having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Paul tells Timothy the Church will face terrible diseases that demand uncommon fidelity and watchfulness from her pastors. When all goes well we grow careless; but necessity sharpens us. He prepares Timothy for arduous work ahead.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Timothy must not think it strange if there were in the church bad men; for the net of the gospel was to enclose both good fish and bad, Mat 13:47, Mat 13:48. Jesus Christ had foretold (Mt. 24) that there would come seducers, and therefore we must not be offended at it, nor think the worse of religion or the church for it.
Commenting on 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Having a form of godliness,.... Either a mere external show of religion, pretending great piety and holiness, being outwardly righteous before men, having the mask and visor of godliness; or else a plan of doctrine, a form of sound words, a scheme of truths, which men may have without partaking of the grace of God; and which, with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity...