Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
CHAPTER 2
2 Timothy 2:14-18
2 Timothy 2:14-18 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.
14. Haec admone, contestans coram Domino, ne verbis disceptent, ad nullam utilitatem, ad subversionem audientium
15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
15. Stude to ipsum probatum exhibere Deo, operarioum non erubescentem, recte secanem sermonem vertitatis.
16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
16. Caeterum profanas clamorum inanitates omitte; ad majorem enim proficiunt impietatem.
17. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus;
17. Et sermo eorum, ut gangraena, pastionem habebit, quorum de numero est Hymeneus et Philetus
18. Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
18. Qui circa veritatem aberrarunt, dicentes resurrectionem jam esse factam, et subvertunt quorundam fidem.
14 Remind them of these things. The expression ({ταῦτα}) these things, is highly emphatic. It means that the summary of the gospel which he gave, and the exhortations which he added to it, are of so great importance, that a good minister ought never to be weary of exhibiting them; for they are things that deserve to be continually handled, and that cannot be too frequently repeated. ``They are things'' (he says) ``which I wish you not only to teach once, but to take great pains to impress on the hearts of men by frequent repetition.'' A good teacher ought to look at nothing else than edification, and to give his whole attention to that alone. 1074 On the contrary, he enjoins him not only to abstain from useless questions, but likewise to forbid others to follow them.
1074"When any person comes to the sermon, let it not be to hear something that tickles the ears, or that gives pleasure; but let it be to make progress in the fear of God, and in humility, and to excite to prayer, and to confirm him in patience. If we have heard an exhortation today, and if tomorrow it is repeated to us, let us not think that this is superfluous, let us not be annoyed at it; for every person who carefully examines this subject will find it to be highly necessary for him to be reminded of the lesson which he had learned, that he may practice it well. If, therefore, God refreshes our memory with it, he has conferred on us a great favor. That is what we have to remark on this passage, when Paul says, 'Remind them of these things.' For undoubtedly he intended to prevent what we frequently meet with, when it is said, 'We have heard this before. Is not that a very common remark? Where is the little child that does not know it?" Such things are said by those who would wish to be fed with useless questions. But here the Holy Spirit desires that what is useful should be brought forward every day, because we have not sufficiently understood it, and because it must be put in practice." — Fr. Ser.