UTN uW Translation Notes:

2 Timothy 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

4. Encouragement to persevere (2:1–13)
   • Paul instructs Timothy in how to serve Jesus (2:1–7)
   • Paul and the gospel he preaches (2:8–10)
   • A trustworthy saying (2:11–13)
5. Instructions for opposing false teaching (2:14–4:8)
   • Paul instructs Timothy to teach what is right and avoid false teaching (2:14–19)
   • God’s people as a house (2:20–21)
   • Paul explains the traits that should characterize Timothy (2:22–26)

In 2:11–13, Paul either quotes a poetic hymn or composes his own poetry. Because these verses are poetry, the ULT sets each line farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to distinguish them from prose. Consider how you might express these verses as poetry in your language.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

False teaching

In 2:16–18, Paul refers to false teaching. He describes the teaching as “profane empty sayings” that lead to ungodliness. He further indicates that the false teaching can spread like an infectious disease and destroy people’s faith in Jesus. Finally, in 2:23, Paul refers to “foolish and ignorant controversies” that cause debates and divisions within the church. However, Paul writes very little about the content of this false teaching. The only information he gives is that two men who are false teachers say that the resurrection has already happened (see 2:18). This could mean that everyone already has their resurrected bodies, that there is only a spiritual resurrection, or that people who are on earth have somehow missed the resurrection. Paul does not give enough information to know which of these options is what the false teachers were saying. So, it is best to refer to the false teaching in very general terms, as Paul does, without including any information that might be implied.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The three illustrations in 2:4–6

In these three verses, Paul describes a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. He describes these people as illustrations to show how Timothy should behave as a leader and teacher in the church. Since Paul tells Timothy to think carefully about these illustrations so that he can understand them (see 2:7), it is best not to explain the illustrations in your translation. However, if it would be helpful in your language, you could include footnotes that explain what the illustrations might mean. Here are likely interpretations:

1. The soldier avoids becoming involved in matters of regular life. That way, he can please his commander. In the same way, Timothy should focus on pleasing Jesus. To do so, he will need to avoid becoming involved in many things that most people care about.
2. The athlete can only be declared the winner if he or she competes according to the rules. In the same way, Timothy must do what God has required. Only then will he successfully lead and teach other believers.
3. The farmer who works hard should receive a share of the crop before anyone else does. In the same way, if Timothy works hard to serve Jesus, he deserves to receive a reward. This reward could be payment and support from the believers he leads, or it could be the rewards that God will give him at the final judgment.

A house and the containers in it

In 2:19–21, Paul speaks about a house and the containers within it in order to teach Timothy about the church. In 2:19, Paul indicates that “the firm foundation of God” stands despite the false teachers. The firm foundation could represent the gospel, which is the basis for the church, or it could represent the church itself. In 2:20, Paul refers to “containers” that are found within “a great house.” The implication is that this “great house” is built on the “firm foundation” and so, represents God’s people, the church. Paul then speaks about the “containers,” some of which are valuable and durable and some of which are cheap and breakable. The valuable and durable containers are used for honorable tasks, while the cheap and breakable containers are used for dishonorable tasks. The valuable and durable containers probably represent people who serve God well, while the cheap and breakable containers probably represent people, including the false teachers, who are failing to serve God well. Then in 2:21 Paul urges people to cleanse themselves so that they can be like the valuable and durable containers. Since this is an extended metaphor that Paul partly explains in 2:21, you should preserve the figure of speech in some form. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: figs-exmetaphor)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The poetry in 2:11–13

In these verses, Paul either quotes or composes a short work of poetry. Some scholars think that Paul is quoting part of an early hymn. These verses describe the union of believers with Jesus and how Jesus responds when Christians deny and are unfaithful to him. Consider what form your language uses for poetry and for hymns. If possible, express these verses using that form. (See: writing-poetry)