Chapter 1

1:7 - Should we fear God?

* This passage of scripture isn't referring to fearing God.

* 2 Timothy 1:7 and 8 reads, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God."

* Paul is telling believers not to be afraid of other humans, but to be unashamed and courageous.  He also highlights the point that fearing humans isn't a spirit that God has and it is not a spirit that is from God.

* This Greek word for "fear" can also be translated "timidity."

* See "Special Questions" for more on this.

1:9 - God selected us to be either saved or damned, and there isn't a damned thing we can do about it.

* 2 Timothy 1:9 reads, "(God) has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began."  Paul is stating that God hasn't called us to Him because of our good deeds.  He is also saying that God called us according to His own purpose and grace.  Those that reject God are not mentioned.

Chapter 2

2:8 - Paul says that Jesus was "of the seed of David." If so, then his biological father must have been Joseph. But this is denied in Matthew (1:18, 22:41-45) and Luke (1:34).

* Jesus Christ came from the line of David because Joseph was in this line.  Paul described how Jesus' earthly father was from the prophesied lineage of the Messiah.  Therefore, Jesus Christ was legitimately the Messiah because he fulfilled all of the prophecies regarding lineage.

2:12 - "If we deny him [Jesus], he will deny us." Fair is fair!

* This is correct.

2:16-18 - Paul condemns Hymenaeus and Philetus for disagreeing with him about the timing of the resurrection. (See 1 Tim.1:20 and 2 Tim.4:14-15)

* This fallacy was referring to the future resurrection of the saints.  These two thought it had already happened.  They were undermining the Christian religion and spreading a false gospel.  Paul dealt with them accordingly.

2:26 - The devil can take us captive any time he pleases.

* This verse never says the Devil can take us captive any time he pleases.

* This verse is better understood by reading it with verse 24 and 25.  2 Timothy 2:24-26 read, "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him at his will."

* This passage notes the helplessness of an unbeliever.  One who does not trust Christ does not have the power to avoid or overcome the Devil.  The Devil can capture unbelievers.  However, this does not say anything about nullifying God's protection that covers all people, at all times, in various degrees.

Chapter 3

3:3 - Paul says that in the last days people will become evil, "without natural affection." Fundamentalist say that this refers to homosexuals.

* This is a possibility.  However, in the Greek text, this phrase "without natural affection" can also be translated, "without love for kindred."

3:6-7 - In the last days, "silly women" who are "ever learning" will be "led away with divers lusts."

* 2 Timothy 3:6 and 7 read, "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."  This passage is clearly talking about men, not women, who sinfully ensnare women and lead them away by lust, learning unhelpful things, and avoiding the truth of God's Word.

3:12 - Proverbs 16:7 says that godly people will be at peace even with their enemies. But this verse says they will always be persecuted.

* 2 Timothy 3:12 is saying that godly people will be persecuted.  Persecution comes in many forms and for many reasons.  This particular persecution is referring to suffering that occurs when a believer follows God.  This could include losing a job, having an argument, not getting a raise, being shunned, etc.

* Proverb 16:7 is saying that God makes the enemies of the godly at peace with them.  God gives godly people deep peace in large amounts.  However, He never promises them continual and uninterrupted peace on Earth.  They are given times of peace and times of challenges.

3:16 - "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God." Even Judges 19:22-30 and Ezek. 23:20?

* Yes, this is correct.

* The scriptures are an accurate account of God's dealing with diverse people.  Some of the Bible is a historical account of sinful people doing wrong things.  All of the Bible is inspired by God, but not every action recorded in the Bible was godly.

Chapter 4

4:14 - Paul says that God will bring evil on Alexander the coppersmith. Why? Well, because Alexander did Paul "much evil." What goes around comes around.

* God punishes the wicked and rewards the godly.

4:15 - Beware of Alexander, or anyone else who disagrees with Paul.

* Alexander "resisted our words."  Alexander disobeyed God and would not heed His words.  Therefore, Paul issues a warning about him.