The Lot of Deceivers. 2 Timothy 3:8-9.
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
Dear Kingdom of Priests,
Paul wants Timothy to know that he is not the first to confront deceitful opposition.
Classic Legacy (v. 8a). The deceivers are following in the footsteps of some infamous opponents of Moses. In Jewish tradition as found in some extra-biblical literature, Jannes and Jambres were the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses (Exodus 7:10-12). These men opposed Moses by counterfeiting the miracles of God. No wonder false teachers are doing the same today.
Corrupt League (v. 8b). The root meaning of corruption is rottenness. These people have rotten intentions and are for that reason “disqualified regarding the faith.” No matter how loudly they claim to represent Christ, they simply do not belong to him.
Comparable Loss (v. 9). Just as Jannes and Jambres failed in their attempts to stop Moses, so also present-day deceivers will fail. Jannes and Jambres began to fail from the very beginning when Moses’ serpent swallowed theirs (Exodus 7:12). Their failure became ultimate when they admitted to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19) and further when they were afflicted with boils and could not stand before Moses (Exodus 9:11). It became obvious to everyone that Jannes and Jambres could not help anyone. The fate of modern-day deceivers will be the same.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.