2 Thessalonians

Paul urges Timothy to stay in Ephesus to stop false teachers obsessed with myths and genealogies; the goal of his charge is love from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. Paul recounts how God’s mercy turned him—once a blasphemer—into an example of Christ’s perfect patience, and he exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight, keeping faith and a clear conscience, unlike Hymenaeus and Alexander who suffered shipwreck.

Timothy is instructed to lead prayers for everyone, especially authorities, so believers may live peaceful, godly lives; God desires all to be saved through the one Mediator, Christ Jesus. Men must pray without anger, and women are to adorn themselves modestly, learning quietly and not teaching or exercising authority over men—grounded in the creation order and Eve’s deception—yet they will be saved through faith-filled motherhood.

Paul lists qualifications for overseers: above reproach, faithful to one wife, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard or lover of money, managing household well. Deacons likewise must be dignified, sound in faith, tested first, and their wives (or women deacons) must be worthy of respect. These standards uphold conduct in God’s household, the church, which proclaims the great mystery of godliness manifested in Christ.

The Spirit warns that in later times some will abandon the faith for deceptive doctrines forbidding marriage and certain foods; Timothy must expose this error. Good servants are nourished on sound teaching, rejecting godless myths, training in godliness profitable for both present life and the coming one. Despite his youth, Timothy should be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity, devote himself to Scripture reading, teaching, and guard his gift through diligent practice.

Timothy is to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters in all purity. Detailed instructions follow for supporting ‘real’ widows (over sixty, well-known for good works) while relatives should care for their own. Elders who rule well deserve double honor, especially in preaching; accusations require two or three witnesses. Timothy must keep these rules impartially, be cautious in ordaining, drink a little wine for health, remembering that sins and good deeds alike will eventually be revealed.

Slaves should honor their masters so God’s name isn’t slandered. False teachers craving controversy and profit bring envy and strife, but godliness with contentment is great gain; the love of money leads to ruin. Timothy, as a ‘man of God,’ must flee these things, pursue righteousness, fight the good fight, and keep the command until Christ’s appearing. The rich are warned not to be arrogant but generous, laying up treasure for the future. Timothy is to guard the deposit, avoiding irreverent chatter and opposing ‘knowledge’ that causes some to wander from the faith.