Paul is well known for presenting a dichotomy in his writings, comparing two things that are opposites to highlight the differences. He does exactly that in this week’s passage.
You can see it for yourself in 2 Timothy 3:12-13:
In the previous verses, Paul gave Timothy some very positive encouragement, giving some personal examples of his own sufferings. The point of this was to strengthen Timothy to face the trials and persecutions that would come.
What Paul was encouraging obliquely in those verses, he now states unequivocally. Persecution was not limited to people like Paul, who traveled the world, presenting the gospel message to all who would hear it. Rather, if anyone desires to live a godly life, he will be persecuted.
The word “desire” seems to connect back to “purpose” in verse 10, indicating that there is willful determination driving the heart of the one committed to God.
“In Christ Jesus” reflects the intimate relationship between the believer and his Lord. For Paul, life is clearly centered in Christ, and he encourages Timothy to prioritize his life in the same way.
From here, Paul changes direction, and compares the righteous with the false teachers that Timothy has had to deal with in Ephesus. Such evil men, impostors who do not represent the truth, will go downhill. Paul states that there is a progressive downward spiral in the lives of such people.
He goes on to say that they are “deceiving and being deceived.” These false teachers have led others to believe that something that is false and wrong is really true and right. They deceive others.
But they themselves are also deceived. They are as much under the deception as they ones they present the deception to. They are victims of the same false beliefs that they spread. They believe as true the falseness that they spread.
This continues to energize the downward spiral that their false teaching propagates. They believe the teaching they spread, enabling others to believe those same false teachings, which they then begin to repeat and spread further, leading to numerous others being captivated by the heresy.
When Paul presents two opposing views of a situation, as he has done here, the correct choice is obvious. But, in case anyone should wonder what the right choice might be, Timothy especially, he will make it clear in the very next sentences. But that is a discussion for next week.
Question: Paul states that living a godly life will result in persecution. How have you experienced this? How did you respond? You can leave a comment by clicking here.