2 Timothy 3:8-11 - They will not get very far

3:8,9

Who were Jannes and Jambres? They aren’t mentioned in the Bible (except here). According to Jewish tradition they were two of Pharaoh’s magicians who opposed Moses (Ex 7:11). This myth must have been known about and Paul is likening to false teachers to these two men. Yet again we see Paul speaking most bluntly about the false teachers, they are men of depraved minds, who are rejected according to the faith. What they taught had no relationship with the truth. There are times when we should take an equally robust approach towards false teachings today. However, Paul does not think they will get very far, just as Jannes and Jambres did not.

3:10,11

Paul then draws a contrast between Timothy and the position of these various false teachers, and Paul draws attention to himself. None of us are perfect, but we should be living examples of the effective grace of God. When we come to Christ, when we are born again, the whole direction of our life changes. Instead of living in rebellion against God we are living as sons and servants of God. So Paul reminded Timothy that he knew all about Paul’s teaching and his way of life. This included his purpose, his faith, his patience, love, endurance, persecutions and sufferings. Paul’s “success” was not merely founded upon having the right doctrine or theology (important though that is) but on patience and endurance. For there will be persecutions and sufferings. Paul pointed to himself and said this how to win the battle. And Paul singles out a couple of specific instances. Yet he finishes by saying that the Lord rescued him from them all.