4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
4 A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
4 Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:4
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:1-7
(Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7)
As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read.