Rich men are admonished A. M. 4069. m A. D. 65. 17 Charge them that are rich in || that they may "lay hold on eternal A. M. 4069. this world, that they be not high- life. minded, nor trust in uncertain" riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ; p 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves good foundation against the time to come, 20 O Timothy, * keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called; Z 21 Which some professing, have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. a¶The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, m Job xxxi. 24; Psa. lii. 7; lxii. 10.—7 Gr. the uncertainty of riches.- n Prov. xxiii. 5.- 1 Thess. i. 9; Chap. iii. 15; iv. 10. P Acts xiv. 17; xvii. 25.-9 Luke xii. 21; Chap. 9 Luke xii. 21; Chap. v. 10; Tit. iii. 8. Rom. xii. 13. sense in which the pure in heart shall see God, in the future and eternal state: yea, shall see him as he is, Matt. v. 8; 1 John iii. 2. To whom be honour, &c.--Ascribed by every intelligent being in the universe, through eternal ages. which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana. 8 Or, sociable.- s Gal. vi. 6; Heb. xiii. 16.—t Matt. vi. 20; xix. 21; Luke xvi. 9.———u Verse 12.- x2 Tim. i. 14; Tit. i. 9; Rev. iii. 3.—y Chap. i. 9; Rev. iii. 3.——y Chap. i. 4, 6; iv. 7; 2 Tim. ii. 14, 16, 23. Chap. i. 6, 19; 2 Tim. ii. 18. they are united to Christ, and made heirs through him of the heavenly inheritance; and, by bringing forth these fruits of righteousness, obtain for themselves, from the free mercy of God in Christ, an everlasting and abundant reward; that they may lay hold on eternal life--This cannot be done by almsdeeds, or any good works that we can perform; which are all so defective, that they have need of a || pardon, instead of being sufficient to procure for us eternal life. They, however, when performed, as here directed, both manifest the reality of our grace, and come up for a memorial before God, Acts x. 4; and while they are, through Christ Jesus, to the praise and glory of God, (Phil. i. 11,) shall assuredly meet with an ample recompense from Him who is not unfaithful to forget that work and labour of love which his children thus show to his name, Heb. vi. 10; Gal. vi. 9. || Verses 17-19. What follows seems to be a kind of postscript. Charge them that are rich in this world-Rich in such beggarly riches as this world affords. For the clause, ev To vvv alwvi, seems evidently to be added to extenuate the value of riches, which extend only to this transitory and precarious || world, and cannot attend us into the other; nor, if they did, could at all influence our happiness there; || that they be not high-minded--That they do not || think better of themselves on account of their money, or any thing it can purchase. But, alas! who regards this advice? Nor trust in uncertain riches || -Which they may lose in an hour, either for happiness or defence. Those who place their happi- Verses 20, 21. To conclude all: 0 Timothy, keep ness in the enjoyment of sensual pleasure, or in the that which is committed to thy trust--The original possession of the conveniences and elegancies of expression, тην πараkатaðŋkηv quλašov, is, literally, life, naturally trust to their riches for their happi- guard the deposite; namely, the purity of gospel ness, because by their money they can procure doctrine, with the dispensation of which thou art these things; and thus they become dead to all sense || intrusted; avoiding profane and vain babblings— of their dependance on God and his providence for See chap. i. 4, and iv.7; and oppositions of science their happiness. But in the living God-All the falsely so called-Such philosophical disquisitions rest is dead clay; who giveth us--As it were, hold- and debates, as both contradict one another, and ing them out in his hand; richly--Freely, plenti- were contrary to the truth, though reckoned high fully; all things--Which we have; to enjoy--As points of knowledge. Though it is not certain that his gift, in him and for him. When we use them the name of Gnostics, or the knowing men, was thus, we do indeed enjoy all things. That they do used in the church so early to denominate a distinct good--Make this their daily employ; that they be sect, yet it is highly probable that they who oprich--That they abound; in good works--To their posed the apostle made extraordinary pretences to utmost ability; ready to distribute--Singly, to par- knowledge, and this text seems sufficient to prove ticular persons; willing to communicate-To join it. Indeed, most of the ancient heretics were in all public works of benevolence and beneficence. great pretenders to knowledge. Which knowThese advices clearly show that there was not, at ledge, some teachers professing to have attained, this time, a community of goods among Christians (1 Tim. i. 6, 7,) have erred concerning the faithin general: for in that case there could have been || Have departed from the true Christian doctrine, no room for the exhortation here given, and the dis- some entirely forsaking it, and others corrupting tinction on which it is founded. Laying up in store it with gross adulterations. Grace be with theefor themselves a good foundation-Hereby mani- To guide, in all things, thy judgment and thy festing the truth of their faith in Christ, and in the conduct. This epistle being chiefly designed for promises of his gospel, and the genuineness of their Timothy's own use, no salutations were sent to love to God and mankind, and thereby proving that || any of the brethren at Ephesus. || PREFACE TO THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY. ONCERNING the parentage, country, and education of Timothy, as also his conversion and appointment to the office of an evangelist, with some particulars of his life and labours, see the preface to the former epistle. That this second epistle was written while Paul was a prisoner a Rome is universally acknowledged; but whether during his first or second imprisonment, has been matter of debate. Hammond, Lightfoot, Cave, and Lardner, with several others, have maintained the former opinion; while Bishop Pearson, Whitby, Doddridge, Paley, and Macknight, with many more critics, contend for the latter and the arguments they offer seem to be quite conclusive. The principal are the following:-1st. It appears from chap. i. 8, and ii. 9, that when the apostle wrote this epistle he was a prisoner in bonds: but these could not be his first bonds; for then he was, in libera custodia, dwelling in his own hired house, receiving all that came to him, no one forbidding him, (Acts xxviii. 30, 31,) and his bonds being known in Cesar's palace, and "to all others." But when he wrote this second epistle, he was in arcta custodia, in such close confinement, that Onesiphorus was obliged to "seek him out diligently," few knowing where he was to be found, chap. i. 17. Secondly, In his first bonds, many of the brethren, being encouraged by his bonds, "were bold to speak the word without fear," (Phil. i. 14,) but when he wrote this second epistle all men had forsaken him, chap. iv. 16. Thirdly, When he wrote his former epistle he had an expectation of being soon released, and of seeing his Christian friends again, chap. iii. 14; but in this epistle he not only gives no hint of any such expectation, but evidently signifies the contrary, observing, chap. iv. 6, am now ready to be offered," or "I am now offered," as non orɛvdoμaι means, "and the time" rns suns avahvoews eḍesnke, "of my dissolution is instant," or "is come." "I have finished my course," &c., 'henceforth,” λoirov, "what remains, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness," &c. From which words it is justly inferred, that when he wrote this he was in immediate expectation of death, either in consequence of Nero's menaces, or of some express revelation from Christ, such as Peter also probably had a little before his martyrdom. See 2 Peter i. 14. And from hence the ancients. generally concluded that this was the last epistle that St. Paul wrote. There appears to be no certainty where Timothy was when the apostle wrote this epistle to him; but his principal design in writing it seems evidently to have been, to prepare Timothy for those sufferings to which he foresaw he would be exposed; to forewarn him of the apostacy and corruption which were beginning to appear in the church, and at the same time to animate him by his own example, and from the powerful motives which the gospel furnishes, to the most vigorous and reso lute discharge of every part of the sacred office to which he had been called. The epistle has three parts: I. The inscription, chap. i. 1, 2. II. An invitation, "Come to me," variously expressed; 1. Having declared his love to Timothy, verses 3-5, he exhorts him, “Be not ashamed of me," verses 6-14, and subjoins various examples, verses 15-18. 2. He adds the two-fold proposition, (1.) "Be strong;" (2.) " Commit the ministry" to faithful men, chap. ii. 1, 2. The former is treated of verses 3--13; the latter, verse 14; with further directions concerning his own behaviour, verse 15; chap. iv. 8. 3. "Come quickly," verse 9. Here St. Paul mentions his being left alone, verses 10-12. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY. Ob Directs to bring his books, verse 13. Gives a caution concerning Alexander, verses 14, 15. serves the inconstancy of men, and the faithfulness of God, verses 16-18. 4. "Come before winter." salutations, verses 19-21. III. The concluding blessing, verse 22. From this epistle, as well as from the first to the Thessalonians, we may draw a convincing argument in favour of the certain truth and unspeakable importance of Christianity. "The apostle had been for some time under close confinement at Rome, at the mercy of a cruel and capricious tyrant. He had seen himself deserted by his friends in his greatest extremity, and had nothing before him but the certain prospect of being called to suffer death in the saine cause to which he had devoted his life. In this situation how does he behave? Does he seem to look back with concern on his past conduct, or to regret the sacrifice he had made of all his worldly interest? Can we discover any thing that betrays a secret consciousness of guilt, or even a suspicion of the weakness of his cause? Nay, does he drop a single expression that can be interpreted as a mark of fear, or discomposure of mind, in the apprehension of those gloomy scenes that lay before him? Surely if he had been an impostor, or had entertained the least doubt of the doctrines he had taught, something of this kind must have escaped him when writing to so intimate a friend, with whom he could intrust all the secrets of his breast. On the contrary, upon the most calm and deliberate survey, he expresses an entire satisfaction in reflecting on the part he had acted, and earnestly recommends it to his beloved pupil to follow his example in maintaining the glorious cause, even at the hazard of his life. He appears, throughout his epistle, to have felt a strong inward conviction of the truth of those principles he had embraced, and glories in the sufferings he endured in support of them, triumphing in the full assurance of being approved by his great Master, and of receiving at his hands a crown of distinguished lustre. A behaviour like this, in one who had so considerable a share in establishing the Christian religion, and expected in a short time to seal his testimony to it with his blood, must be allowed a strong confirmation of the truth of those facts on which our faith depends. It is at least a convincing proof that the apostle was himself sincere in what he professed to believe; and when the several circumstances of his history are considered, and impartially weighed, it will appear as evident that he could not possibly be deceived, and, consequently, that his testimony is to be admitted in full force."-Doddridge. THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE ΤΟ TIMOTHY. CHAPTER I. Paul (1,) Asserts his apostolical character, salutes Timothy, and declares his permanent and high regard for him, as a true believer, and sympathizing, affectionate brother, 1-5. (2,) Exhorts him to a diligent, courageous, and patient improvement of his spiritual gifts and graces in exercising the ministry of the glorious gospel, which he had received, 6–14. (3,) He relates, to the honour of Onesiphorus, how he had befriended him when many others at Rome had shamefully deserted him, 15-18. A. D. 66. C a A. D. 66. A. M. 4070. PAUL, & an apostle of Jesus Christ || out ceasing I have remembrance of A. M. 1070. by the will of God, according to thee in my prayers night and day; b the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mind2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: ful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeignand Christ Jesus our Lord. ed faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice ; and I am persuaded that in thee also. e 3 dI thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that with f a 2 Cor. i. 1.- - Eph. iii. 6; Tit. i. 2; Heb. ix. 15.——— 1 Tim. i. 2.- d Rom. i. 8; Eph. i. 16.―e Acts xxii. 3; xxiii. 1; xxiv. NOTES ON CHAPTER I. || i 14; xxvii. 23; Rom. i. 9; Gal. i. 14. h f 1 Thess. i. 2; iii. 10 Acts xvi. 1. the apostle's last parting with him; that I may be Verses 1-5. Paul, an apostle by the will of God filled with joy—In conversing with thee, and giving -See 1 Cor. i. 1-5; according to the promise of thee my dying charge and blessing. When I call to life-Appointed to exhibit, by preaching the gospel, remembrance, &c.-That is, my desire to see thee is and to bring men to, eternal life, promised by God greatly increased by my calling to remembrance the to all true believers; in—And through; Christ Je- || unfeigned faith-In the gospel, and in its glorious sus-Who hath revealed and procured it. I thank Author; that is in thee-Of which thou hast given God, whom I serve from my forefathers-That is, convincing evidence; and which dwelt-An expreswhom both I and my ancestors served, or, whom I sion not applicable to a transient guest, but only to serve as the holy patriarchs did of old; with a pure a settled inhabitant; first in thy grandmother Lois conscience—He always worshipped God according || --Probably this was before Timothy was born. to his conscience, both before and after his conver- || Here Here it is insinuated, to the great praise of Timosion. Before his conversion, however, his con- thy's grandmother Lois, that, having embraced science was neither truly enlightened nor awaken- the Christian faith herself, she persevered in it, ed; for he was neither acquainted with the spiritu- and persuaded her daughter Eunice to do the ality and extent of the moral law, nor with his own same; and that the instructions and example sinfulness and guilt through his violations of it. of these pious women prepared their son for That without ceasing I have remembrance of thee || receiving the gospel when it was preached to in my prayers-See on Rom. i. 8, 9. To know him: a fit example this for the imitation of that the apostle prayed for him continually, must all mothers, who, if they take the same pains have afforded great encouragement to Timothy || with their children, may hope that, by the blessing amidst his labours and sufferings: being mindful of || of God, their care will be followed with similar thy tears-Perhaps frequently shed, as well as at happy effects. Timothy is sxhorted to exercise A. M. 4070. S A. D. 66. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remem- 9 Who hath saved us, and call- A. M. 4070. God, which is in thee by the putting on of my 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began; 10 But y is now made manifest by the 8 "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who testimony of our Lord, nor of me his pri- hath abolished death, and hath brought 9 || soner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions life and immortality to light through the of the gospel according to the power of God; gospel : t Rom. iii. 20; ix. 11; Tit. iii. 5.—" Rom. viii. 28.~ x Rom. xvi. 25; Eph. i. 4; iii. 11; Tit. i. 2; 1 Pet. i. 20.—y Rom. xvi. 26; Ephesians i. 9; Col. i. 26; Titus i. 3; 1 Pet. i. 20. z 1 Cor. xv. 54, 55; Heb. ii. 14. Verses 6, 7. Wherefore-Because I remember God; 2d, The means, his word and Spirit; 3d, The this; I put thee in remembrance--Because of my end, holiness; not according to our works-See on love to thee; that thou stir up the gift of God Rom. ix. 11; xi. 6.. But according to his own purThat is, every gift which the grace of God has pose and grace-That is, his gracious purpose; (see given thee. The word avawñvρɛw is a metaphori- || on Eph. iii. 11 ;) which was given us in Christcal expression, borrowed from stirring up fire when || Through his mediation and grace; before the world it is almost extinct, and thereby causing it to burn || began-He being appointed, in the everlasting and with a fresh flame. The meaning is, that Timothy || unchangeable counsels of God, to be the Redeemer was to embrace the opportunities which his station || and Saviour of all that should believe in and obey afforded him for improving his spiritual gifts, by him. But now is made manifest-Is openly reboldly and diligently exercising them in inculcating vealed and exhibited; by the appearing of our and defending the doctrines of the gospel. By the || Saviour-By his manifestation in the flesh, and the putting on of my hands--Together with those of publication of the gospel of his grace. Who hath the presbytery, 1 Epist. iv. 14. And let nothing || abolished death-Hath obtained for persevering bediscourage thee, for God hath not given us the spirit || lievers a glorious resurrection even from temporal of fear--That is, the spirit which God hath given | death hereafter, and deliverance from the sting of it us Christians, is not the spirit of fear, or of timidity, here; with a title to, and meetness for, the eternal or cowardice, as detλaç signifies; but of power-life of both soul and body; so that death shall be Banishing fear; or of Christian courage in the midst || of dangers and troubles; and of love--To God and all mankind, animating us to zeal and diligence in God's service, and in our endeavours to save men's souls. And of a sound mind--So as to act according to the best principles of reason and religion. completely swallowed up in victory. And hath brought life and immortality to light-Hath clearly revealed by the gospel that immortal life which he hath purchased for us. Or, if apvapoiav be rendered, as it properly may, not immortality, but incorruption, the meaning will be, he hath clearly revealed the life, or existence and happiness, of the soul imVerses 8-10. Be not thou, therefore--Discouraged || mediately after death, and the incorruption of the by any dangers or trials; or ashamed of the testi- body: or rather, hath made them clear; for the mony of our Lord-The gospel which testifies of word oorio, here used, means to make a thing clear Christ, or of testifying the truth and importance of it and plain which was formerly obscure, a translation to all men; nor of me his prisoner-The cause of which is more proper here than to bring to light. the servants of God, doing his work, cannot be sepa- "For the Israelites had an obscure knowledge of the rated from the cause of God himself. But be thou || immortality of the soul, and of the resurrection of partaker of the afflictions of the gospel-Of such the body, given them in the writings of Moses, as is afflictions as I endure for the gospel's sake: or, be plain from our Lord's words, (Luke xx. 37,) and ready to undergo the persecutions and troubles from what is related 2 Mac. vii. 9, 14, 23. Neverthewhich attend the profession and preaching of the less, as these things were but obscurely revealed in gospel: according to the power of God-That is, the ancient oracles, the far more clear discovery of as God shall enable thee; who hath saved us-By them in the gospel, but especially Christ's express faith in his Son and in his gospel, from sin and mise- promise to raise the dead, and give eternal life to ry, present and eternal, and therefore we may the believers, might with the greatest propriety be called more readily endure any temporal evils for the gos- a making these things clear." The heathen also pel. The love of the Father, the grace of our Saviour, had some confused hopes of the immortality of the and the whole economy of salvation, are here ad- soul, but as they had no ground for these hopes but mirably described. And called us with a holy call- || uncertain tradition and their own wishes, they were ing-A calling holy in regard, 1st, Of the author, || much in the dark concerning it. VOL. II. ( 29 ) 449 b |