2 Timothy 2:19An Understandable Version (2005 edition)However, the solid foundation of God stands firm. [Note: This probably refers to the church. See I Tim. 3:15]. It is sealed with these words [i.e., certifying God’s ownership and a commitment to Him]: “The Lord knows those who are His people,” [See Num. 16:5], and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord should stop practicing wickedness.” [See Isa. 26:13]. See the chapter |
and so that the Gentiles [also] may honor God for His mercy, as it is written [Psa. 18:49], “Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing to your name.” [Note: Paul here accommodates the words of King David by applying them to Jews participating with Gentiles in praising God as part of the one body].
The beast you saw once existed, but now does not, and [yet] is about to come up out of the pit and go to [his] destruction. And those people living on the earth, whose names have not been recorded in the book of life from the creation of the world, will be amazed when they see the beast, because he had once existed, but now does not, and yet will come [again].
I know where you are living; [it is] where Satan’s throne is. And [I know] that you are holding on firmly to my name, and did not deny [your] faith in me, even in the days of my faithful witness Antipas [Note: The Greek word here for witness is “martyr”], who was killed there where you are, where Satan lives.
I know about your deeds. (See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can close). [Note: This probably refers to their being assured of some unspecified opportunity]. [I know] that you have [only] a little bit of strength, but [in spite of that] you have obeyed my word and did not deny my name.