely, Paul is referring to Numbers 16:26, which best fits the context of this discussion. There, the Israelites were commanded to separate from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, three men who had rebelled against the Lord. In that story, this separation was meant to be literal and immediate—the wrath of God was about to fall on those insurgents. Separation wasn't just meant to imply disagreement, but to avoid being caught up in the punishment resulting from their sin.

Paul likely had the same application in mind for Timothy, calling him to separate from these false teachers. God would deal with these disobedient ones as He had with others who have rebelled against Him in the past.

Second Timothy 2:14–26 contains Paul's instructions to Timothy about leading other believers. Two important themes here are avoiding pointless bickering and holding to sound biblical teachings. Arguments over non-essential issues quickly turn into feuds, poisoning the body of Christ just as gangrene attacks the physical body. Paul names specific false teachers, but brings a note of compassion. Here, he reminds Timothy that gentleness and patience are key. After all, those who do not believe are not our enemies: they are those we are trying to rescue from the control of the Devil!

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.