An expositon of all St. Pauls epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude : wherein the sense of every chapter and verse is analytically unfolded and the text enlightened. / David Dickson ...

The Second Epistle of Paul to TIMOTHY, Analytically expounded.

The Contents.

THe intent of this Epistle is the same with the former, not onely that Timothy may bee instructed and confirmed in the preaching of the Gospel, but also that in his person, all Teachers may learn how they ought to discharge the Ministery of the Gospel duly. To which end, having assured Ti∣mothy of his good will towards him, hee subjoyns four Admonitions, Chap. 1. and as many in the second Chapter: Furthermore, hee confirms and comforts Timothy against false Brethren, and afflictions, which hee must suffer for the defence of the Gospel, in Chap. 3. Lastly, As it were making his will, hee most gravely charges Timothy, that hee faithfully discharge the parts of his duty, propounding divers Reasons to this end, in Chap. 4.

CHAP. I.

AFter the Preface, which is wholly designed to per∣swade Timothy of the Apostles good will towards him, vers. 6. Hee subjoyns four admonitions, whereby hee might bee encouraged to a faithful discharge of his Ministery.

Vers. 1. Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ, by the Will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Iesus.

That the authority of this Doctrine might appear to all, the Apostle premiseth his Name to his Epistle, his Office, Calling, and the Authority immediately confer∣red upon him by God: and lastly the summe of the Do∣ctrine of the Gospel, which hee preached, which is the Promise of life eternal to them that beleeve in Iesus Christ, according to the promises of the Prophets in the Old Testa∣ment.

Vers. 2. To Timothy my dearly beloved Son, Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God the Father, and Christ Iesus our Lord.

That Paul might commend Timothy (to whom hee writes) to all the Churches, Hee calls him beloved Son, most especially, because hee preached the Doctrine which

hee had learned of Paul faithfully, as Paul himself, and resembled him as a Father in the whole course of his conversation; Therefore hee was beloved of Paul, and had in estimation by him, as a Son, to whom hee wishes all excellent things from God, as hee had done in the former Epistle.

Vers. 3. I thank God, whom I serve from my Fore-fathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.

By three other Arguments hee endeavours to perswade Timothy of his affection towards him.

Remembrance] Argum. 1. Because hee continually re∣members Timothy in his prayers.

I thank God] Argum. 2. Because hee values it as a favour given him from God, that hee remembred Timo∣thy, for whom hee acknowledgeth that thanks are to bee rendred unto God: for it is an excellent benefit, and on∣ly vouchsafed to the Saints, to love the Saints, or those whom God loveth: These two Arguments hee explains and confirms from this, That with a sincere unfeigned mind hee prayed, and gave thanks to God for Timothy; and hee proves his sincerity from this, That not onely in his whole life past, hee endeavoured to keep a con∣science inviolated, lest hee should do any thing against it, but also that after his conversion to the Faith, in a pure conscience, i. e. illuminated by the Holy Spirit, and purified by the blood of Christ, hee endeavoured to serve God, the God of Israel, or of Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, and the God of all the rest of his faithful Ancestors: for hee that serves Christ with a sincere mind, serves also the Holy One of Israel, the Father and the Holy Ghost: hee serves the true God three in One, and maintains the same true Religion with all the holy Patriarches.

Vers. 4. Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may bee filled with joy.

Arg. 3. Because hee had an earnest desire to see the face of Timothy, that hee might enjoy his company. Hee illustrates this Argument from three Reasons of his de∣sire. Cause 1. The remembrance of Timothies tears, or his most tender affection, as well towards God, as to∣wards himself for Gods sake, from whom when hee was departing, Timothy could not bee drawn away, but with tears. Cause 2. The hope of rejoycing exceedingly when hee should see him.

Vers. 5. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy Grand∣mother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am per∣swaded that in thee also.

Cause 3. It was the remembrance of his sincere faith, such as was in his Grandmother and mother, who dyed in the faith of the Mediator (whether before Christ was revealed to them, God manifested in the flesh, is doubt∣full, but certain it is that they beleeved in Christ that was to come according to the promises) in which hope Timothy was brought up from a childe by his mother, and was instructed by her in the Scriptures.

Vers. 6. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance, that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the put∣ting on of my hands.

After the Preface, four Admonitions follow.

Admon. 1. Inferred by way of consequence from the former, That hee would stir up in himself those sparks of his ability in preaching the Gospel, and the gifts con∣ferred upon him, to this end, by the prayers of the Church, when in the name of the Presbytery Paul or∣dained him to bee a Preacher: And that hee would boldly manifest the vertue of the gifts conferred upon him, in the execution of his Ministry, notwithstanding all lets, which the flesh, the world, and the devil might oppose against him.

Vers. 7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound minde.

There are two Reasons of the Admonition: (1) Be∣cause the spirit of fear (by which any one dare not speak and do what hee ought, and what hee would speak and do in his Ministry, was hee not subdued by fear) is not from God, nor becomes the Minister of God.

Of power] (2) Because the gift of the Spirit which God vouchsafes to his Ministers, is a Spirit, (1) Of power and efficacy, which dares, and is able to oppose it self against every thing that exalts it self against Christ: And (2) a Spirit of love, which is not drawn away from true love to men. And (3) the Spirit of a sound minde, which neither with preposterous zeal, nor by foolish and carnal love is drawn away from the truth of sound Doctrine, but such as renders the minde sound in the Doctrine of faith, and the heart filled with charity, and enkindles a zeal in the heart boldly to manage the things of Christ, and contains all these gifts conjoyned amongst themselves with a sacred tye.

Vers. 8. Bee not thou therefore ashamed of the testi∣mony of our Lord, nor of mee his prisoner, but bee thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, accord∣ing to the power of God,

Admon. 2. That Timothy bee not ashamed of the sim∣plicity of the truth of the Gospel, nor of the Cross of Christ i•• his servant Paul, but that hee prepare himself to bear afflictions for Christ, and accompany himself with those that bear the Cross.

According to the power] The Reasons of these Admo∣nitions are eight.

Reas. 1. Because if any thing bee laid upon us to bee born for Christ above our strength, The power of God will bee present to help and deliver us, trusting in whose power, and supported by his aid, wee are bound to bee confident, and relye upon him above our own strength.

Vers. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but accord∣ing to his own purpose, and grace, which was given us in Christ Iesus before the world began.

Reas. 2. Confirming the former. Because God hath given us eternal life, and by his holy calling hath sepa∣rated us from the world, to this very end, that wee might confess Christ: Therefore wee ought not to bee asha∣med of his testimony or cross.

Not according] Reas. 3. Because God freely doth all these things, not respecting our works, but his own grace, and gracious purpose: Therefore it is not fitting that wee should bee ashamed of the testimony of Christ, or his cross, or afflictions for his sake.

Before] Reas. 4. Confirming the former. Grace is given to us in Christ, before the world began, before wee, or our works could have any being, i. e. before all time: Therefore it is not meet that wee should bee asha∣med of the testimony or cross of Christ. It is called Grace given to us in Christ, Because although wee had not any being, yet Christ the designed Mediatour, the second person of the Trinity, subsisted from eternity, who co∣venanted with his Father, for us his Elect, before all time, and afterwards in time paid the price of our Re∣demption, and in our name received the grace assigned to us, by which in time wee should bee called, justified, and freely saved in due season.

Vers. 10. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Iesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

Reas. 5. Proving the position, shewing also that all the favours which are bestowed upon us are from Grace, Because the abolishing of death, life and immortality, and the rest which concern our salvation, were unknown to us, till revealed by Christ, and brought to light, being all acted and finished by him: Therefore consi∣dering this Grace conferred upon us, wee ought not to be ashamed of his Gospel.

Vers. 11. Whereunto I am appointed a Preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Reas. 6. God so much esteems the Testimony of the Gospel, that hee appointed Paul an Apostle to declare it to the whole world, and specially to the Gentiles: There∣fore let not Timothy bee ashamed, or any other, of this Gospel, or of Paul a Minister of it, although afflicted for the Testimony of the Gospel.

Vers. 12. For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have beleeved, and I am perswaded, that hee is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Reas. 7. From the example of the Apostle; I my self suffer bonds for the Gospel, and yet I am not ashamed: Therefore in like manner ought Timothy to bee of good courage, and not bee ashamed in the cause of the Go∣spel.

I know] Reas. 8. Also from Pauls example, confirm∣ing the former. I Paul have committed my body and soul to God who is faithful and powerful, to keep what I have betrusted him with to the day of judgement: And I am perswaded that I shall bee kept: Therefore neither ought I to bee ashamed, nor thou, O Timothy, what∣ever befalls us, for the Testimony of the Gospel.

Vers. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of mee, in faith, and love, which is in Christ Iesus.

Admon. 3. That hee retain and follow that same way of teaching (both as to Doctrine, and the manner of teaching) which hee had learnt from Paul, and that hee set it forth as near as hee can to the quick: Hee adds in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus, that hee may set forth the Summary of Doctrine, which may bee wholly reduced to Faith and Love, flowing from the knowledge of Christ.

Vers. 14. That good thing which was committed unto thee, keep, by the Holy Ghost, which dwelleth in us.

Admon. 4. More general, That hee faithfully preserve both the sincerity of the Christian Doctrine, and the gifts of the Spirit in his Ministry, lest by his slothfulness, or ••imorousness, any prejudice might accrue to it, but that hee should secure it against the snares and force of the enemies of the Gospel.

The Arguments of the Exhortation are five; all which prove that the form of sound Doctrine is to bee held fast.

Argum. 1. This form, is that which is deposited, or that which God hath committed to thy trust, who will take an account of thee for what hee hath committed to thee: Therefore this form of Doctrine is to bee held fast.

By the Holy Ghost] Argum. 2. Although thy own strength should fail thee in the defence of thy Doctrine, yet the assistance of the Holy Ghost dwelling in thee will bee at hand for the upholding of his sincere servant, if thou implore his aid: Therefore this form of sound Doctrine is to bee held fast.

Vers. 15. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia, bee turned away from mee, of whom are Phy∣gellus and Hermogenes.

Arg. 4. On this hand temptations are in readiness, by which thou mayest bee drawn away unawares from the defence and profession of the Gospel, as thou hast been taught by the example of the brethren of Asia, by name Phygellus and Hermogenes, by whose example, thou and all other the Ministers of the Gospel being warned, shouldest bee watchful: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 16. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesi∣phorus, for hee oft refreshed mee, and was not asha∣med of my chain.

Arg. 5. On the other side, the Spirit and grace of God is so prevalent in thee, and others that are faithful, to constancy in trialls, that if yee bee watchful, yee need not fear the losing of sound Doctrine: Therefore yee ought to endeavour the holding fast the form of sound Doctrine.

Vers. 17. But when hee was in Rome, hee sought mee out very diligently, and found mee.

18. The Lord▪ grant unto him that hee may finde mercy of the Lord in that day; and in how many things hee ministred unto mee at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Hee propounds and confirms this Argument, in Onesi∣phorus, who (saith hee) boldly professed the faith, and was not ashamed of my chains, nor did hee fear bonds himself, but at Ephesus and Rome shewed himself the same in the profession of the Gospel: For whom I pray God, that hee may finde mercy, both hee and his whole houshold, in the day of the Lord: Hee wills Timothy to take courage (by this mans example) as also all Teachers to constancy in the profession of the faith, and the keeping that good thing which is committed unto them, and the defence of the Doctrine of the Gospel: That which the Apostle draws from hence, in the begin∣ning of the Chapter following.

CHAP. II.

IN this Chapter hee proceeds to instruct Timothy in the due management of his Ministry, adding four Admo∣nitions more to them that hee had laid down in his former Discourse.

Vers. 1. Thou there fore, my son, bee strong in the grace that is in Christ Iesus.

Admon. 1. That hee endeavour the propagation of the Gospel, not onely by himself, but also by others, that were to succeed him in the Ministry, standing upon no pains, that were requisite for the promoting of it. There are three branches of this Admonition.

Branch 1. That hee arm himself with strength to the work of the Ministry, and put on courage, and address himself to manage his affairs well. Hee insinuates two Arguments.

Son] Arg. 1. Because it becomes Pauls Son, to put on courage, and bee valiant.

In the grace] Arg. 2. Because the grace which is in Jesus Christ alone, will not bee wanting to thee, when thou preparest thy self for thy work.

Vers. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of mee a∣mong many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall bee able to teach others also.

Branch 2. That hee teach not the people only Sermon-wise, but also Scholastically instruct the Candidates in Divinity, or those that are designed for the Ministerial function, by opening the Apostolical Doctrine, and be∣trusting it, as it were, with faithful Depositaries, which may teach others the same Doctrine, that so the Doctrine of the Gospel may bee delivered and propagated from hand to hand. Hee adds an Argument from his own ex∣ample, who had instructed Timothy, and many others, his fellow-disciples, in this Doctrine, not onely teaching them publickly together with the people, but also in∣structing them Scholastically apart from the people.

Vers. 3. Thou therefore indure hardness, as a good soul∣dier of Iesus Christ.

Branch 3. That hee neither fear nor flye from the pains, which was required to this double work, nor the afflictions or persecutions that followed it, but receive and bear them with a good courage.

As a souldier] The Arguments of the Exhortation or Admonition, are eleven, all which prove that hee ought valiantly to manage his warfare in the Ministry of the Gospel.

Arg. 1. Because thou are a souldier of Jesus Christ, to whom as to thy General, thou hast bound thy self by a

Military oath: And it becomes a Christian souldier to follow the example of Christ, not fiercely to strive a∣gainst his Adversaries, but patiently inuring himself to the Cross, and in the carrying on of his work (con∣tending with difficulties) to proceed forwards. There∣fore thou oughtest to behave thy self couragiously in managing thy warfare in the Ministry of the Go∣spel.

Vers. 4. No man that warreth, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that hee may please him who hath chosen him to bee a Souldier.

Arg. 2. Propounded by way of comparison, because otherwise thou canst not please thy General Christ, un∣less (setting aside all thy occasions that might call thee away from the work of Christ) thou addict thy self wholly to his service: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 5. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is hee not crowned except hee strive lawfully.

Arg. 3. Propounded by way of comparison to the sports, and noble striving which were amongst the Hea∣then, because thou canst not bee crowned, if (wearied in the first onset) thou retreat out of the field to rest and ease, but it behoves thee to strive lawfully, and to pro∣secute the contention so far as the Law prescribes, i. e. persevere so long as thou livest, in this Christian war∣fare, that a•• length thou mayest bee crowned Conque∣rour: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 6. The Husbandman that laboureth, must bee first partaker of the fruits.

Arg. 4. Propounded by way of similitude, as the former. Because it is necessary that thou first labour, if thou wilt receive fruit, which (as an Husbandman) without doubt thou shalt reap, if thou followest thy work with a good courage: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 7. Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

That Timothy may gather and conceive more by these similitudes than could bee set down, or need to bee ex∣plained, hee leaves the applications of these similitudes to Timothy, and further prayes unto God, that hee would open his eyes to see those lessons which here and other∣where hee might learn for the discharging of his duty; for these comparisons were weaker than to reach the ex∣cellency of the Christian warfare, and the reward of those that labour in the Ministry.

Vers. 8. Remember that Iesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead, according to my Gospel:

Arg. 5. Because Christ the General, and Captain of the Army, hath conquered all adverse power, and death it self, by the vertue of his Deity, rising again from the dead for us, in the same flesh which hee assumed from the Seed of David, as I have preached: Therefore, O Timothy, thou mayest hope to bee delivered from all evills, and from death it self, by the power of Christ, very God, and very man. To which end also, hee commands Ti∣mothy to remember and keep in minde this Doctrine, be∣cause this is the chief foundation of faith, hope, and Christian consolation.

Vers. 9. Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds, but the word of God is not bound.

Arg. 6. From the example of Paul himself. I suffer bonds and disgrace willingly in the work of the Mi∣nistry: Therefore do thou prepare thy self to suffer the like.

But the word] Arg. 7. All the endeavour of the Ad∣versaries of the Gospel comes to nothing, while they persecute us the servants of Christ, even unto bonds, be∣cause although they may overcome us professours of the Gospel, yet they overcome not, nor doth the Gospel suffer bonds, or is it hindred in its course: Therefore let us confidently carry on our warfare.

Vers. 10. Therefore I indure all things for the Elects sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Iesus, with eternal glory.

Arg. 8. The Elect of God are worthy, for whose edi∣fication and confirmation in the faith, to eternal salva∣tion purchased by Christ, wee who are the Ministers of Christ, suffer all kindes of evills: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if wee bee dead with him, wee shall also live with him.

12. If wee suffer wee also shall reign with him; if wee deny him, hee will also deny us.

Arg. 9. Although the flesh hardly admits this saying, yet certain it is, That our communion with Christs death in induring the Cross, is annexed to our communion with the life of Christ; And certain it is that they shall reign with Christ, who suffer with, or for him: Therefore must wee bee of good courage in our warfare, that wee may live and reign with Christ.

If wee] Arg. 10. Whosoever being deceived by the terrours of persecution, and the allurements of the world, cast off the profession of the Name of Christ, shall also bee cast off by Christ, and perish: There∣fore, &c.

Vers. 13. If wee beleeve not, yet hee abideth faithful, hee cannot deny himself.

Arg. 11. They that are unfaithful, although they bring destruction upon themselves, yet they shall detract nothing from the truth, or glory of Christ, who will de∣fend his truth against the power of Adversaries, and the perfidiousness of Apostates, and will establish whatever hee hath said for his servants, and against their ene∣mies: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 14. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord, that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

Admon. 2. That Timothy do not onely inforce the things that are spoken, but also take care that the word of God bee wisely handled, both by others, and himself also for example unto others. There are three Branches of this Admonition:

Branch 1. That in the Name and Authority of Christ, hee refrain unprofitable disputations, such as theirs use to bee, who seek after applause for their accuteness in their Sophistry.

Unprofitable] The Reasons of this Branch are two: Reas. 1. Because such contentions produce no profit at all.

Subverting] Reas. 2. Because the faith of some is overthrown, who lose the truth in wranglings, or giving heed to perplexed disputations.

Vers. 15. Study to shew thy self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to bee ashamed, rightly di∣viding the word of truth.

Branch 2. That hee shew himself an example in a prudent administration of the word of God, studying to approve himself to God, when others look after publick applause; shewing himself a faithful workman, when o∣thers boast themselves as vain disputers: Alwayes doing his endeavour, that he neither do nor speak any thing un∣becoming, whereof he may be ashamed in the presence of God, whilst others fiercely strive amongst themselves, only because they are ashamed to bee overcome, or to bee ac∣counted unlearned: Lastly, imploying himself in preaching, not in mincing of words, whilest the sub∣stance is neglected, but in a prudent dividing and distri∣bution of their plain meaning, and applying them to the advantage of the hearers, in faith and obedience to the truth.

Vers. 16. But shun prophane and vain bablings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Branch 3. That hee decline the lofty and sophistical manner of speech, new, unusual, and prophane phrases: Hee subjoyns three Reasons of this Branch.

Prophane] Reas. 1. Because as those insolent speeches proceed from the prophaneness and impiety of the

mind, so they foster and increase ungodliness in o∣thers.

Vers. 17. And their word will eat as doth a canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus.

R. 2. Because the manner of teaching, and the Do∣ctrine of Sophisters will eat up the Church, as a Gan∣grene consumes the body, which (as Physicians teach) unless it bee very suddenly cured, it invades the conti∣guous parts, seizes upon the very bones, and till the man is extinct it proceeds without ceasing.

Vers. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred, say∣ing, That the Resurrection is past already, and o∣verthrow the Faith of some.

R. 3. Because experience hath demonstrated this e∣vil, in the persons of two Hereticks: (whom he names to their disgrace, that they may be avoided as Rocks.) Who onely acknowledge an Allegorical Resurrection, erring from the Doctrine of Truth, overthrow the Faith of some, and while they insinuated their perverse opinion into others, gave occasion to some, not well setled in the Faith, to renounce the profession of the Christian Religion.

Vers. 19. 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.

Admonition 3. Of holding fast the Doctrine of per∣severance of true Beleevers, although the Faith of some was overthrown: which admonition is propounded by way of consolation and confirmation of Faith, against the scandal of Apostates, especially of the famous Doctors: whose levity and perfidiousness ought indeed to stir up all to watchfulness, but it ought not in any wise to weaken the assurance of Faith in the Saints. The Do∣ctrine to bee maintained by Timothy, in this, Although the Faith of some bee overthrown, yet the building of the salvation of the Elect, or true Beleevers, abides firm, or, The perseverance of the Saints is certain. This hee proves by six Arguments▪

Sure] Argum. 1. By way of comparison from a build∣ing: The building of the Faith, and salvation of the Elect, hath a sure foundation, laid by God, which stands unmoveable, and this it is, The free Election of God, the constancy and stability whereof hee compares to a foundation laid upon a Rock: Therefore the perse∣verance of the Saints is certain.

Seal] Argum. 2. By way of comparison from a Seal, to this sense, The salvation of the Elect, is kept in the secret custody of God, as with a signet, so that, though it appear not to the world, who they are that are elected, yet it is certain that they were not of us, or the number of true Beleevers, who went out from us that truly be∣leeved, or revolted from our society: Therefore the per∣severance of the Saints is certain.

Knows] Argum. 3. Those are known unto God, who in a special manner are his, or belong to him, as his pecu∣liar ones; hee knows them and their names, and num∣ber, and embraceth them with his special favour, that hee will not suffer them to bee pulled from him: To know them as his own, is to acquiesce in them by his special love, as his peculiar ones: Therefore the perseve∣rance of the Saints is certain.

Seal] Argum. 4. As another seal, God hath given this Precept to bee read of all men, which hee makes effectual in all his Elect; Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity, i. e. Let him hold fast the Faith with the profession of Iesus Christ; let him also depart from the waies of sin, by repentance and holiness of life: Therefore the Saints, those whom God hath seal∣ed for his own, as it were, with this Seal, and in whom hee works effectual obedience to this Precept, they shall not perish in their Apostacy, but persevere, and end their lives in the Faith and Obedience of Christ.

Vers. 20. But in a great house, there are not onely Vessels of Gold, and of Silver, but also of Wood, and of Earth: and some to Honour, and some to Dis∣honour.

Argum. 5. As in a well-furnished and great house, there are some vessels more precious for decent uses; some baser vessels for dishonourable uses; so in the Church, some are reprobate, who onely lye in their filthiness, by whom the Church is corrupted, they shall depart from the Church, by Apostacy. Some are elected and sancti∣fied of God, who shall persevere in the Faith and Obe∣dience of Christ, to the glory of God, and their own commendation: Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain.

Vers. 21. If a man therefore purge himself from these, hee shall bee a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Masters use, and prepared unto every good work.

Argum. 6. It is not onely certain that the Elect shall persevere, but it is also to bee affirmed, that they may bee assured of their election and perseverance: For if a∣ny one, by the Grace of God, shall endeavour to purge himself from the manners of Hypocrites, and the defile∣ments of sinners, (with which▪ the vessels designed to shame are filled) hee shall openly manifest to himself and others, that hee is of the number of those precious vessels, prepared to sanctification and glory: Therefore the perseverance of the Saints is certain.

Vers. 22. Flee also youthful lusts; but follow Righte∣ousness, Faith, Charity, Peace, with them that call on the Lord with a pure heart.

Admonition 4. To moderation of mind, and to avoid all youthly affections, and whatsoever may stir up conten∣tions, or provoke the minds of others. There are three branches of the Admonition. (1) That hee avoid all youthful lusts or affections, not onely pleasures, but also headiness, contention, pride, desire of vain-glory, and the like evil affections, which young men use to bee infected with, who have taken upon them the office of teaching or disputing.

Follow] (2) That on the other side hee follow [1] Righteousness, which offends none. [2] Faith, which without disputation receives chearfully the myste∣ries revealed from God. [3] Charity, which is not envi∣ous, not puffed up, is not ambitious, seeks not her own, but even those things which conduce to the good of others. [4] Peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart, i. e. with the true worshipers of God.

Vers. 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

(3) That hee shun Questions, by which no man comes to true wisdome, and Christian edification. The Reasons of the Admonition are three.

Knowing] Reas. 1. Because they ingender strifes and contentions, not without the loss of Christian peace and charity,

Vers. 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but bee gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Reas. 2. Because strife doth not become the Minister of Christ, who himself was most meek, and the Lord of Peace.

Gentle] Reas▪ 3. Because the contrary virtues be∣come a Minister, whereof hee recites four. 1. Meekness towards all sorts of men, which comprehends courtesie and affability. 2. Aptness to teach, or a disposition to teach rather than compel. 3. Patience towards them that are evil, that hee may overcome them that are fro∣ward and averse from the Truth, with gentleness, if there bee any hope of their salvation.

Vers. 25. In meekness, instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them re∣pentance to the acknowledging of the Truth.

4. Meekness, in reproving those that are otherwise minded, that hee do not presently use sharpness, but pro∣pound sound Doctrine to them, with gentleness, and so

rebuke them that they may understand that their salva∣tion and amendment is earnestly sought: The Reasons why hee should indeavour after this last virtue, and use meekness towards those that were otherwise minded, are three.

If peradventure] Reas. 1. Because the conversion of obstinate persons is p••ssible, nor must wee hastily despair of it.

God] Reas. 2. Because repentance, and the acknow∣ledgement of the truth, and every act of Faith, is the gift of God.

Vers. 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Reas. 3. Because their condition is to bee pittyed, for they abide in the snares of the Devil, acted according to his will, so long as it shall seem good to God to suffer it.

CHAP. III.

IN this Chapter hee strengthens and confirms Timothy, and in him all Pastors, against false Brethren, Schis∣maticks, and Hereticks, and against troubles, which they were like to create to the sincere servants of God. (1) Describing their dispositions and manners, to vers. 8. (2) Comforting and arming him against the dispositions and arts of false Teachers, to the end, which are the two parts of the Chapter.

Vers. 1. This know also, that in the last daies, perilous times shall come.

The first part of the Chapter, and the first way of arming him, is a fore-warning him of false brethren that should arise, and were then risen up, and of the troubles which they should cause, that being fore-seen they might the less hurt: The last daies, are the time which remains after the ascension of Christ to his second comming. The summe of his fore-warning is this, The times are dange∣rous and troublesome, wherein it is an hard thing to bee advised how to carry thy self towards these kind of Monsters, which shall come out of the bosome of the Church, with whom to conflict is most troublesome: Therefore thou hadst need arm thy self.

Vers. 2. For men shall bee l••vers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to Parents, unthankful, unholy,

The faults to which the false Brethren were addicted hee recites nineteen. (1) They are lovers of themselves, i. e. they mind their own private advantage, not regar∣ding the salvation and benefit of others. (2) They are covetous, or lovers of mony. (3) Boasters▪ or disdainful, who betray the inward pride of their minds by disdain∣fulness. (4) Proud, preferring themselves before o∣thers, and contemning them in comparison with them∣selves. (5) Blasphemers, who make nothing of injuring the reputation of others. (6) Disobedient to Parents, i. e. Despising the lawful authority of those who ought to bee honoured by them, as if they were Parents, (7) Un∣thankful, whom thou canst not hire with good turns, to require thee with love. (8) Unholy, or destitute of the true desire of holiness.

Vers. 3. Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

(9) Without natural affection, so much, that they re∣gard not the bonds of nature. (10) Truce-breakers, who make no account of covenants, but violate them. (11) False accusers, who with feigned calu••••ies 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the innocency of others. (12) Incontinent, who let out themselves to all kind of carnal pleasures. (13) Fierce, who are of a rugged and ill-natured disposition. (14) Despisers of those that are good, who because of their dif∣ferent dispositions, abhor the friendship of good men, and hate them.

Vers. 4. Traitours, heady, high-minded, lovers of plea∣sures, more than lovers of God,

(15) Traitors, who hazzard the lives of their friends that deserve well from them. (16) Heady, or rash, who are carried which way soever the force of their lusts drive them. (17) High-minded, who please themselves most out of a vain opinion of their own excellency. (18) Who prefer their own pleasures before the will and commands of God.

Vers. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(19) Having a form of godliness, which they make shew of in words and profession, the power whereof in their works they so little regard, that they seem to ab∣jure and deny it: Hee commands him to shun these, i. e. After admonitions and reproofs by the gender censures of the Church, at length being excluded the Church by ex∣communication, to beware of them, and restrain them, and by any other prudent course repress them, that the Church may not receive any detriment by them.

Vers. 6. For of this sort are they which creep into hou∣ses, and ••ead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

Hee proceeds in his describing the false Brethren, and in the example of some deceivers of his time, hee sets them out as it were before their eyes, who for their bel∣lies sake did cunningly insinuate themselves into the fami∣lies of others, and led captive certain of the lighter sort of women, and did not free them from, or unbur∣then them of their sins wherewith they were laden, as they promised, but brought them into greater servi∣tude, and multiplied their sins; Hee propounds two causes of the deceiving these women. (1) Because those women were transported with divers lusts and affections, which they could not subdue.

Vers. 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.

(2) Because not contented with the Doctrine receiv∣ed from the Apostles, through the curiosity and instabi∣lity of their minds, alwaies sought after now thing••, ac∣commodated to their lust: Therefore though they seem∣ed willing to learn, yet it was impossible for them to at∣tain to the Knowledge of saving Truth.

The Second Part.

Vers. 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Mo∣ses, so do these also resist the Truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the Faith.

The second part of the Chapter follows, wherein hee comforts Timothy, or the faithful Pastor, against the prevalency of this evil; and that by ten Arguments. All which prove that hee ought to bee comforted in the midst of his conflicts.

Now as] Arg. 1. Because the true Preachers of the Gospel suffer the same from these Impostors, which Mo∣ses and Aaron suffered from the Magicians of Egypt un∣der Pharaoh: whose names, the Apostle having learned by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, sets them down to their perpetual disgrace, and a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto others.

The Truth] Arg. 2. Because this sort of men are ad∣versaries unto the Truth, and true Pastors because of the Truth.

Of corrupt] Arg. 3. Because seeing they are of cor∣rupt minds, such as have their judgements depraved with corrupt affections, and reprobate concerning the Faith, who by the obstinacy of their minds, and the corruption of their judgements, have debarred themselves of the sound Doctrine of Faith, true Pastors ought the less to regard their judgements and opinions.

Vers. 9. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall bee manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Argum. 4. Specially looking to those Impostors in whom hee had instanced▪ Because they shall not any fur∣ther

carry on their designs undiscovered to the Church, nor shall so proceed, as to deceive all by their hypocrisie (as if they were Orthodox) as they had done heretofore: For the Apostle had determined to manifest their folly unto all, by fastning upon them the mark of Excom∣munication.

Vers. 10. But thou hast fully known my Doctrine, man∣ner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience,

11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto mee at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I indured; but out of them all the Lord delivered mee.

Argum. 5. Because hee had Paul for a lively and fa∣miliar example: (1) Of the vertues that are required in a Pastor, in Doctrine, Life, and those four special vertues, which hee reckons up. (2) In persecutions, which hee underwent in three places, which hee names, for the defence of the Gospel. (3) In the happy issue, and deliverance from all those troubles through the grace of God.

Vers. 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Iesus, shall suffer persecution.

Arg. 6. Because it is the common lot, not onely of Pastors, but of all Christians, to suffer afflictions, and persecutions for the Gospels sake.

Vers. 13. But evil men, and seducers, shall waxe worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Arg. 7. Because it cannot bee avoided, but obstinate Impostors, and false brethren, will waxe worse and worse, and will bring themselves and others to destruction by their errors; which it concerned Timothy to know and consider of, that he trouble not himself too much about it, but reverence the deep judgements of God, and com∣fort himself.

Vers. 14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.

Arg. 8. Propounded by way of Exhortation, Because it concerned him onely to discharge his duty faithfully, and according to his utmost ability, to defend the Do∣ctrine of the Gospel which was committed to him.

Knowing] Arg. 9. Confirming the former, Because hee was sufficiently instructed in the truth of the hea∣venly Doctrine by the Apostle of Christ, whom hee knew to bee an approved Apostle.

Vers. 15. And that from a childe thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Iesus.

Arg. 10. Confirming the former Exhortation pro∣pounded in the former verse, and proving also the Pro∣position: The Doctrine which thou hast learned of mee, and which is now committed to thee to defend, is agree∣able to the Doctrine of the holy Scripture, and the Pro∣phets: Therefore continue thou in these things, bee thou stablished in the truth, and comforted.

Which are able] Hee inlarges this Argument from these five Considerations: (1) I know thou hast been brought up, and conversant in the Scriptures from a childe. (2) The Scripture is able to furnish thee with saving wisdome, which consists in the knowledge and faith of Jesus Christ.

Vers. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Cor∣rection, for Instruction in Righteousness.

(3) All Scripture is given by inspiration, therefore it is of Divine Authority. (4) All Scripture tends to the teaching those things that are true, and reproving the things that are false, in matters belonging to faith, and the correction of evil manners, and instruction in things that are good.

Vers. 17. That the man of God may bee perfect▪ throughly furnished unto all good works.

(5) Lastly, The Scripture can make the man of God, or the Pastor of the Church perfectly meet to all the parts of his Office, and to every good work, which God requires from him, whether to the saving himself, or others, and the glory of God: Therefore continue thou in those things which thou hast learned of mee according to the Scrip∣ture, seeing thou hast the Scripture near thee, as a Trea∣sury, from whence thou mayest fetch whatever may make thee perfect, and fully render thee compleat to every good work.

CHAP. IV.

THere are two parts of the Chapter: In the firsts, as if hee made his will, hee most gravely ex∣horts Timothy, that hee faithfully discharge his office, to vers. 9.

In the second part (after hee hath treated about private matters, which concerned himself and Timothy) hee concludes the Epistle.

Vers. 1. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Iesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, and his Kingdome:

Hee premises to his Exhortation (about the discharge of his Office) a grave obtestation, wherein hee sets before the eyes of Timothy, 1. The Majesty of God. 2. The Lord Jesus Christ. 3. The Judgement seat of Christ, before whom hee was to give an account of his Ministry, with others to bee judged in that last day. 4. That glory of Christ, which will shew forth it self at his illustrious appearance, and the full manifestation of his Kingdome.

Vers. 2. Preach the word, bee instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

The Exhortation it self, in which hee requires five duties: (1) Diligence in preaching. (2) Striving a∣gainst all impediments. (3) That hee do not onely take all occasions to preach, which may consist not onely with his own convenience, and the leasure of the sloathful people, but that hee stir up himself, sparing no pains, and as it were with his hand, restrain the people busied about the vain imployments of the world, earnestly exhorting all to seek after that which is mainly necessary. (4) That hee leave no means unattempted, in exhorting the people that they make progress in the faith and obedience of Christ, not onely preaching true Doctrine, and reproving that which is false, but also reproving and correcting their evil conversations, and exhorting them to live ho∣lily, justly, and soberly. (5) That hee mix his reproofs with zeal and fervency, and season them with gentleness, and that he back his confutations of errours with sound Doctrine, that his labour may not bee in vain.

Vers. 3. For the time will come when they will not in∣dure sound Doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.

Hee subjoyns nine Reasons to his Exhortation:

Reas. 1. Because the time was at hand, when many would depart from the sincerity of Doctrine, therefore it was necessary that Timothy should more diligently at∣tend to his Office: And this defection he describes from its five degrees: (1) The Professours of Christ will not admit of sound Doctrine, they will not indure that their sins should bee reproved, or to bee stirred up to goodness, nor can any thing bee savoury or relished by them. (2) They will obstinately cleave to their own lusts, or carnal affections. (3) In their hearts, they will hate the true Pastors, as open enemies, and that they may re∣strain and suppress them, they will heap up to them∣selves teachers, that will soothe up the people in their lusts. (4) The ancient truth of God conducing to ho∣liness and newness of life, will not relish with them, but

out of a curiosity alwaies to hear some new thing, they will seek for such as gently claw their itching ears, in the mean time making no small shew how much they are desirous to promote the Christian Doctrine and Religion.

Vers. 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the Truth, and shall bee turned unto Fables.

(5) The fift degree of their defection is this, They will openly profess their impatience of hearing those strict Teachers of the Truth, who produce nothing before them, but what they have learned from the holy Scrip∣tures, and shall turn themselves to hear those who urge in their preaching, the inventions of men, their own dreams, histories, humane fictions, fables and legends.

Vers. 5. But watch thou in all things, endure affli∣ctions, do the work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy Ministery.

Hence hee infers and repeats his Exhortation, That Timothy bee so much the more vigilant, and execute all the parts of his office, inuring himself to labours and afflictions, not yeelding for any adversaries or dangers.

Of an Evangelist] To the repetition of his Exhortation hee adjoyns another Reason, Because it became him to act the part of an Evangelist, i. e. more than an ordinary Teacher, and to omit nothing of those things which may lawfully bee executed by a faithful Evangelist.

Vers. 6. For I am ready now to bee offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

The third Reason of his Exhortation is this, Because it is, as it were, a testamentary Exhortation of Paul, now old, whose fellowship Timothy was not long to enjoy, (for hee speaks this, as one that was to dye for the Gospel of Christ, and shortly to be loosed out of the prison of the world and his body, that hee might freely soar up to God) Therefore this Exhortation was to take the deeper im∣pression in the mind of Timothy.

Vers. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.

Reas. 4. From the experience of Paul that exhorted him, who had now almost finished the course of his Mi∣nistery, and had found by experience in the running of it, not onely not a troublesome conflict▪ but even full of consolation and good hope, and that part of it which yet remained of his race, hee was fully perswaded it would bee glorious. Hee explains this Argument with its five Branches.

Branch 1. The fight which hee had undertaken in his Apostleship, and now almost accomplished, hee calls a good fight, that Timothy might know that hee was not a∣shamed of the labours, afflictions and persecutions which hee had under-went.

Branch 2. Hee pleases himself in the consummation of his race, as now having his desire, and almost obtain∣ing the prize.

Branch 3. Hee rejoyces that hee had shewed himself a faithful souldier to his Captain Christ, through the Grace of God, both in Doctrine and life, observing his Military oath.

Vers. 8. Henceforth there is laid up for mee a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall give mee at that day, and not to mee onely, but unto them also that love his appearing.

Branch 4. As for the future hee professes his confi∣dence of a free reward, which God hath graciously pro∣mised to all the faithful; and as a just Judge, justly and also of Grace will reward, not out of any merit of ours, but by accumulating his former gracious gifts freely up∣on his latter.

Branch 5. Wherein the Apostle presents his example for Timothy's use and all the faithful, that the Crown of Righteousness was not to bee set upon his head alone, but upon the heads of all, who endeavouring to do those things which are pleasing to the Lord, declare that they expect and love his appearance.

The Second Part.

Vers. 9. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto mee.

The second part of the Chapter follows, wherein hee treats of his private affairs, which concerned Timothy and himself, and which it appertained to Timothy to bee ac∣quainted with: The Articles of this part are seven.

Artic. 1. Of the comming of Timothy, whom (if hee was then at Ephesus) hee calls from thence, after hee seemed to have stayed there long enough.

Vers. 10. For Demas hath forsaken mee, having lo∣ved this present world, and is departed unto Thes∣salonica, Cresens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalma∣tia.

11. Onely Luke is with mee. Take Mark and bring him with thee: For hee is profitable to mee for the Ministery.

Hee gives three Reasons why Timothy should hasten his comming.

Reas. 1. From the fewness of his companions, and helpers, whereof hee was now destitute: For Demas not liking the dangers and afflictions, which were incident to Pauls companions, and wherewith they were often exercised (being led by the love of ease, security, and the commodities of this life) undervalues the care of Paul, and the Gospel now openly defended by him, in comparison with his own private advantages, hee went to Thessalonica, where hee might live more securely. Crescens was sent into Galatia, and Titus was gone to Dalmatia, to propagate the Gospel. So that hee onely had Luke the Physician to accompany him: Hee wills Timothy also when hee comes to bring with him Mark, Barnabas Sisters Son, who might bee useful to the A∣postle.

Vers. 12. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

Reas. 2. Because hee had sent Tychicus to Ephesus, which is spoken without any reference to Timothy's abi∣ding in that place, whereupon it may bee questioned, whether Timothy was at Ephesus at that time, when these were written.

Vers. 13. The Cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou commest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

Lastly giving the third Reason of his comming, hee wills Timothy when hee came, to bring with him the Cloak or the Chest wherein his books or parchments were kept, whereof hee had then need; It is not much ma∣terial whether wee understand a Cloak, or a Chest, so long as wee know that God disdains not to regard the meanest matters of his servants, nor to refuse the place, wherein mention of them is made in his book.

Vers. 14. Alexander the Copper-Smith did mee much evil, the Lord reward him according to his works.

15. Of whom bee thou ware also, for hee hath greatly withstood our words.

Artic. 2. It relates to Alexander the Copper-Smith, an enemy to the Gospel, who earnestly withstood the A∣postle in his preaching, and was very troublesome to him, to whom (out of well-tempered zeal) in the Spi∣rit of God, hee wishes divine revenge; as to a malicious and obstinate enemy, and hee warns Timothy to take heed of him, lest hee receive the like injuries from him.

Vers. 16. At my first answer no man stood with mee. But all men forsooke mee; I pray God that it may not bee laid to their charge.

Artic. 3. Hee mentions four remarkeable things, which befell him at his first defence, when hee first pleaded his cause before Neroes judgement seat; The first is, that none in the Church at Rome assisted him, or became any waies helpful to him (which is an Ar∣gument that hee did not succeed Peter there, nor that hee was Bishop of Rome) which desertion of him, hee imputes to the infirmity of the Saints at Rome: There∣fore

hee intercedes to God for them, and beseeches him to pardon them.

Vers. 17. Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with mee, and strengthened mee, that by mee the preaching might bee fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear, and I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion.

The second is, That the Lord was his help, in the de∣fence of his cause, and supported him by his Grace a∣gainst all accusations, whereof hee gives the Reason, That so the Lord did more illustriously confirm and com∣mend the preaching of the Gospel amongst the Gentiles.

Out of the mouth] The third is, That God delivered him from the present danger of death (or from the cruel∣ty of Nero, and his adversaries which accused him) as it were out of the mouth of the Lion.

Vers. 18. And the Lord shall deliver mee from every evil work, and will preserve mee unto his heavenly Kingdome; to whom bee glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The fourth is, That by this experience God had confirm∣ed his Faith in him, that hee would preserve him, lest daunted with any danger, hee should defile himself in a∣ny evil work, even until hee should translate him into his heavenly glory, upon which account hee gives thanks to God with confidence.

Vers. 19. Salute Prisca, and Aquila, and the hous∣hold of Onesiphorus.

20. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

21. Do thy diligence to come before Winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the Brethren.

Artic. 4. It contains the salutations sent to Prisca, or Priscilla and her Husband Aquila, and to the houshold of Onesiphorus.

Trophimus] Artic. 5. Wherein to hasten the comming of Timothy, hee mentions the absence of Erastus and Tro∣phimus, who might minister unto him, and supply the place of Timothy.

Salutes] Artic. 6. It contains the salutations sent from some Saints at Rome, who were with the Apostle while hee writ these things.

Vers. 22. The Lord Iesus Christ bee with thy spirit; Grace bee with you. Amen.

Artic. 7. Hee concludes his Epistle, wishing the presence of Christ with the spirit and soul of Timothy, and praies for grace to the whole Church, whom it con∣cerned to understand the Doctrine set down in this E∣pistle, that with the greater reverence they might re∣ceive the Ministery, and acknowledge the authority of Timothy.