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Tag: false teaching

2 Timothy 4 – Preach the Word
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word..
Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy 4:1-2a CSB

Paul’s tone in the closing of his final letter to pastors — especially Timothy — strikes a most serious Apostolic climaxic chord. Paul’s edict recalls his own commanded authority as an Apostle under God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

An Edict to Preach

“I solemnly charge you,” captures this formal seriousness of Apostolic authority, although this English translation does not literally capture Paul’s charge word-for-word.

What is an edict?
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Since 21st century Common Era English ears consider such authority archaic, trace its definition from  earlier eras:
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edict is a borrowing from Latin. edictum.

In the Roman law. An edict; a mandate, or ordinance. An ordinance, or law, enacted by the emperor without the senate.

source: thelawdictionary.org

The earliest known use of the noun edict is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

Oxford English Dictionary
1. a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority.
  - Synonyms: pronouncement, dictum
2. any authoritative proclamation or command.
source: Dictionary.com

Some translations read,

“I charge you therefore,”

correctly connecting the Apostle’s edict to everything Paul as preached and written in this final letter.

By what Authority?

Common Era christians such as us might well ask, ‘who made you judge, jury and executioner?’

But it NOT the same question of Paul which the Apostle answered in writing two thousand years ago. The Apostle’s answer confirmed by other scriptures: it is not he who judges, but God by whose Authority he preaches and writes.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word;

Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy 4:1-2a – Authorized (King James Version)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,” the Apostle writes to the faithful.
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Allow me to say it again: Paul writes to the Church.
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These are the Holy witnesses of Truth conveyed by Scripture.

Perhaps this charge rings familiar to any witnessing a ceremony of vows of Christian marriage.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,” reads the New American Bible.

God and..

ἐνώπιον θεοῦ καί

“before [enōpion ]GOD [theos] and [kai]

Paul clearly charges Timothy and the church to obey his teaching “with God as [my/his/our] witness.”

The Apostle adds a second and equal witness.

ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
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You may recognize His Name (in Greek) from other Scripture. 
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‘the lord’ [ho kyrios] iēsous christos

the Lord Jesus Christ

THEREFORE, with the witness of God and the witness of the Lord Jesus Christ — the Apostle to the gentiles (including most Christians) commands our faithfulness to God and Christ.

Would an unbeliever ask, ‘AND who are God and the Lord JESUS Christ, that I should do what Scripture says?”
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The Apostle is NOT speaking to the unbeliever, but to the saint who claims Jesus as our Lord and Savior, propitiation for our sin and judge of all men [humankind, for you who choose], AND the pastor [like Timothy] discerning false followers among his fold. 
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I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom.

2 Timothy 4:1 – Common English Bible

coming again to judge the quick and the dead.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick [KJV from gk. zaō] and the dead [nekros]!

A 21st century christian little schooled in Scripture will find further study in these terms related to judgment which the Apostle Paul employs here in his last testament to pastors and the Church.

Much false teaching has evolved in these last days (centuries and millennia) in the Church — Scripture twisted by men and women commissioned with the highest responsibility of Truth who the Apostle would condemn before God and Christ.

The Preaching of a Man of God[a]
- Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead,[b]
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Two theological notes from the New Catholic Bible
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Footnotes
a. 2 Timothy 4:1 Apostles, missionaries, and pastors are first of all men of the Gospel and evangelization. The project that animates their existence is to awaken human beings to the true worship of the living God. This is a much more pressing task when a swarm of vain ideas sows confusion. Such a time has come, says Paul.

b. 2 Timothy 4:1 Living and the dead: Christ will return to judge both the living and the dead (see Mt 25:31; Jn 5:26-29; 1 Thes 4:15-17). This was doubtless an early teaching (see Acts 10:42; 1 Pet 4:5), and it became part of the Creed.

all links to Biblegateway.com New Catholic Bible © 2019

Apostles Creed 12 quick answers for christians

Although English punctuation in what Paul writes next varies, don’t disconnect the following edict from what the Apostle has just introduced as our solemn duty.

κήρυξον τὸν λόγον

(Preach the word!)

You’re a preacher, aren’t you?

kēryssō – verb, Of uncertain affinity

Think, John the Baptist.

Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching^G2784 in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Gospel of Matthew 3:1-2 LSB

He preached to those who sought him.

Or think of the Lord Jesus as He went out with the Gospel.

And Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching G2784 the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.

Matthew 4:23 LSB

The Apostle Peter wrote of Christ preaching to both the quick and the dead:

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

By which also he went and preached G2784 unto the spirits in prison;

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

First Epistle of Peter 3:18-20 KJV

Preach the Gospel by Paul’s example

you, therefore, who teach [didaskō] another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach G2784 that one shall not steal, do you steal?

Romans 2:21 LSB

For you remember, brothers, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed G2784 to you the gospel of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 LSB

but we preach G2784 Christ crucified,

to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,

but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 LSB

Be Prepared

Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.

2 Timothy 4:22 NIV

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:22 AKJV

STAND BY…

Paul’s verb, ephistēmi, instructs us to always be present, used esp. of persons coming upon one suddenly
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon G2186 them, – Luke 2:9 KJV
- And the night following the Lord stood by G2186 him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. – Acts of the Apostles 23:11 KJV
Reprove, Rebuke Exhort

Harsh words to 21st c. Common Era ears.

And IF we hear these from the pulpit these tend towards those not of our same flock, rather than directed to the refining of the faithful.

Never-the-less, the Apostle’s edict commands Timothy and other pastors to do these.

THREE THINGS:
1. elegchō – Reprove
2. epitimaō – Rebuke
3. exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
in all long-suffering and teaching

Let’s begin with DOCTRINE.

Doctrine is quite simply, TEACHING (whether the preacher or false teacher tells you the truth about his, or not).

It’s very much an authoritative King James type word, but some English translations just call it what it is: INSTRUCTION.

διδαχή – didachē – Doctrine

Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching G1322 which you learned, and turn away from them.

Paul’s letter to the Romans 16:17 LSB

[The Bishop {overseer} must be].. holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching G1322, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict.

Paul’s pastoral epistle to Titus 1:7-9 excerpt LSB

Be Patient
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Who remembers the Boy Scout motto: BE PREPARED?
A Leader or Teacher's motto might well be: 
BE PATIENT.
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What Christ-follower has not experienced, ALL-LONGSUFFERING?

The Apostles suffered, indeed longsuffered for their faith. Timothy and others had lived long in the persecution of the saints in several cities.

Descriptions in other translations:
- Patience, or all patience
- complete patience,
- great patience
- unfailing in patience
If you have proclaimed Christ crucified and risen — JESUS as your ONLY Savior from damnation and just punishment in death by Almighty God — you, beloved believer, must be patient, long-suffering with others.

Paul’s Apostolic Edict to Pastors:
- Preach the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
- Be ready and persevere in ministry.
- Reprove, Rebuke and Encourage – with all patience.
Understand this Apostolic importance of correcting false teachings and sinful behavior within the church, always with love and truth.

“Reprove” involves correcting false beliefs or behaviors, aligning with the corrective nature of Scripture as described in 2 Timothy 3:16.

“Rebuke” is a stronger form of correction, often necessary to address persistent sin, as seen in Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23.

“Encourage” involves building up and supporting believers, similar to the exhortations found in Hebrews 10:24-25. Together, these actions reflect the balance of truth and love in ministry.

source: BibleHub.com

Endure in Sound Doctrine

ὑγιαίνω διδασκαλία

figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)

metaph. of Christians whose opinions are free from any mixture of error

of one who keeps the graces and is strong

source: blueletterbible.org

The Apostle to Jesus Christ warns once more against false teaching constantly invading in the church.

Previously from Paul:

..the law is made .. for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, or the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers

—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

1 Timothy 1:9-12 excerpt NIV

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

1 Timothy 4:1-2,6 KJV

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

First Epistle of Paul to Timothy 6:5 KJV

2 Timothy 4:3 – a second reminder

For the time will come
when people will not tolerate sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves
because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3 CSB

When the church will not tolerate sound doctrine

We read in the Common English Bible: ‘There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching.’

Paul and the other Apostles all warned of it. Some heresies already seeping into the Church became rampant even before the fall of Rome. Another turning from doctrine by the Church itself resulted in a millenial dark age defying the Scriptural light of Apostolic faith in the early Church.

The Protestant Reformation returned this Light of Christ and the Gospel for a time. Then a great awakening reignighted a remnant faith once more.

Even into the 20th century an enlightened mankind would at least acknowlege God and Jesus Christ. But now in the Common Era, most will not.

An Insatiatiable Common Era church

WHY?

We find Paul’s reasoning here in this text 21st c. pulpits dare not say to our own Sunday gathering of sinners (forgiven ONLY in Christ)?

.. but after their own lusts G1939 …

2 Timothy 4:3b KJV

These are a longing (especially for what is forbidden); to lust after something we really want replacing what God desires.

Other translations suggest, ‘to suit their own desires,’ or ‘they will follow their own desires,’ or even accuse that it is, ‘because they are self-centered.’

What does the Apostle warn will happen?
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Recognize here the life of our Common Era communities and churches:
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.. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

2 Timothy 4:3b NIV

Preaching to itching ears

“..to suit their own desires” (lusts) the church will ordain teachers to preach to multitudes of “itching ears”

They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 4:4 NKJV

When did the desires of the multitudes become the gospel of false teaching?

The Apostle WARNS that this could happen and urges Timothy to beware of these false teachers.

but you watch

5 But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances.

Common English Bible

5 But you, keep your head in all situations,

NIV

But as for you, exercise self-control in everything

2 Tim 4:5a CSB

in all things:
- endure afflictions
The Apostle Paul emphasized this, by contrast to false teachers, in the early part of this epistle.

2 Timothy 2 – Strong Teachers Charge them before God

The Apostolic call of Paul to endure all things will ring familiar in ears to hear his gospel preached to many churches.

.. it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love [agapē] never fails..

do the work of an evangelist

εὐαγγελιστής – euangelistēs –
- What is an evangelist?
the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2099/lsb/tr/0-1
- AND what is the work of an evangelist?
From εὐαγγελίζω (G2097)

The KJV translates Strong’s G2097 in the following manner: preach (23x), preach the Gospel (22x), more

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming G2097 the good G2097 news G2097 that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts of the Apostles 5:42 LSB

Jesus instructs us in the works of the evangelist.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them,

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Gospel of John 6:28-29 NKJV

Carry on

“Fulfill your ministry,” translate several versions of 2 Timothy 4:5.

Paul has fulfilled his Apostolic mission and in closing his final epistle the Apostle now encourages Timothy to carry on — ‘make full proof of thy ministry’ [KJV], discharge all the duties of your ministry [NIV].

NEXT: Paul will pass the torch to Timothy in closing his final epistle.
2 Timothy – Apostolic Faith SeriesActs 1-20 synopsis with links
Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
February 27, 2026
2 Timothy 3 Standing Strong against Apostasy
Apostasy

to fall away – The abandonment of one’s religion.

The word apostasy is rarely found in the Eng. Bible.. But the reality expressed by the word is found frequently. Israel’s history was one of continual apostasy as the people deliberately turned away form the God who had redeemed them out of Egypt, and followed false gods and sinful ways… In the NT apostasy occurs when men turn aside from following Jesus and deny Him after having previously confessed Him as Lord.

The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, p.216

Why is the Apostle Paul so concerned for some small misleading by men within the church?

How do some teachers oppose the true worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Who are they?

But Mark This:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

2 Timothy 3:1 NIV

χαλεπός – chalepos –
- perhaps from G5465 through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, i.e. dangerous, or (by implication) furious:—fierce, perilous.
The Apostle Paul continues in his second epistle to pastors, beginning a central section we label, 2 TIMOTHY 3, with a reminder of danger announced in the NIV, “But mark this: ..”

Paul’s WARNING from his previous epistle

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will [aphistēmi] fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience, ..

1 Timothy 4:1-2 LSB

The great enemy of God is not Nation or Ruler who turns upon God’s people from without, but the strong-speaking leader weakening the Lord’s elect from within.

Roger@TalkofJesus.com

2 Timothy 3:

The Apostle has already cautioned in his second epistle to beware of men like Jannes and Jambres who betrayed Moses. Now Paul reminds Timothy and others of his personal example to them from the time he first witnessed to them.

You, however, know all about my teaching,

my way of life,

my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—

Second pastoral Epistle of Paul to Timothy 3:10-11a NIV

And Paul then outlines some life-threatening events many of them witnessed which proved his faith through several persecutions and many injuries suffered:

—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.

Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

2 Timothy 3:11b NIV

Iconium – A Pattern of Persecution
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Who would endure such suffering for Jesus Christ if not a witness to Truth? 
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And it will not ONLY be Apostles, cautions Paul:

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13
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HOW do faithful believers discern the difference between true Christ-followers and those misrepresenting JESUS for their own worldly gain?
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The DANGER WITHIN threatens the CHURCH often unnoticed during DIFFICULT TIMES, because its leaders overlook Scripture.

Last Days and Difficult Times

2 Timothy 3 Danger Within during Difficult Times
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The last days — eschatos hēmera, difficult times — chalepos kairos... 
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kai toutous apotrepō – from such turn away.

Avoid such people!

YES, they may be prominent members, even Elders, leaders, priests or pastors in Christ’s church where you worship.

They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

2 Timothy 3:5 New English Translation

Knowing What You Know

The Apostle compares his own life to a different life promised by false teachers.

(For these are only the beginning of the last days before Christ’s return).

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV
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So how does a pastor like Timothy, or Elder, or simply a humble saint know who to believe? 
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Questions for a Common Era christian church
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Have any priestly men of your parrish repented of the calf replaced by idols of a woman worshiped?
 
Did episkopois above bishops elevate hagios long passed as ancient intercessors worshiped? 

Do spotlights illuminate your idols on stage for a multitude little different than what Moses witnessed on descent from Sinai?

Does your vaulting cathedral show wooden pillars of pastoral vision as the calf gathering those led by Jannes and Jambres into the worship of a new King? 

Has worldly refreshment replaced Scripture in the house of the Lord?

Is the Christ of true Scripture rejected in place of some other calf-like JESUS proclaimed king without taking up a Cross? 
```
But they won’t get away with this for long.

Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

2 Timothy 3:9 NLT

Recognizing Apostasy from Scripture

As mentioned earlier we will not find the word “apostasy” frequently in the Bible, but Scripture reveals apostate acts of turning against God and Christ throughout.

Follow the meaning and connection of some of these related root words from both the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible:

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the [apostasia] apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God.

Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians 2:2-3 LSB – regarding letters from false teachers
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ἀποστασία apostasía, ap-os-tas-ee'-ah; feminine of the same as G647; defection from truth 
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And they said, “Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE G647 [apostasion] AND [apolyō] SEND her AWAY.”

But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote for you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE…”

Gospel of Mark 10:4-6 LSB
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ἀποστάσιον apostásion, ap-os-tas'-ee-on; neuter of a (presumed) adjective from a derivative of G868; properly, something separative, i.e. (specially) divorce:—(writing of) divorcement. 
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“And those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy,
and these have no root;
they believe for a while,
and in time of temptation
fall^G868 away^G868.
Gospel of Luke 8:13 LSB — Strong’s G868 – aphistēmi – to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:—depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.

LXX – Septuagint – O.T. translations from the Greek

Old Testament
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The Septuagint, often abbreviated as LXX, is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, traditionally said to have been translated by seventy or seventy-two Jewish scholars in the 3rd century BC. 
```
The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek was necessitated by the dispersion of the Jewish people throughout the Hellenistic world, particularly in Egypt, where many Jews had lost their Hebrew language skills.

The Septuagint holds particular significance in early Christianity, as it was the version of the Old Testament most frequently quoted by the New Testament authors.

The use of the Septuagint by the early Church Fathers further solidified its role in Christian theology and exegesis.

source: BibleHub.com

Strong’s G868 – aphistēmi – LXX
- to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove
  - to excite to revolt
- to stand off, to stand aloof
Strong’s Number G868 matches the Greek ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi),
which occurs 150 times in 138 verses in the LXX Greek.

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

Exodus 23:7 KJV

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Deuteronomy 7:4 KJV

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

2 Kings 15: (4X)

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Psalm 6;8
```
 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; 
and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might. 
 The sinners in Zion are afraid; 
fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. 
 Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? 
who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? 

- Isaiah 33:14-15 KJV 
```
more Apostasy from the Hebrew Bible [O.T.]

Various Hebrew words could be translated into English as ‘apostasy.’

If you read more books of the Prophets, such as Isaiah {above}, you will see their turning against God repeatedly.

Your evil will chastise you,
and your apostasy will reprove you.
Know and see that it is evil and bitter
for you to forsake the LORD your God;
the fear of me is not in you,
declares the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 2:19 ESV
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Strong's H4878 - mᵊšûḇâ
turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding 
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Hosea

The entire book of Hosea essentially outlines the faithlessness of God’s ‘chosen people.’

Historical Context [8th century B.C.]:
Hosea’s prophetic career spanned the reigns of several kings of Israel, including Jeroboam II, and possibly extended into the early years of the Assyrian conquest. This period was marked by political instability, social injustice, and rampant idolatry. The Northern Kingdom was prosperous but spiritually bankrupt, having turned away from Yahweh to worship Baal and other Canaanite deities.

source: BibleHub.com

.. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.

Hosea 1:2a KJV

Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

Hosea 4:15

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:

it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.

Hosea 8:7-8

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt…

And my people are bent to backsliding [mᵊšûḇâ – מְשׁוּבָה ] from me:

though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Hosea 11:1,7 KJV

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.

I will heal their apostasy [mᵊšûḇâ];
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.

Hosea 14:1,4 KJV

live a godly life in Christ Jesus

But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

2 Timothy 3:13-14 NLT

NEXT: All Scripture

Talk of JESUS . com

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
February 3, 2026
Confront and Correct with a Clear Conscience
Are you afraid of CONFRONTATION?

(the Apostle Paul seems to imply by asking Timothy to be strong…)

2 Timothy 2 – Strong Teachers Charge them before God

Remind them of these things:

2 Timothy 2:14a

Paul builds up Timothy and other pastors true to following the Way of Jesus Christ. And further, the Apostle would confront false teachers by binding them with an oath.

.. and solemnly charge them in the presence of God

2 Timothy 2:14b NASB

Warn them before God against quarreling about words;

2 Timothy 2:14b NIV

and charge them before the Lord [God or theos] to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14b RSV

It’s serious business, this work of pastors leading their church!

Various Bible translations head this section:
- An Unashamed Workman
- A Worker Approved by God
- Dealing With False Teachers
- Approved and Disapproved Workers
Which type of worker are you?

Accurately Handle the Word of Truth

Legacy Standard Bible

Confronting the World

Believe it or not, MOST Common Era christians do NOT like confrontation concerning the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WE THE PEOPLE of our certain JESUS-worshiping church don’t even talk about the Way OR the Truth .. even to each other.

OR do most churches challenge the community we include in our worship: to confess our own sins, accept forgiveness in Christ and walk in a new and narrow way.

THE WORLD, on the other hand, speaks sharp words against christians, seeking our conciliation to include their sins and gods of self as acceptable to God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

But to borrow a frequent response of the Apostle to such an argument, I answer:

“BY NO MEANS.”
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AND, as Jesus said, it is not you, beloved believer, that the world hates: 
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“The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I bear witness about it, that its deeds are evil.

Gospel of John 7:7 LSB

Therefore the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy and pastors:

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:1a LSB

Be diligent to present yourself
approved to God as a workman
who does not need to be ashamed,
accurately handling the word of truth.
Second Letter of of the Apostle Paul to Timothy 2:15 LSB

Now the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy HOW and WHO to confront, making certain that his (or our) motives are pure since cleansed in Christ.

But avoid worldly and empty chatter

Paul begins by warning who NOT to debate. For the Apostle has already instructed this in his previous epistle.

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning aside from godless and empty G2757 chatter G2757 and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge—

1 Timothy 6:20 LSB – Strong’s G2757 – kenophōnia

YES, the FALSE teachers seeking to challenge the purity of TRUTH in your church always claim knowledge that goes against God.

So Paul begins again in this letter:

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
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Empty disputing, worthless babble. From a presumed compound of kenos and phone; empty sounding, i.e. Fruitless discussion.
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source: G2757 BibleHub.org
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Have you ever encountered anyone in a Bible study or Church gathering who always seems to go on about something that has nothing to do with you, what you are discussion or what a selection of Scripture says? 
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“and their talk will spread like gangrene, Paul warns, citing two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus.

What truth do they challenge?

This is an important question of discernment for the pastor up against false teaching. And the Apostle points to a common false teaching of these two men with knowledge spreading into Ephesus and beyond like gangrene.

They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith.

2 Timothy 2:18 NET

How does the Apostle assure us?

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription:

“The Lord knows those who are his,” and

“Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

2 Tim 2:19 NIV

quoting Scripture: Numbers 16:5, Joel 2:23

Paul and pastors encountering FALSE knowledge quote Scripture, God’s written word — accurately.

Now the Apostle to the gentiles speaks to our own accountability, specifically that of Timothy as the pastor who must confront such patently false teaching.

Sanctifying the saints

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.

2 Timothy 2:20 ESV

Common or Sanctified Honorable Vessels

In his epistle to the Romans, Paul points to God – owner of the great house – as maker of every vessel formed regardless of its common use or honorable gilded gloss of silver or gold.

Paul’s letter to the Romans 9:21 KJV

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Although the saints and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ understood a vessel as an implement made for household use, the Apostle uses the familiar metaphor for σκεῦος [skeuos] for a man of quality, as a chosen instrument (honorable) or ‘in a bad sense, an assistant in accomplishing an evil deed’ [dishonorable, as a false teacher would choose].

Jesus remarks, as Paul and Timothy would well know:

No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, [G4632 – vessels]

except he will first bind the strong man;

and then he will spoil his house.

Gospel of Mark 3:27 KJV

The STRONG pastor, as the Apostle encourages Timothy, will CONFRONT any intruder with false truth

AND as an honorable vessel sanctified by the Lord of the House, CORRECT his (or her) false teaching.

But first, purify yourself

What’s a church to do when a false teacher steps into the spotlight of doctrine and truth?

Imagine Timothy making the NEWS..

Or suppose that your church wants you to tolerate some leader’s unrepentant sin?

The Apostle Paul points first to sanctification of yourself.

DON’T be a common vessel, but an honorable one for Christ.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor,

sanctified, useful to the Master,

having been prepared for every good work.

Now flee from youthful lusts

and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Paul’s Second Pastoral Epistle to Timothy 2:2:21-22 LSB

9 Characteristics of a Faithful Believer

In verses 21-26, Paul sets forth nine characteristics that mark a faithful, godly believer who is a vessel of honor.

Source: MACARTHUR COMMENTARY ON 2 Timothy, p.88
1. a cleansed life
2. a sanctified soul
3. be useful to God
4. be prepared for service
5. have a pure heart
6. and have a discerning mind
7. a gentle manner
8. a humble spirit
9. and a compassionate attitude.
How’d you do?

How many of these 9 honorable traits Paul suggests fit you as a ‘workman‘ in the large house with various vessels for use?

Do YOU have a clear conscience?

The clear conscience of a sanctified saint (believer).

a good conscience and an unhypocritical faith

The Apostle had already challenged Timothy and leaders of the Ephesian church in his first epistle:
But the goal of our command is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and an unhypocritical faith.
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(later urging Timothy) 
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.. that by them you may fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some, having rejected, suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith.

1 Timothy 1:5, 18c-19 LSB
Now, after making certain that church leaders (some who have strayed from the faith), the Apostle commands them HOW to deal with those false teachers in their midst.

When and How to Correct Them
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John MacArthur points to these leadership decisions as requiring A DISCERNING MIND.
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Paul instructs Timothy in this face-to-face conversational combat a strong Pastor faces.

But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23 HCSB

Foolish, an accusative plural adjective, Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.

Although we know what ignorant means, accusative adjective – Untrained, uneducated, showing a want of training or education, ignorant. Uninstructed, i.e. stupid.

source:

Why mention it?

The Apostle warns, DON”T engage them.

In fact, because of the conflicts such debates cause, leaders must refuse speculations that restart old battles.

The Apostle reminds Timothy and church leaders that a slave (of the Lord’s household) not only must not quarrel, but also must be kind toward everyone.
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Have any trouble with that one?
Does this sound familiar?
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Blessed are the meek:

for they shall inherit the earth.

Gospel of Matthew 5:5 KJV from the teaching of Jesus

Teaching, rather than debating the ignorant

but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition..

2 Timothy 2:24b-25a LSB

The King James Version translates πραότης – praotēs, as meekness (rather than gentleness, or humility NKJV). And why not teach as the Master, the Teacher and Truth of those who may believe, as Paul suggests:

.. if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:25b-26

Was it not lasting Truth and forgiveness spoken by Stephen that began bringing a senseless Saul from the snare of the devil?

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to remain strong in the Truth and to teach with a gentleness of words from his humble sanctified spirit.

NEXT: Danger Within during Difficult Times

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
January 23, 2026