2 Timothy 2:18
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Denying bodily resurrection was common in Greek thought. Platonism taught that souls were imprisoned in bodies; salvation meant escaping physicality. Many Greeks found resurrection absurd (Acts 17:32). Some false teachers apparently "spiritualized" resurrection promises, teaching that believers experienced spiritual resurrection at conversion but no future bodily resurrection awaited. This contradicted Paul's clear teaching (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and undermined Christian hope. The error persists today in various forms—those who deny literal resurrection or reduce it to mere metaphor.
Questions for Reflection
- How firmly do you believe in future bodily resurrection, or have you reduced it to mere spiritual or metaphorical concepts?
- What contemporary false teachings pose similar threats to biblical truth and believer's faith?
- How can you help establish new or weak believers in core doctrines so they won't be 'overthrown' by error?
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Analysis & Commentary
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Paul specifies Hymenaeus and Philetus's error: "concerning the truth have erred" (hoitines peri tēn alētheian ēstochēsan, οἵτινες περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν). The verb astocheō (ἀστοχέω) means miss the mark, deviate from, go astray—used of archers missing targets. In matters of ultimate truth, close isn't sufficient; missing the mark is fatal.
Their specific error: "saying that the resurrection is past already" (legontes anastāsin ēdē gegonenai, λέγοντες ἀνάστασιν ἤδη γεγονέναι). They taught that believers' resurrection had already occurred in some spiritual or metaphorical sense—perhaps at conversion or baptism. This denies future bodily resurrection, a core Christian doctrine (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Such teaching likely blended with Greek philosophy's disdain for physical bodies and proto-Gnostic spiritualizing of biblical promises.
The devastating result: they "overthrow the faith of some" (kai tēn tinōn pistin anatrep ousin, καί τὴν τινῶν πίστιν ἀνατρέπουσιν). The verb anatrepō (ἀνατρέπω) means overturn, upset, destroy—like capsizing a boat. Some believers, hearing this error, shipwrecked their faith. Paul doesn't say they lost salvation but that their faith was seriously damaged. This shows that even genuine believers can be harmed by false teaching, underscoring the need for vigilance.