17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker:
17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
17 they accumulate as poison in the soul. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples,
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law-settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things."
15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things."
15 But it sounds to me like one more Jewish squabble, another of your endless hairsplitting quarrels over religion. Take care of it on your own time. I can't be bothered with this nonsense,"
15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters."
15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters."
(Read Acts 18:12-17)
Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office. It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, but yet would not let them, under pretence of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak slightly of a law and religion which he might have known to be of God, and which he ought to have acquainted himself with. In what way God is to be worshipped, whether Jesus be the Messiah, and whether the gospel be a Divine revelation, are not questions of words and names, they are questions of vast importance. Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice. Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them, who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as Gallio, who cared for none of these things.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:17
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:14-21
(Read 2 Timothy 2:14-21)
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.