Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Nevertheless--Notwithstanding the subversion of their faith, "the firm foundation of God standeth" fast (so the Greek ought to be translated). The "foundation" here is "the Church" [ALFORD], "the ground" or basement support "of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15), Christ Himself being the ultimate "foundation" (1 Corinthians 3:11). In the steadfast standing of the Church there is involved the steadfast certainty of the doctrine in question (2 Timothy 2:18). Thus the "house" (2 Timothy 2:20) answers to the "foundation"; it is made up of the elect whom "the Lord knoweth" (acknowledgeth, recognizes, Psalms 1:6; Matthew 7:23; John 10:14; 1 Corinthians 8:3) as "His," and who persevere to the end, though others "err concerning the faith" (Matthew 24:24; John 10:28; Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 2:19). BENGEL takes "the foundation" to be the immovable faithfulness of God (to His promises to His elect [CALVIN]). This contrasts well with the erring from the faith on the part of the reprobate, 2 Timothy 2:18. Though they deny the faith, God abates not His faithfulness (compare 2 Timothy 2:13).
having--seeing that it has [ELLICOTT].
seal--"inscription": indicating ownership and destination: inscriptions were often engraven on a "foundation" stone (Revelation 21:14) [ALFORD]. This will agree with the view that "the foundation" is the Church (Ephesians 2:20). If it be taken God's immovable faithfulness, the "seal" will be regarded as attached to His covenant promise, with the inscription or legend, on one side of its round surface, "The Lord knoweth (it is 'knew' in the Septuagint, Numbers 16:5, to which Paul here alludes, altering it for his purpose by the Spirit) them that are His"; on the observe side, "Let every one that nameth (as his Lord, Psalms 20:7, or preacheth in His name, Jeremiah 20:9) Christ."
depart--Greek, "stand aloof."
from iniquity-- (Isaiah 52:11). In both clauses there may be an allusion to Numbers 16:5, Numbers 16:26, Septuagint. God's part and man's part are marked out. God chooseth and knoweth His elect; our part is to believe, and by the Spirit depart from all iniquity, an unequivocal proof of our being the Lord's (compare Deuteronomy 29:29; Luke 13:23-27). St. Lucian when asked by his persecutors, "Of what country art thou?" replied, "I am a Christian." "What is your occupation? . . . I am a Christian." "Of what family? . . . I am a Christian." [CHRYSOSTOM, Orations, 75]. He cannot be honored with the name Christian, who dishonors by iniquity, Christ, the Author of the name. Blandina's refreshment amidst her tortures was to say, "I am a Christian, and with us Christians no evil is done" [EUSEBIUS, Ecclesiastical History, 5.1]. Apostasy from the faith is sure soon to be followed by indulgence in iniquity. It was so with the false teachers (2 Timothy 3:2-8, 2 Timothy 3:13).
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Song of Solomon 4:12
Isaiah 28:16
Amos 3:2
Nahum 1:7
Matthew 7:23
John 10:14
1 Corinthians 8:3
Galatians 4:9
Ephesians 2:20
1 Timothy 3:15
1 Timothy 3:15
1 Timothy 4:2
1 Timothy 6:20-21
2 Timothy 2:18
2 Timothy 2:22
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