This {1} know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

(1) The seventh admonition: we may not hope for a Church in this world without corruption: but there will be rather great abundance of most wicked men even in the very bosom of the Church, who will nonetheless make a show and countenance of great holiness, and charity.

People's New Testament

3:1 A Defection from the Truth Foretold

SUMMARY OF II TIMOTHY 3:

False Teachers Predicted. Enemies of the Truth Described. Paul's Life Known to Timothy. His Example Commended. The Holy Scriptures.

In the last days. In the last ages of the world. The expression is often used of the gospel dispensation.

Perilous times. Grievous, times of distress.

Wesley's Notes

3:1 In the last days - The time of the gospel dispensation, commencing at the time of our Lord's death, is peculiarly styled the last days. Grievous - Troublesome and dangerous.

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] know

Apostasy, Summary: Apostasy, "falling away," is the act of professed Christians who deliberately reject revealed truth

(1) as to the deity of Jesus Christ, and

(2) redemption through His atoning and redeeming sacrifice 1Jn 4:1-3 Phil 3:18 2Pet 2:1. Apostasy differs from error concerning truth, which may be the result of ignorance Acts 19:1-6 or heresy, which may be due to the sphere of Satan 2Tim 2:25,26 both of which may consist with true faith. The apostate is perfectly described in 2Tim 4:3,4. Apostates depart from the faith, but not from the outward profession of Christianity 2Tim 3:5. Apostate teachers are described in 2Tim 4:3 2Pet 2:1-19 Jude 1:4,8,11-13,16.

Apostasy in the church, as in Israel Isa 1:5,6 5:5-7 is irremediable, and awaits judgment 2Th 2:10-12 2Pet 2:17,21 Jude 1:11-15 Rev 3:14-16.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3

2Ti 3:1-17. Coming Evil Days: Signs of Evil Already: Contrast in the Doctrine and Life of Paul, Which Timothy Should Follow in Accordance with His Early Training in Scripture.

1. also-Greek, "but."

last days-preceding Christ's second coming (2Pe 3:3; Jude 18). "The latter times," 1Ti 4:1, refer to a period not so remote as "the last days," namely, the long days of papal and Greek anti-Christianity.

perilous-literally, "difficult times," in which it is difficult to know what is to be done: "grievous times."

shall come-Greek, "shall be imminent"; "shall come unexpectedly" [Bengel].

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:1-9 Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions within. Men love to gratify their own lusts, more than to please God and do their duty. When every man is eager for what he can get, and anxious to keep what he has, this makes men dangerous to one another. When men do not fear God, they will not regard man. When children are disobedient to their parents, that makes the times perilous. Men are unholy and without the fear of God, because unthankful for the mercies of God. We abuse God's gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of our lusts. Times are perilous also, when parents are without natural affection to children. And when men have no rule over their own spirits, but despise that which is good and to be honoured. God is to be loved above all; but a carnal mind, full of enmity against him, prefers any thing before him, especially carnal pleasure. A form of godliness is very different from the power; from such as are found to be hypocrites, real Christians must withdraw. Such persons have been found within the outward church, in every place, and at all times. There ever have been artful men, who, by pretences and flatteries, creep into the favour and confidence of those who are too easy of belief, ignorant, and fanciful. All must be ever learning to know the Lord; but these follow every new notion, yet never seek the truth as it is in Jesus. Like the Egyptian magicians, these were men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and found to be quite without faith. Yet though the spirit of error may be let loose for a time, Satan can deceive the nations and the churches no further, and no longer, than God will permit.