2 Timothy 2:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

NIV: Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

NASB: Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

CSB: Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

NLT: Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

KJV: Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

NKJV: Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

Verses 1–6 were directly addressed to Timothy. Rather than develop each idea in great detail, Timothy is meant to reflect on Paul's words and their application in his own life. Interestingly, "what I say" may also be another indication that Paul dictated this letter, and another person wrote his words down. If so, the most likely candidate is Luke, the person Paul will later say is the only one with him (2 Timothy 4:11), and who had already written the books of Luke and Acts by this time. Luke was considered Paul's fellow worker (Philemon 1:24) and was known as a "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). Luke was likely the only Gentile author of a New Testament book.

The final phrase, "the Lord will give you understanding in everything," may allude to Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Understanding was a key theme of the Proverbs and something to be sought by those who loved God.

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.

Accessed 5/6/2024 6:54:30 PM