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Paul warns Timothy, an elder of the church in Ephesus, that there will come a time when people “will not endure sound doctrine” «For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; », (2 Timothy 4:3, NKJV); instead, “they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” The concept of “enduring” sound teaching involves “tolerating” it or putting up with it. In essence, people will refuse to listen to what is good and right. They will be intolerant of the truth.
Before issuing the warning, Paul establishes the origin and usefulness of the Scriptures. The Scriptures are from the mouth of God, or God-breathed, and are beneficial for teaching, among other things, which leads to the growth and equipping of the Christian (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This growth and equipping aim to enable the believer to carry out every good work that God has ordained.
Paul urges Timothy to be prepared to proclaim the Scriptures at all times (2 Timothy 4:1-2), encouraging and correcting others using the Word of God. Timothy is to study, practice, and then teach the Scriptures cf: Ezra 7:10. In 2 Timothy 4:3, Paul explains the reason for the urgency in such a task: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.”
The Greek word translated as “doctrine” simply refers to “teaching” or “instruction.” Often, teaching and systematically organized instruction are understood as doctrine. The Greek word translated as “sound” can also mean “healthy” or “free from error.” Paul is cautioning Timothy that th
There will come a time when people will not desire to hear true or correct teaching—teaching that aligns with reality. Instead, “they will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear” «For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; », (2 Timothy 4:3, NLT).
Usually, understanding sound doctrine requires the individual to change their actions. If it is something they do not want to do, they may reject the teaching. At first, Peter did not want to preach the gospel to the Gentiles due to an improper understanding of what God desired for him to do (Acts 10). However, God patiently corrected his understanding and prepared Peter to proclaim the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile leader. Peter responded to the sound doctrine and moved forward without fear.
It is important that we, as teachers and learners, heed the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:3. As teachers, we must teach sound doctrine, holding to the truths of Scripture regardless of the consequences. As learners, we must seek sound doctrine and receive it, if we are to live according to the truth. The learner’s desires must take a back seat to the truths of Scripture. Prayerfully, as the learner matures and is transformed by the renewing of the mind, their desires align more and more with the sound doctrine of Scripture.
It is beneficial for the learner to desire sound doctrine. It is also important for the learner to test what is being taught. During Paul’s second missionary journey, he traveled across Greece, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to all. Many believed in the gospel «And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. », Facebook Comments
