2 Timothy 2:22

Analysis & Commentary

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Paul gives practical counsel for personal purity. "Flee also youthful lusts" (tas de neanik as epithymias pheuge, τὰς δὲ νεανικὰς ἐπιθυμίας φεῦγε). The verb pheugō (φεύγω) means run away from, escape—same word describing Joseph fleeing Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12). "Youthful lusts" (neanikas epithymias, νεανικὰς ἐπιθυμίας) includes but isn't limited to sexual temptation—also pride, ambition, controversy-seeking, rashness, impulsiveness characteristic of youth. Timothy, likely in his thirties, still needed this warning.

Negatives alone insufficient; Paul adds positives: "but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace" (diōke de dikaiosynēn pistin agapēn eirēnēn, δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην πίστιν ἀγάπην εἰρήνην). The verb diōkō (διώκω) means pursue eagerly, chase—same intensity as fleeing but opposite direction. Four virtues encompass Christian character: dikaiosynē (righteousness, right living), pistis (faith, faithfulness, trustworthiness), agapē (self-sacrificial love), eirēnē (peace, harmony, reconciliation).

Crucially, this pursuit occurs "with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (meta tōn epikaloumenōn ton kyrion ek katharas kardias, μετὰ τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν κύριον ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας). Christian growth isn't solitary but communal. We need fellowship with genuine believers whose worship is sincere, not hypocritical. "Pure heart" (katharas kardias, καθαρᾶς καρδίας) indicates undivided loyalty, sincere devotion, authentic faith unmarred by mixed motives.

Historical Context

Timothy's youth and temperament made him vulnerable to specific temptations. Ancient youth were stereotypically viewed as impulsive, pleasure-seeking, argumentative, and proud. Timothy's leadership in Ephesus—a wealthy, cosmopolitan city with temple prostitution and philosophical debates—exposed him to sexual temptation, intellectual pride, and contentious controversy. Paul's counsel addresses these specific dangers while emphasizing community: spiritual growth occurs best in fellowship with sincere believers who pursue godliness together.

Questions for Reflection

• What specific 'youthful lusts'—whether actual youth or immature impulses—do you need to actively flee rather than merely resist?
• How intentionally are you pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, or do you passively wait for spiritual maturity to develop automatically?
• Who are the fellow believers with 'pure hearts' you're pursuing godliness alongside, and are you in authentic Christian community or isolated individualism?