Definition: Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 2 Timothy 2:18. It’s a really challenging one, and it points to a serious problem in early Christianity. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse says that some Christians – specifically those who were very fervent and radical in their beliefs about Jesus’ resurrection – started to argue that the resurrection didn’t happen . They believed it was already past, and this belief undermined faith. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Who concerning the truth have erred…” : This is a way of saying "who has fallen into error?" The word “erred” means to make a mistake or wrong decision. “…saying that the resurrection is past already…” : This is the core accusation. They were arguing that the resurrection wasn’t real , and it was already finished with us. They believed the message of Jesus' death and victory had ended. “and overthrow the faith of some” : This is the consequence of their error. They started to discourage or even actively try to discredit believers who held onto the belief that the resurrection was still happening. They were trying to push people away from holding onto the core message of Christianity. Why is this important? This verse highlights a significant moment in early Christian history. It speaks to a period where some groups, driven by a desire for radical and potentially dangerous interpretations of scripture, started to question the fundamental truth of Jesus’ resurrection. It's a warning about the potential for division within the church when people start to challenge core beliefs. Important Context: This verse comes from a time when there was a lot of debate about what Jesus did after his death and resurrection. Some groups, particularly those focused on strict interpretations of scripture, started arguing that the resurrection was not important or valid because it had already happened. They were trying to create a situation where faith could be undermined. In short: This verse warns against a dangerous tendency for some Christians to doubt or reject the core message of the resurrection, which can seriously damage the faith of others and potentially lead to division within the church. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context further? Give you a related story or example?