NOTES for Ti2 3:14-4:5

At the conclusion of his instruction to Timothy, Paul again and again urges him not to retreat from the ministry entrusted to him, whose meaning is witness and faithfulness to what forms the foundation of Christian life. Sacred Scripture, which according to the apostle's testimony he had studied from childhood, should help Timothy in this (vv. 14-17). Paul, as can be seen, does not specify exactly which books he means, but it is not hard to understand that he has in mind first of all that part of the Jewish canon which in Judaism is called the "Latter Prophets." It was based on records of the preaching of Israel's great prophets, who testified, among other things, to the coming Messiah and to the advent of the messianic Kingdom. But the apostle, remaining faithful to his understanding of the Torah, reminds his disciple that all Sacred Scripture is useful for training in righteousness (v. 16; in the Synodal translation, "for instruction in righteousness"). Sacred Scripture for Paul is not a source of ideas for justifying one religious doctrine or another, but a spiritual compass that helps the faithful find their bearings on the road to the Kingdom, so as not to stray from the path of righteousness.

Meanwhile, judging by the apostle's words, there will be many who want to knock them off this path, especially since the time is already near when many themselves will be glad to be deceived, listening to teachers who say what their followers like to hear (vv. 3-4). Such mass spiritual dishonesty may at first glance appear strange, but it becomes more understandable if we remember the features of fallen human nature, which in general tends to avoid everything that can cause it pain or discomfort, even for the sake of its healing. Meanwhile, Paul had more than once had to say and write that everyone who wants not simply to talk about the Torah, but to follow it seriously, will be forced to go against his own sinfulness, a process that no one will find either easy or pleasant. Spiritual life is not intellectual pleasures and not religious raptures, but the path of resisting evil. And this path is much harder than the path of the theoretical theologian or the religious activist, for both of them can enjoy the fruits of their labor already in this world, while the righteous person will see them only at the end of a long and difficult road. It is no surprise that many prefer other, easier paths, to which the teachers mentioned by Paul call them, over the path of righteousness that leads to the Kingdom. But "myths," even the most colorful and fascinating, will not replace genuine life, and the apostle reminds his disciple of the ministry laid upon him by the Church, the ministry of a witness who points seekers to the path into the Kingdom.