III. The Patterns of a Man of God (2:1–26)
II. The Perseverance of a Man of God (1:6–18)
A. The Exhortation (1:6–11)
B. The Examples (1:12–18)
1. Paul (1:12–14) 2. Onesiphorus (1:15–18) III. The Patterns of a Man of God (2:1–26)
A. Paul (2:1–2)
B. A Soldier (2:3–4) C. An Athlete (2:5) D. A Farmer (2:6–7)
E. Jesus (2:8–13)
F. A Worker (2:14–19) G. A Vessel (2:20–23) H. A Servant (2:24–26) IV. The Perils of a Man of God (3:1–17)
A. Facing Apostasy (3:1–9)
B. Defeating Apostasy (3:10–17) V. The Preaching of the Man of God (4:1–5)
A. The Charge to Preach (4:1–2)
B. The Need for Preaching (4:3–5) VI. Concluding Remarks (4:6–18)
A. Paul's Triumph (4:6–8)
B. Paul's Needs (4:9–18) VII. Paul's Farewells (4:19–22)
THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY
2 Timothy
Greeting
2 TIMOTHY 1 ‡†Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2†To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You
3†I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4†As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5†I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6†For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7†for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and selfcontrol.
8†Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9†who saved us and called us to [1] a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, [2] 10†and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11†for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12†which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. [3] 13†Follow the pattern of the sound [4] words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14†By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15†You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16†May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17†but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me—
18†may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
2 TIMOTHY 2 †You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2†and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3†Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4†No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5†An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6†It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7†Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8†Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9†for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10†Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11†The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12†if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13†if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
A Worker Approved by God
14†Remind them of these things, and charge them before God [1] not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15†Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, [2] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16†But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17†and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18†who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19†But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."
20†Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21†Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, [3] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22†So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23†Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24†And the Lord's servant [4] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25†correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26†and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Godlessness in the Last Days
2 TIMOTHY 3 †But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2‡For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5†having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6†For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7†always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8†Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9†But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God
10You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11†my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12†Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13†while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14†But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom [1] you learned it 15†and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16†All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17†that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Preach the Word
2 TIMOTHY 4 †I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2†preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3†For the time is coming when people will not endure sound [1] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4†and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5†As for you, always be soberminded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6‡†For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7†I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8†Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Personal Instructions
9‡†Do your best to come to me soon. 10†For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, [2] Titus to Dalmatia. 11†Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12†Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13†When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14†Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16†At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17†But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18†The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19†Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20†Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21†Do your
best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. [3]
22†The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. [4]
Footnotes
Footnotes for 2 Timothy, Chapter 1
[1] 1:9 Or with
[2] 1:9 Greek before times eternal
[3] 1:12 Or what I have entrusted to him; Greek my deposit
[4] 1:13 Or healthy
Footnotes for 2 Timothy, Chapter 2
[1] 2:14 Some manuscripts the Lord
[2] 2:15 That is, one approved after being tested [3] 2:21 Greek from these things
[4] 2:24 Greek bondservant
Footnotes for 2 Timothy, Chapter 3
[1] 3:14 The Greek for whom is plural [2] 3:17 That is, a messenger of God (the
phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)
Footnotes for 2 Timothy, Chapter 4
[1] 4:3 Or healthy
[2] 4:10 Some manuscripts Gaul
[3] 4:21 Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated
"brothers") refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church [4] 4:22 The Greek for you is plural
Study Notes
A Comparison of Paul's Two Roman Imprisonments
A Comparison of Paul's Two Roman Imprisonments First Imprisonment Second Imprisonment Acts 28—Wrote the Prison Epistles Wrote 2 Timothy Accused by Jews of heresy and sedition against the empire
Persecuted by Rome and arrested as a criminal Local sporadic persecutions (A.D. 60–63) Neronian persecution (A.D. 64–68) Decent living conditions in a rented house (Acts 28:30– 31) Poor conditions in a cold, dark dungeon
Many friends visited him Virtually alone (only Luke with him) Many opportunities for Christian witness were available Opportunities for witness were restricted Was optimistic for release and freedom (Phil. 1:24–26) Anticipated his execution (2 Tim. 4:6) ©1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:1–2 Paul reminded Timothy that, despite their intimate spiritual relationship, the apostle wrote to him with spiritual authority given him by God. This established the necessity that not only Timothy, but also all others, comply with the inspired mandates of the epistle.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:1 apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. See note on 1 Tim. 1:1. His call was according to God's sovereign plan and purpose (cf. 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1). promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus. The gospel promises that those who are spiritually dead but by faith embrace the gospel's message will be united to Christ and find eternal life in him (John 3:16; 10:10; 14:6; Col. 3:4).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:2 Timothy, my beloved child. See note on 1 Tim. 1:2. Grace . . . our Lord. See note on 1 Tim. 1:2. More than a standard greeting by Paul, this expressed his genuine desire for God's best in Timothy's life.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:3 I thank God . . . in my prayers. See notes on Phil. 1:3–4. clear conscience. See note on 1 Tim. 1:5.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:4 long to see you. Because of Paul's affection for
Timothy and the urgency of the hour in Paul's life, as he faced death, Paul had an intense yearning to see Timothy again (cf. 4:9, 13, 21). remember your tears. Paul perhaps remembered this occurring at their latest parting, which occurred after a short visit to Ephesus, following the writing of 1 Timothy, and prior to Paul's arrest at Troas (see note on 2 Tim. 4:13) and his second imprisonment in Rome. Years before, Paul had a similar parting with the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:36–38).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:5 Lois . . . Eunice. Mention of their names suggests that Paul knew them personally, perhaps because he (with Barnabas) led them to faith in Christ during his first missionary journey (cf. Acts 13:13–14:21). The women were true OT Jewish believers, who understood the Scripture well enough to prepare themselves and Timothy (2 Tim. 3:15) to immediately accept Jesus as Messiah when they first heard the gospel from Paul.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:6 fan into flame the gift of God. This seems to indicate Paul was unsatisfied with Timothy's level of current faithfulness. "Fan into flame" means lit. "to keep the fire alive," and "gift" refers to the believer's spiritual gift (see notes on Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:7–11; regarding Timothy's spiritual gift, see notes on 2 Tim. 4:2–6; 1 Tim. 4:14). Paul reminds Timothy that as a steward of his God-given gift for preaching, teaching, and evangelizing, he could not let it fall into disuse (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2–5). laying on of my hands. See notes on 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; cf. 6:12. Paul might have done this at the time of Timothy's conversion, in which case it would have corresponded to when Timothy received his spiritual gift. The expression may also refer to an extraordinary spiritual endowment, which was received or enhanced at some point after his conversion.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:7 a spirit not of fear. The Greek word denotes a cowardly, shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. The threat of Roman persecution, which was escalating under Nero, the hostility of those in the Ephesian church who resented Timothy's leadership, and the assaults of false teachers with their sophisticated systems of deceptions may have been overwhelming Timothy. But if he was fearful, it didn't come from God. power. Positively, God has already given believers all the spiritual resources they need for every trial and threat (cf. Matt. 10:19–20). Divine power—effective, productive spiritual energy—belongs to believers (Eph. 1:18–20; 3:20; cf. Zech. 4:6). love. See note on 1 Tim. 1:5. This kind of love centers on pleasing God and seeking others' welfare before one's own (cf. Rom. 14:8; Gal. 5:22, 25; Eph.
3:19; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 4:18). self-control. Refers to a self-controlled and properly prioritized mind. This is the opposite of fear and cowardice that causes disorder and confusion. Focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God allows believers to control their lives with godly wisdom and confidence in every situation (cf. Rom. 12:3; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:8 the testimony about our Lord. The gospel message concerning Jesus Christ. Paul did not want Timothy to be "ashamed" to name the name of Christ because he was afraid of the potential persecution (cf. vv. 12, 16). me his prisoner. See Introduction: Author and Date; see notes on Eph. 3:1 and Phil. 1:12–14. Being linked to Paul, who was a prisoner because of his preaching of the gospel, could have put Timothy's life and freedom in jeopardy (cf. Heb. 13:23).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:9 to a holy calling. As always in the NT epistles, this calling is not a general invitation to sinners to believe the gospel and be saved (as in Matt. 20:16), but refers to God's effectual call of the elect to salvation (see note on Rom. 1:7). This calling results in holiness, imputed (justification) and imparted (sanctification), and finally completed (glorification). not . . . works but . . . grace. This truth is the foundation of the gospel. Salvation is by grace through faith, apart from works (see notes on Rom. 3:20–25; Gal. 3:10–11; Eph. 2:8–9; Phil. 3:8–9). Grace is also the basis for God's sustaining work in believers (cf. Phil. 1:6; Jude 24–25). because of his own purpose. God's sovereign plan of election (see notes on 2 Tim. 2:10; John 6:37–40, 44; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:29; 9:6–23; Eph. 1:4; 3:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Titus 1:1–2; 1 Pet. 1:2). in Christ Jesus. His sacrifice made God's salvation plan possible, because he became the substitute sacrifice for the sins of God's people (see notes on 2 Cor. 5:21). before the ages. The same Greek phrase appears in Titus 1:2. The destiny of God's chosen was determined and sealed from eternity past (John 17:24; cf. Eph. 1:4–5; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:10 appearing. "Epiphany" is the English equivalent of this Greek word, most often used of Christ's second coming (4:18; 1 Tim. 6:14; Titus 2:13), but here of his first coming. abolished death . . . immortality to light. "Abolished" means "rendered inoperative." Physical death still exists, but it is no longer a threat or an enemy for Christians (1 Cor. 15:54–55; Heb. 2:14). It was not until the incarnation and the gospel that God chose to fully make known the truth of immortality and eternal life, a reality only partially understood by OT believers (cf. Job 19:26).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:11 preacher . . . teacher. See notes on 1 Tim. 2:7.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:12 I suffer. Cf. v. 8; see notes on 2 Cor. 4:8–18; 6:4–10; 11:23–28; Gal. 6:17; Phil. 3:10. I am not ashamed. See notes on 2 Tim. 1:8; Rom. 1:16; 1 Pet. 4:16. Paul had no fear of persecution and death from preaching the gospel in a hostile setting, because he was so confident God had sealed his future glory and blessing. know whom I have believed. "Know" describes the certainty of Paul's intimate, saving knowledge—the object of which was God himself. The form of the Greek verb translated "I have believed" refers to something that began in the past and has continuing results (see note on Rom. 1:16). This knowing is equal to the "knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3:7; 1 Tim. 2:4). he is able to guard. See notes on Jude 24–25. what has been entrusted. Paul's life in time and eternity had been given to his Lord. He lived with unwavering confidence and boldness because of the revealed truth about God's power and faithfulness, and his own experience of an unbreakable relationship to the Lord (Rom. 8:31–39). that Day. Cf. 2 Tim. 1:18; 4:8; see notes on Phil. 1:6. Also called "day of Christ" (see notes on Phil. 1:10), when believers will stand before the judgment seat and be rewarded (see notes on 1 Cor. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 1:5).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:13 sound words. Cf. 1 Tim. 4:6; 6:3. The Scripture and the doctrine it teaches (see notes on 2 Tim. 3:15–17). from me. Paul had been the source of this divine revelation (cf. 2:2; 3:10, 14; Phil. 4:9; see notes on Eph. 3:1–5). faith and love . . . in Christ Jesus. "Faith" is confidence that God's word is true, and "love" is kindness and compassion in teaching that truth (cf. Eph. 4:15).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:14 the good deposit entrusted to you. The treasure of the good news of salvation revealed in the Scripture (see note on 1 Tim. 6:20).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:15 Asia. A Roman province that is part of modern Turkey; this is not a reference to the entire region of Asia Minor. Phygelus and Hermogenes. Nothing else is known about these two men, who apparently had shown promise as leaders, had been close to Paul, and were well known among the Asian churches, but deserted Paul under the pressure of persecution.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:16 Onesiphorus. One of Paul's loyal coworkers who had not deserted Paul, but befriended him in prison and was not ashamed or afraid to visit the apostle there regularly and minister to his needs. Since Paul asks
Timothy to greet those in his house (4:19), the family obviously lived in or near Ephesus.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:17 when he arrived in Rome. For notes on Rome, see Introduction to Romans: Background and Setting. Onesiphorus was perhaps on a business trip, and the text implies that his search involved time, effort, and possibly even danger.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1:18 that Day! See note on v. 12. Ephesus. See Introduction to Ephesians: Background and Setting. Onesiphorus's faithfulness began here many years earlier, when Paul ministered on his third or fourth missionary journey.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:1 my child. Paul had led Timothy to Christ during his first missionary journey (cf. 1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2, 18). be strengthened. Here is the main admonition in the first part of the letter. Paul is calling for Timothy to overcome his apparent drift toward weakness and renew his commitment to his ministry (see Introduction: Historical and Theological Themes).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:2 heard from me. See notes on 1:13; cf. 3:14. During Timothy's many years of close association with Paul (see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Author and Date), he had heard divine truth, which God had revealed through the apostle. presence of many witnesses. Such as Silas, Barnabas, and Luke, and many others in the churches who could attest to the divine authenticity of Paul's teaching—a needed reminder to Timothy in light of the many defections at Ephesus (cf. 2 Tim.1:15). faithful men who will be able to teach others. Timothy was to take the divine revelation he had learned from Paul and teach it to other faithful men—men with proven spiritual character and giftedness, who would in turn pass on those truths to another generation. From Paul to Timothy to faithful men to others encompasses four generations of godly leaders. That process of spiritual reproduction, which began in the early church, is to continue until the Lord returns.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:3 a good soldier. The metaphor of the Christian life as warfare (against the evil world system, the believer's sinful human nature, and Satan) is a familiar one in the NT (cf. 2 Cor. 10:3–5; Eph. 6:10–20; 1 Thess. 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:18; 4:7; 6:12). Here Paul is dealing with the conflict against the hostile world and the persecution (cf. 2 Tim. 2:9; 1:8; 3:11–12; 4:7).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:4 entangled. Just as a soldier called to duty is completely severed from the normal affairs of civilian life, so also must the good soldier of Jesus Christ refuse to allow the things of the world to distract him (cf. James 4:4; 1 John 2:15–17).
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:5 competes according to the rules. The Greek verb (athleo) expresses the effort and determination needed to compete successfully in an athletic event (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24). This is a useful picture of spiritual effort and untiring pursuit of the victory to those familiar with events such as the Olympic Games and the Isthmian Games (held in Corinth). crowned . . . rules. All an athlete's hard work and discipline will be wasted if he or she fails to compete according to the rules. This is a call to obey the word of God in the pursuit of spiritual victory.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:6 the hard-working farmer. "Hard-working" is from a Greek verb meaning "to labor to the point of exhaustion." Ancient farmers worked long hours of backbreaking labor under all kinds of conditions, with the hope that their physical effort would be rewarded by a good harvest. Paul is urging Timothy not to be lazy or indolent, but to labor intensely (cf. Col. 1:28– 29) with a view to the harvest. Cf. 1 Cor. 3:5–8.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:7 Think. The Greek word denotes clear perception, full understanding, and careful consideration. The form of the verb suggests a strong admonition by Paul, not mere advice, to give deep thought to what he was writing.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ. The supreme model of a faithful teacher (v. 2), soldier (vv. 3–4), athlete (v. 5), and farmer (v. 6). Timothy was to follow his example in teaching, suffering, pursuing the prize, and planting the seeds of truth for a spiritual harvest. risen from the dead. The resurrection of Christ is the central truth of the Christian faith (1 Cor. 15:3–4, 17, 19). By it, God affirmed the perfect redemptive work of Jesus Christ (see note on Rom. 1:4). offspring of David. See notes on Rom. 1:3 and Rev. 22:16. As David's descendant, Jesus is the rightful heir to his throne (Luke 1:32–33). The Lord's humanity is stressed.
2 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 2:9 I am suffering. . . . But the word . . . is not bound. Paul contrasts his imprisonment for the sake of the gospel to the unfettered power of the word of God.