*3:2 Recent studies indicate that the vast majority of young people in North America (and presumably also elsewhere) are now ‘narcissists’—they are totally self-centered, with no concern for others. They have been ‘programmed’ through their portable access to TV and the Internet.
†3:4 Verses 2-4 give a terrifyingly accurate description of contemporary society; two thousand years ago Paul gave a prophetic description of what relativistic humanism produces.
‡3:5 “Having denied” is in the perfect tense; they start out by not believing in true godliness and hence deny that it would have any power. But living in a culture that still has vestiges of a former godliness, they find it useful to pretend.
§3:6 The description of such persons, given in verses 2-5, does not agree with ‘sneaking’ or ‘worming’—they enter openly, exuding confidence and competence. I follow the best line of transmission, albeit a minority reading (20% of the Greek manuscripts, here).
*3:7 Who are these ‘little women’? Hardworking mothers and homemakers in families that are struggling to make ends meet have no leisure to indulge in a variety of lusts or to spend time listening to purveyors of high-sounding nonsense. Where do arrogant lovers of money, pleasure and self go? They go where the money and pleasure is, the high society. So the reference is probably to high society dames who have the money and leisure to indulge themselves, but enough conscience left to be bothered by it. But they don't really want to give up their lifestyle.
†3:8 Paul got these names from an extra-biblical source that was nonetheless accurate history.
‡3:8 The reference is clearly to servants of the enemy.
§3:12 If no one is persecuting you, why not?
*3:14 In the next verse Paul harks back to Timothy's childhood and the influence of his mother and grandmother; just as we dedicate our children to God, Timothy was doubtless so dedicated. “To which you were committed” fits the context very nicely—I follow the best line of transmission, albeit a minority reading (20% of the Greek manuscripts, here).
†3:16 Paul coins an expression to describe the intimate connection between God and His written revelation; it is like His very breath.
‡3:16 Notice the sequence: 1) the Scripture provides objectively true information; 2) then the Holy Spirit uses His Sword to convict of sin; 3) this leads to repentance and conversion; 4) then the Word is our food and water for spiritual growth. As we grow, we can help others move through the sequence.
§3:17 Access to Scripture is necessary for spiritual growth and work.