But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be.
they shall proceed no further--Though for a time (Ti2 2:16) "they shall advance or proceed (English Version, 'increase') unto more ungodliness," yet there is a final limit beyond which they shall not be able to "proceed further" (Job 38:11; Rev 11:7, Rev 11:11). They themselves shall "wax worse and worse" (Ti2 3:13), but they shall at last be for ever prevented from seducing others.
But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was. (3) He adds a comfort: the Lord will at length take off all their masks.
But thou hast fully known my doctrine,.... This, with what follows, is said in opposition to the characters, principles, and practices of the above wicked men, and for the imitation and encouragement of Timothy, and of others, whether ministers or private believers: the apostle calls the doctrine he delivered, "my doctrine": not because he was the author of it, or that it was a scheme...