Tuesday 30th January
Read 2 Timothy 2:17b-19
“Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’” (NIVUK)
Is it with sadness that Paul names Hymenaeus and Philetus? These are clearly people that both he and Timothy know. Part of the congregation in Timothy’s care? Yet somehow they have wandered away. They have departed from the truth and are spreading lies.
Like all lies they are destructive. One can only guess at this distance what semblance of the truth they are peddling – perhaps a version that avoids suffering, one that promises the power of the resurrection life in full, here and now, without any of the pain. It is a heresy that echoes through history to today if that is the case.
Regardless, Paul is at pains to emphasise to Timothy that their distortions are deliberate and dangerous and destructive. But ultimately they will be unsuccessful, the internal witness of the Spirit and the external support of God’s people will guard them and keep them safe. There is a warning to be wary but a promise of security for those who pursue holiness. Wary but holy.
