2 Timothy 3:8
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.
Just as Jannes and Jambres
The mention of Jannes and Jambres is unique to this passage in the New Testament, as these names do not appear in the Old Testament. According to Jewish tradition and extra-biblical texts, Jannes and Jambres were the magicians in Pharaoh's court who opposed Moses during the Exodus (Exodus 7:11-12). Their opposition to Moses symbolizes the resistance to God's truth and authority. The use of their names here serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle between truth and deception, highlighting the timeless nature of this conflict.

opposed Moses
Moses, as a central figure in the Old Testament, represents God's chosen leader and the bearer of divine truth. The opposition he faced from Jannes and Jambres is emblematic of the broader resistance to God's plans and purposes. This historical context underscores the reality that those who stand for God's truth will inevitably face opposition, just as Moses did. It serves as an encouragement to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

so also these men oppose the truth
The phrase draws a direct parallel between the ancient opposition to Moses and the contemporary opposition faced by Paul and Timothy. "These men" refers to false teachers and those who distort the gospel message. The "truth" here is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is under attack by those who seek to lead believers astray. This opposition is not merely intellectual but is deeply spiritual, as it challenges the very foundation of Christian faith.

They are depraved in mind
The Greek word for "depraved" (κατεφθαρμένοι) suggests a corruption or moral decay. This phrase indicates a fundamental distortion in the thinking and reasoning of those who oppose the truth. Their minds are not aligned with God's wisdom, leading them to embrace falsehoods. This depravity is a result of rejecting God's truth and is a warning of the spiritual consequences of such a rejection.

and disqualified from the faith
The term "disqualified" (ἀδόκιμοι) implies a failure to meet the standard or test. In the context of faith, it means that these individuals have been found lacking in genuine belief and adherence to the gospel. This disqualification is not merely a temporary setback but a serious spiritual condition that separates them from the community of true believers. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of holding fast to sound doctrine and living a life that reflects genuine faith in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jannes and Jambres
These are traditionally understood to be the magicians in Pharaoh's court who opposed Moses by replicating some of the miracles he performed. Although not named in the Old Testament, Jewish tradition and extra-biblical texts identify them as such.

2. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. He is a prophet and lawgiver, and his confrontation with Pharaoh's magicians is a key event in the Exodus account.

3. Paul
The apostle who authored 2 Timothy. He is writing to Timothy, his protégé, to encourage him in his ministry and to warn him about false teachers.

4. Timothy
A young pastor and close companion of Paul. He is the recipient of this letter, which is intended to guide and strengthen him in his leadership role.

5. Pharaoh's Court
The setting of the confrontation between Moses and the magicians, representing the worldly power and opposition to God's truth.
Teaching Points
Opposition to Truth
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, there will always be those who oppose God's truth. Believers must be prepared to stand firm in their faith despite such opposition.

Depravity of Mind
The phrase "depraved in mind" indicates a moral and spiritual corruption. Christians should guard their hearts and minds against influences that lead away from God's truth.

Disqualification from Faith
Being "disqualified from the faith" serves as a warning. It is crucial to remain grounded in sound doctrine and to avoid teachings that deviate from the gospel.

Role of Tradition and Scripture
Understanding the role of tradition, as seen with Jannes and Jambres, can provide deeper insights into Scripture. However, Scripture remains the ultimate authority.

Endurance in Ministry
Timothy is encouraged to endure in his ministry despite opposition. This is a call for all believers to persevere in their faith and witness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of Jannes and Jambres help us understand the nature of opposition to God's truth today?

2. In what ways can we guard our minds against becoming "depraved" as described in 2 Timothy 3:8?

3. How can we discern when someone is "disqualified from the faith," and what should our response be?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh's magicians that apply to our spiritual battles?

5. How can we apply Paul's encouragement to Timothy in our own lives and ministries when facing opposition?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 7-9
The account of Moses confronting Pharaoh and the magicians, which provides the backdrop for understanding the opposition mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:8.

2 Timothy 3:1-7
The preceding verses describe the characteristics of people in the last days, setting the context for the opposition to truth mentioned in verse 8.

1 Timothy 6:20-21
Paul warns Timothy about false knowledge and teachings, similar to the opposition described in 2 Timothy 3:8.

Romans 1:28
Discusses the depraved mind, which parallels the description of those who oppose the truth in 2 Timothy 3:8.
Corruption WithinW.M. Statham 2 Timothy 3:8
Grievous TimesR. Finlayson 2 Timothy 3:1-17
A Faithful Ministry the Best Safeguard Against ErrorT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Bounds Set to Spread of ErrorT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Deceivers Subject to Providence of GodT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Error Cannot StandVan Oosterzee.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Error Utilised and Subjugated At LastT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Error Vanisheth, Truth IncreasethT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
False Teachers ExposedT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Heresies Short-LivedT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Impudent Error Near its EndT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Jannes and JambresA. G. Brown.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Manifest Folly2 Timothy 3:8-9
Men Must Guard Against ErrorT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
Resistance of the TruthVan Oosterzee.2 Timothy 3:8-9
The Character and Aims of the Fake TeachersT. Croskery 2 Timothy 3:8, 9
The Efficiency of the Divine Government Seen in the Limitations of WickednessW. M. Barbour, D. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
The Fall of ErrorT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 3:8-9
The Folly of Opposition to ChristG. S. Bowes.2 Timothy 3:8-9
The Gospel and its EnemiesTable Talk.2 Timothy 3:8-9
The True Nature of ScepticismC. Garrett.2 Timothy 3:8-9
People
Jambres, James, Jannes, Paul, Timothy
Places
Ephesus, Iconium, Lystra, Pisidian Antioch
Topics
Concerned, TRUE, Corrupted, Counterfeit, Debased, Depraved, Disapproved, Evil, Faith, Intellects, Jambres, James, Jannes, Manner, Mind, Minds, Oppose, Opposed, Real, Regard, Regards, Rejected, Reprobate, Resist, Stand, Stood, Teachers, Tested, Thus, Truth, Withstand, Withstood, Worth, Worthless
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Timothy 3:8

     5038   mind, the human
     8787   opposition, to God

2 Timothy 3:1-9

     1025   God, anger of
     8750   false teachings

2 Timothy 3:2-9

     7025   church, unity

2 Timothy 3:6-8

     8028   faith, body of beliefs

Library
Fathers and Children'
Malachi iv. 5, 6. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. These words are especially solemn words. They stand in an especially solemn and important part of the Bible. They are the last words of the Old Testament. I cannot but think that it was God's will that they should stand
Charles Kingsley—Sermons for the Times

Nineteenth Day for the Holy Spirit on Christendom
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Christendom "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."--2 TIM. iii. 5. "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead."--REV. iii. 1. There are five hundred millions of nominal Christians. The state of the majority is unspeakably awful. Formality, worldliness, ungodliness, rejection of Christ's service, ignorance, and indifference--to what an extent does all this prevail. We pray for the heathen--oh! do let us pray for those bearing
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Author to the Reader.
CHRISTIAN READER,--After the foregoing address, I need not put thee to much more trouble: only I shall say, that he must needs be a great stranger in our Israel, or sadly smitten with that epidemic plague of indifferency, which hath infected many of this generation, to a benumbing of them, and rendering them insensible and unconcerned in the matters of God, and of their own souls, and sunk deep in the gulf of dreadful inconsideration, who seeth not, or taketh no notice of, nor is troubled at the
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Some Carriages of the Adversaries of God's Truth with Me at the Next Assizes, which was on the 19Th of the First Month, 1662.
I shall pass by what befell between these two assizes, how I had, by my jailor, some liberty granted me, more than at the first, and how I followed my wonted course of preaching, taking all occasions that were put into my hand to visit the people of God; exhorting them to be steadfast in the faith of Jesus Christ, and to take heed that they touched not the Common Prayer, etc., but to mind the Word of God, which giveth direction to Christians in every point, being able to make the man of God perfect
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers.
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Appendix i. Pseudepigraphic Writings
III. The collection of eighteen hymns, which in their Greek version bear the name of the Psalter of Solomon, must originally have been written in Hebrew, and dates from more than half a century before our era. They are the outcome of a soul intensely earnest, although we not unfrequently meet expressions of Pharisiac self-religiousness. [6315] It is a time of national sorrow in which the poet sings, and it almost seems as if these Psalms' had been intended to take up one or another of the leading
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Holy Scripture.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."-- 2 Tim iii. 16, 17. Among the divine works of art produced by the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Scripture stands first. It may seem incredible that the printed pages of a book should excel His spiritual work in human hearts, yet we assign to the Sacred scripture the most conspicuous place
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle xxx. To Narses, the Religious (Narsæ Relegioso) .
To Narses, the Religious (Narsæ Relegioso) [1710] . Gregory to Narses, &c. When I was sending Romanus the guardian (defensorem) to the royal city, he sought long your letters, but they could not be found: but afterwards they were found among many letters from other persons, your Sweetness, therein telling me of your afflictions and tribulations of spirit, and making known the oppositions to you of bad men. But, I pray you, in all this recall to your mind what I believe too that you never
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Endurance of the World's Censure.
"And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them; neither be afraid of their words, though briars and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions; be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."--Ezekiel ii. 6. What is here implied, as the trial of the Prophet Ezekiel, was fulfilled more or less in the case of all the Prophets. They were not Teachers merely, but Confessors. They came not merely to unfold the Law, or to foretell the Gospel,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Dread of Ridicule.
24th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 24. "And they laughed Him to scorn." INTRODUCTION.--"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. iii. 12.) This is what S. Paul says. This is what everyone of you must make up your mind to, if you intend to live godly lives, and, moreover, to live in Christ. Do you know what that meant to the early Christians? It meant that if they were going to be firm in their faith, live up to their profession, and eschew evil, they should
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Of the Unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of Persons
Deut. vi. 4.--"Hear, O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord."--1 John v. 7 "There are three that bear record in heaven the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost and these three are one." "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Tim. iii. 16. There is no refuse in it, no simple and plain history, but it tends to some edification, no profound or deep mystery, but it is profitable for salvation. Whatsoever
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Honour and Glory unto Him.
IN Revelation V, that great worship scene, beginning some day in heaven and going on into future ages, we read of the Lamb to whom honor and glory are due. He alone is worthy. And every heart who knows Him rejoicing in His love, cries out, "Thou art worthy!" Yea, the sweetest song for the redeemed soul is the outburst of praise, which we find on the threshold of His own Revelation. "Unto Him that loveth us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Inspiration.
"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God."-- Rev. iii. 1. We do not speak here of the New Testament. Nothing has contributed more to falsify and undermine faith in the Scripture and the orthodox view concerning it than the unhistoric and unnatural practise of considering the Scripture of the Old and the New Testament at the same time. The Old Testament appears first; then came the Word in the flesh; and only after that the Scripture
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter xi (Circa A. D. 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims
The Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims He consoles this abbot for the departure of the Monk Drogo and his transfer to another monastery, and exhorts him to patience. 1. How much I sympathize with your trouble only He knows who bore the griefs of all in His own body. How willingly would I advise you if I knew what to say, or help you if I were able, as efficaciously as I would wish that He who knows and can do all things should advise and assist me in all my necessities. If brother Drogo had consulted
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is,
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Discerning Prayer.
INTRODUCTORY. BY D.W. WHITTLE. To recognize God's existence is to necessitate prayer to Him, by all intelligent creatures, or, a consciously living in sin and under condemnation of conscience, because they do not pray to Him. It would be horrible to admit the existence of a Supreme Being, with power and wisdom to create, and believe that the creatures he thought of consequence and importance enough to bring into existence, are not of enough consequence for him to pay any attention to in the troubles
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

The Perfect Heart.
For the eyes of the Lord ran to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him--2 CHRON. xvi. 9. This passage occurs in the history of Asa, one of the most godly and devoted kings that ever sat upon the throne of Judah. We are told in the fourteenth chapter that he commenced his reign by setting himself to destroy the idolatry into which the whole nation had been betrayed by its former ruler, and to restore the worship and service
Catherine Booth—Godliness

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