2 Timothy 2:2 - Exposition

Which for that , A.V.; from for of, A.V. The things which thou hast heard, etc. Here we have distinctly enunciated the succession of apostolical doctrine through apostolical men. We have also set before us the partnership of the presbyterate, and, in a secondary degree, of the whole Church, with the apostles and bishops their successors, in preserving pure and unadulterated the faith once delivered to the saints. There can be little doubt that St. Paul is here alluding to Timothy's ordination, as in 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 1 Timothy 6:12 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 , 2 Timothy 1:7 , 2 Timothy 1:13 , 2 Timothy 1:14 . Timothy had then heard from the apostle's lips a certain "form of sound words"—something in the nature of a creed, some summary of gospel truth, which was the deposit placed in his charge; and in committing it to him, he and the presbyters present had laid their hands on him, and the whole Church had assented, and confirmed the same. "Thus through many witnesses," whose presence and assent, like that of witnesses to the execution of a deed of transfer of land ( Genesis 23:10 , Genesis 23:16 , Genesis 23:18 ), was necessary to make the transaction valid and complete, had Timothy received his commission to preach the Word of God; and what he had received he was to hand on in like manner to faithful men, who should be able to teach the same to others also. Commit ( παράθου ) ; identifying the doctrine committed to be handed on with the deposit ( παραθήκη ) of 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 1:14 . It is important to note here both the concurrence of the presbyters and the assent of the Church. The Church has ever been averse to private ordinations, and has ever associated the people as consentient parties in ordination (Thirty-first Canon; Preface to "Form and Manner of Making of Deacons," and rubric at close—"in the face of the Church;" "Form and Manner of Ordering of Priests"—"Good people," etc.).