2 Timothy / Question
Paul names Hymenaeus and Philetus as examples of people who have swerved from the truth in 2 Timothy 2:17–18. He says they were claiming that the resurrection had already happened. Paul adds that this talk upsets the faith of some.
In 2 Timothy 2:16–19 the writer warns Timothy to keep away from empty religious talk because it does not stay harmless: it pushes people toward irreverent living and spreads damage like a sickness. He names Hymenaeus and Philetus as examples, describing their error as claiming the resurrection has already happened, which destabilizes some people’s trust. This paragraph sits inside a set of practical instructions for Timothy about handling teaching and disputes.
Paul contrasts two forces at work in the community. On one side is “empty chatter” that does not stay neutral: it moves people deeper into ungodliness and spreads like a damaging infection (verses 16–17). On the other side is stability: “God’s firm foundation stands” even when some are shaken (verse 19). These are explicit claims in the passage.
A common mistake is to treat this as trivia. Names, places, numbers, and sequence details often carry memory, covenant identity, or narrative movement in the biblical story.
Start with 2 Timothy 2:17-18, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
17and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.