John Bengel Commentary - 2 Timothy 3:12 - 3:12

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

John Bengel Commentary - 2 Timothy 3:12 - 3:12


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

2Ti 3:12. Καὶ πάντες δὲ, yea and all) all, and they alone. The third mark, to have persecutors; so far should persecution be from being a stumbling-block to any one. At the beginning of persecution, it does not yet appear that that is the mark of an apostle: it at length appears from the help that is afforded, and from the endurance of them. In this, however, is the third mark of an apostle: ὑπομονὴ, patience, is a great thing in the eyes of the apostle; he prefers it to all the others. All other things may be taken from a man, so that he may suffer their utter loss and he himself fall away; but when he has ὑπομονὴ, all things are preserved. Hence Timothy might at the same time gather that he would also suffer persecution. There is a similar transition from Paul to all godly men, ch. 2Ti 4:8.-οὶ θέλοντες, those wishing or willing) Consider therefore whether you are willing; comp. the word wishing (intending), Luk 14:28. Even a persevering will has a beginning.-εὐσεβῶς ζῇν) to live godly; the whole energy of their life being devoted to Christian piety, Php 1:21.-ζῇν, to live) to pass life, Gal 2:14.-ἐν Χριστῷ in Christ) There is no godliness out of Christ Jesus. [And indeed the world easily wears that mask of religion which depends on itself; but the piety which flourishes directly from Jesus Christ is very hateful, as it was to the old Jews, so to the modern Christians, who are without any token of good.-V. g.]-διωχθήσονται, shall suffer persecution) Nor will they indeed refuse it, Gal 5:11. They shall proceed to worse and worse, 2Ti 3:13, stands in opposition to this future.