2 Timothy 2:3

3 When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did.

2 Timothy 2:3 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness
"Or afflictions"; as in ( 2 Timothy 4:5 ) . The same word is used there as here, and properly signifies, "suffer evil"; and means the evil of afflictions, as persecutions of every kind, loss of name and goods, scourging, imprisonment, and death itself, for the sake of Christ and the Gospel:

as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Captain of salvation, the Leader and Commander of the people, who are made a willing people in the day of his power; or when he raises his forces, and musters his armies, these are volunteers, who willingly enlist themselves into his service, and under his banners fight his battles; and such who manfully behave against sin, Satan, and the world, are his good soldiers; such are all true believers in Christ, and particularly the ministers of the word, whose ministry is a warfare, and who fight the good fight of faith; and besides the above enemies, which they have in common with other saints, have to do with teachers, who are wolves in sheep's clothing.

2 Timothy 2:3 In-Context

1 So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ.
2 Pass on what you heard from me - the whole congregation saying Amen! - to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others.
3 When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did.
4 A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders.
5 An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.