The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Timothy — Section 17

which Is In Christ Jesus." There is a form of sound words, '·"• there is a correct expression of truth which is to be coveted, because on this depends the healthfulness of the life. To this form Paul bad shaped bis preaching. He bad not indulged in logomnchies, or private speculations, or adaptations to other systems, but he had kept himself, as e. well-disciplined thinker, to e. plain, rational, forcible statement, and urging of what he believed to be necessary for the salvation of souls. Timothy was familiar with his truthful and healthful style; let it be the pattern to which he disciplined his thoughts and his preaching. He could only hold the pattern in the Christian element of faith and love. (2) The good deposit. "That good thing which was committed unto thee guard through the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." This is the san,e thing under a different aspect, viz. the talent of the catholic faith, which a preacher has to guard. It is good, has vast blessings connected with it; therefore it is not to be neglected, it is to be kept from a.II mischances. The preacher must pray, think, use the help of the rule of faith, practise himself. But all his keeping, to be of any avail, must be allowing the Holy Ghost to keep, who is not far to seek, but is an lndweller in our souls. "So he giveth his beloved sleep," delivers him from the consuming restlessness which would haunt him, if the keeping simply depended on himself.-R. F. Vera. 15-18.-l'onlrasts. L PHYGELUB AND HERMOGENES. "This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermo- genes.'' The defection here referred to was from Paul and his interests. It extended to all that were in Asia, i.e. all Asiatics who at one time had been attached to the apostle, and whose attachment was put to the test when in Rome during his imprisonment. It was to have been expected of them that they would have found their way to his dungeon; but, as if they had put it to themselves whether they wonld go or not, they chose the latter alternative. They turned away from him. They probably found some excuse in the pressure of business ; but in the real character of their action it was turning their back on the imprisoned apostle. In this not very numerous class Phygelus and Hermogenes a.re singled out for notice, probably because they had showed the greatest unbrotherliness. We know nothing more of them than is mentioned here. It has been their destiny to be handed down to posterity as men who acted an unworthy part toward a noble man in his extremity. They did not know that such an evil immortality was to attach to their action; but their action was on that account only the more free. Let all our actionq be upright and generous; for we do not know by which of them we shall be kno\vu among men. This del"ection is referred to Timothy as being within his knowledge; for by their example he was to be deterred from coward.ice, and his bravery was to be all the greater that these men were cowards. II. ONESIPHOBUS. There is a distinction observed between the house of Onesiphorus and Onesiphorus himself. With regard to the house of Onesiphorus they are objects of present interest. Blessings are invoked upon them in the sixteenth verse, to the mani- fest exclusion of Onesiphorus himself. At the close of the Epistle the same thing is observable: "Salute the house of Onesiphorus." With regard to Onesiphorus himself, nothing is said about his present: the past tense is used of him, and a wish is expresse<l about his future. It may, therefore, be regarded as certain that Onesiphorus was dead. 1. Interest in departed friends shown in kindness to beloved ones left behind. '' Tile Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus." There are around us the three circles of lovers, friends, acquaintances (Ps. lxxxviii. 18 ). Our love to the innermost circle is to be most intense, which it can be without interfering with our love to the second circle of friends. The proper cultivation of our affections in onr homes will the better qualify us for loving our friends. There is an absence of reserve, and openness to influence, in friendship, which makes it, when properly based, a great blessing. There are duties which we owe to our friends when they are with us, and our duties do not end with their death. Onesiphorus had been the friellll of Paul, and, now that he is crone the large-hearted apostle, in writing to Timothy from his dungeon, breathes a pra"yer ~n behalf of the house of Onesiphorus. The Lord, i.e. Jesus Christ, the great Overseer of the Churches, and Appointer for the several households of which tb.e Churches are composed, grant them mercy. They were objects of syJnpathy, in being depriveJ IL TlllOTBY, 0  18 THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY. [en, 1. 1-18.