2 Timothy 2:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

NIV: and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

NASB: and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

CSB: Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

NLT: Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

KJV: And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

NKJV: and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

In addition to repentance, another goal for those Timothy served was to become aware enough of the Devil's influence to break free. This verse indicates that the Devil's attacks are often directed toward the mind. He seeks to make something false appear true. Those who hear the truth and repent "escape" from his snare. The type of snare Paul had in mind was likely the animal snares common in his time. These often involved rope or rocks that would fall onto an animal lured there by food for bait. Similarly, the devil tempts unbelievers with "bait" to keep them in his trap and away from the freedom Christ brings.

Unbelievers are referred to here not as enemies, but as prisoners. An unbeliever has no spiritual power over the Devil and is therefore "captive" to him. He or she has no other option than to follow the Devil's tricks unless God's grace intervenes (Ephesians 2:8–9). Believers are to share the gospel and show kindness, knowing God can change people from death to life (John 10:10) and provide eternal life to those who believe (John 3:16).

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.

Accessed 5/7/2024 4:53:22 AM