“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
While Paul addressed some topics in this letter that were of past and present consideration, here Paul is forward looking to the work that must continue even after his death. There are insights found in this passage that involve the evangelism of the world to every age and generation. Consider some thoughts.
1. Deliver the Same Message. Paul pressed upon Timothy the importance of staying with the same message he had been taught. Paul did not preach a gospel different from the other apostles just because he was an apostle to the Gentiles (cf. Gal. 1:8-9). Paul preached to many different countries and cultures yet the message was the same. He wrote to the Roman brethren, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). Paul warned Timothy of certain ones who would “not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3). In spite of such attitudes and actions Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). There is a great deal of ink being used to address ways to reach the Millenials. The way to reach Millenials (or any other generation for that matter) is with the pure word of God (cf. Prov. 30:5-6). Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).
2. Develop Faithful and Able Men to Keep the Work Going. Paul charged Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). The work of reaching present and future generations cannot rest in the hands of unfaithful and incompetent people. There is such a danger as “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thess. 3:2). Jesus himself developed his apostles to carry out the work. Leaving the Lord’s work in capable hands is one of the greatest needs in the church. Training and encouraging workers is a mark toward a bright future.
3. Delegate Those to Teach Like You Have Been Taught. Paul did not expect Timothy to do all the teaching. Timothy was to do his work while others share in the work. Paul told Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men” (2 Tim. 2:2). Another translation uses the word “entrust” (2 Tim. 2:2, ESV). Paul wrote to Timothy previously, “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;” (1 Tim. 1:18). The strength in the word “commit” denotes the obligation and importance of carrying out the work. If one is going to delegate a part of the work to be done by others, they should be expected to do it. Paul expected Timothy to do his work.
Jimmy Clark