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2 Timothy 2:5

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

2 Timothy 2:5

Verse 5 of 26

Scripture focus

And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

2 Timothy 2:5 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:5

Theological / Devotional

Strive for masteries. Gr. athled, “to engage in a contest,” “to contend in gymnastic games,” “to go into athletics.” Our English word “athletics” is derived from athled. Here Paul introduces another parallel to the Christian minister, that of the athlete (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27).

Crowned. That is, wreathed with the victory garland (see on 1 Cor. 9:25).

Lawfully. Any athlete who violates the rules of the contest is disqualified. Again Paul allows Timothy to deduce the intended parallel with the Christian minister. Regardless of the quantity of sermons preached and people visited, if the minister does not teach “sound words” (ch. 1:13) or does not clothe his message with the winsomeness and love of Christ, all his labors will prove to have been in vain (cf. Matt. 7:22-23).

By SdaBc