THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY - Chapter 3 - Verse 1

2nd Timothy Chapter 3

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER.

IN the first part of this chapter, 2 Ti 3:1-8, Paul reminds Timothy of the great apostasy which was to be expected in the church, and states some of the characteristics of it. In 2 Ti 3:9, he says that that apostasy would not always continue; but would be at some time arrested, and so arrested as to show to all men the folly of those who were concerned in it. In 2 Ti 3:10,11, he refers Timothy to his own manner of life in the midst of persecutions, as an encouragement to him to bear the trials which might be expected to occur to him in a similar manner. "Perilous times" were to come, and Timothy might be expected to be called to pass through trials similar to those which Paul himself had experienced. In those times the remembrance of his example would be invaluable. In 2 Ti 3:12,13, he assures Timothy that persecutions and trials were to be expected by all who aimed to lead holy lives, and that it was as certainly to be expected that evil men would become worse and worse. And in 2 Ti 3:14-17, he exhorts him to be steadfast in maintaining the truth; and to encourage him to do this, reminds him of his early training in the Holy Scriptures, and of the value of those Scriptures. To the Scriptures he might repair in all times of trial, and find support in the Divine promises. What he had learned there was the inspired truth of God, and was able to make him wise, and to furnish him abundantly for all that he was to do or to suffer.

Verse 1. This know also. The object of this reference to the perilous times which were to occur, was evidently to show the necessity of using every precaution to preserve the purity of the church, from the fact that such sad scenes were to open upon it. The apostle had dwelt upon this subject in his first epistle to Timothy, 1 Ti 4, but its importance leads him to advert to it again.

In the last days. Under the gospel dispensation; some time in that period during which the affairs of the world will be closed up. See Barnes "1 Ti 4:1; Heb 1:2".

Perilous times shall come. Times of danger, of persecution, and of trial. On the general meaning of this passage, and the general characteristics of those times, the reader may consult See Barnes "2 Th 2:1"; seq. See Barnes "1 Ti 4:1, seq. There can be no doubt that in all these passages the apostle refers to the same events.

{b} "that" 1 Ti 4:1; 2 Pe 3:3; 1 Jo 2:18; Jude 1:17,18