3:1 This 1 know also, that in the last days perilous times
shall come.
(1) The seventh admonition: we may not hope for a Church in
this world without corruption: but there will be rather
great abundance of most wicked men even in the very bosom
of the Church, who will nonetheless make a show and
countenance of great holiness, and charity.
3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, a unholy,
(a) Who make no account, either of right or honesty.
3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
2 from such turn away.
(2) We must not tarry with those men who resist the truth not
from simple ignorance, but from a perverse mind, (which
thing appears by their fruits which he graphically displays
here); rather, we must turn away from them.
3:93 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall
be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.
(3) He adds a comfort: the Lord will at length take off all
their masks.
3:104 But thou hast b fully known my doctrine, manner of
life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
(4) So that we are not deceived by such hypocrites, we must set
before us the virtues of the holy servants of God, and we
must not be afraid of persecution which they suffered
willingly, and which always follows true godliness. But we
must especially hold fast the doctrine of the apostles, the
sum of which is this, that we are saved through faith in
Christ Jesus.
(b) You thoroughly know not only what I taught and did, but
also how I thought and was inclined.
3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at c
Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I
endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.
(c) Which is in Pisidia.
3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax d worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived.
(d) Their wickedness will daily increase.
3:165 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and
[is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:
(5) The eighth admonition which is most precious: a pastor must
be wise by the word of God alone: in which we have
perfectly delivered to us, whatever pertains to discerning,
knowing and establishing true opinions, and to prove which
opinions are false: and furthermore, to correct evil
manners, and to establish good.
3:17 That the e man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works.
(e) The Prophets and expounders of God's will are properly
and distinctly called, men of God.
