2 Timothy 2

November 16, 2025

In chapter 2, Paul encourages Timothy to “man up” for the Gospel and provides some specific guidance to do so. Paul uses multiple analogies to describe the task with which Timothy has been assigned: The first is a military analogy, that soldiers do not get involved in the affairs of the civilian population, essentially to not be distracted by trivial background noise. The second is a sports analogy, that it is necessary to play by the rules, essentially to live a life worthy of the Gospel and a teacher thereof. The third analogy is a farmer, that is to work hard at the task. Starting in verse 15, Paul warns Timothy to not argue the semantics of the Gospel, to not engage in quibbling. Instead it is important to be kind to all, patient, showing love and humility consistently. We must speak truth but with compassion, to leave out compassion is cruel, to leave out truth is misleading (and ultimately even cruel).