GOD VINDICATES IN HIS OWN GOOD TIME
Verse 24
Calvin’s comment on verse 24 offers insight into this passage: “As there is nothing that distresses more the faithful ministers of the Church than to see no way of correcting evils, and to be compelled to endure hypocrites, of whose wickedness they are aware and to be unable to banish from the Church many who are destructive plagues, or even to hinder them from spreading their venom by secret and underground arts; Paul supports Timothy by this consolation, that, when it shall please God, they will one day be brought to public view. Thus he strengthens him for the exercise of patience; because he ought calmly to await the fit time which God in His wisdom has appointed.”
Faithful church leaders often feel distressed when faced with wicked people who spread harmful influences in secret. They may feel powerless to remove such individuals from the church. However, the comfort lies in knowing that God will one day reveal these individuals and deal with them in His time. For those victimised by such people, the call is to remain patient, trusting in God’s wisdom to expose the truth at the right moment.
Calvin also identifies another source of distress for church leaders: “There is another kind of base conduct that sorely distresses good and holy pastors. When they have most conscientiously discharged their duty, they are provoked by many unfair statements, are loaded with much ill-will, and perceive that those actions which deserved praise are turned into blame. Paul meets this case also, by informing Timothy that there are some good works which are reserved for being brought to light at a future period; and consequently that, if their praise is, as it were, buried underground by the ingratitude of men, that also ought to be patiently endured till the time of revelation has arrived.”
Pastors who faithfully minister God’s Word may find themselves misunderstood or unfairly criticised. Sermons and actions that should be met with gratitude may instead receive blame or condemnation. In such situations, pastors are called to wait patiently for God’s timing, when He will reveal the truth and vindicate His faithful servants.
Calvin further comments on leadership challenges in the church: “Yet not only does he provide a remedy for these evils, but, because it often happens that we are mistaken in choosing ministers, unworthy persons insinuating themselves cunningly, and the good being unknown to us; and even though we do not go wrong in judging, but still cannot bring others to approve of our judgment, the most excellent being rejected, notwithstanding all our efforts to the contrary, while bad men either insinuate or force themselves forward; it is impossible that our condition and that of the Church should not occasion great anguish. Accordingly, Paul strenuously endeavors to remove, or at least to alleviate, this cause of uneasiness. The meaning may be thus summed up: ‘We must bear what cannot be immediately corrected; we must sigh and groan, while the time for the remedy is not fully come; and we must not apply force to diseases till they are either ripened or laid open. On the other hand, when virtue does not receive the honor which it deserves, we must wait for the full time of revelation, and endure the stupidity of the world, and wait quietly in darkness till the day dawn.’”
Choosing church leaders is not always straightforward. Despite careful examination, some unworthy individuals may manage to hide their true nature and assume leadership positions, while truly good candidates may be overlooked or rejected. This can be deeply painful for both incumbent ministers and members. Paul’s encouragement is to endure such difficulties patiently, waiting for God’s appointed time when hidden problems or people’s true natures will be revealed. Similarly, those whose worth has gone unrecognised should trust that God will one day bring their virtues to light.
Verse 25
Commenting on verse 25, Calvin writes: “In like manner also the good works. He means that sometimes piety and other virtues obtain early and speedily their applause among men; so that great men are held in estimation; and that, if it happens otherwise, the Lord will not suffer innocence and uprightness to be always oppressed; for it is often obscured by calumnies or by clouds, but at length shall be fulfilled the prediction (Dan. 12:3; Matt. 13:43) that God will cause them to shine forth like the dawn of the day. But we have need of a calm spirit to endure; and therefore we must always consider what is the limit of our knowledge, that we may not go beyond it; for that would be to assume to ourselves the prerogative of God.”
Good works and godly behaviour are sometimes recognised and praised early. Upright individuals may gain approval right away. However, when good works are hidden or obscured by false accusations, defamation, misinformation, or disinformation, God will not allow such injustice to continue indefinitely. In due time, God will reveal the truth and the true colours of all involved, vindicating the good and righteous.
Since God’s wisdom often unfolds slowly, we must cultivate a calm and patient spirit. Trusting in God’s timing means resisting the urge to control or rush the process. To act impatiently is to assume God’s role—something that is not ours to take. We must not play God.
Paul’s message in these verses is one of patience and trust in God’s timing. Whether it involves encountering wicked people, enduring misdeeds, or navigating difficult leadership decisions, the faithful must persevere, trusting that God will reveal all things in His own good time. JK
BAPTISM TESTIMONY
My name is Wei Xuan. I grew up in a Buddhist family. The first time I learned about Christ was in Primary 6, at the age of 12, when I met a friend named Matthew. Matthew invited me to Tabernacle BPC, where I began attending worship services. It was there that I also met Bo Hao. However, after 2 years, I stopped attending and went on to live life on my own terms, not thinking much about faith or purpose.
During this time, I wasn’t truly happy. At the age of 20, I entered a relationship that became a turning point in my life. I built my life around my then-girlfriend, seeking comfort, support, and purpose in her—things that, in hindsight, I should have first sought in God. My life became increasingly worldly, and I grew obsessed with money, working solely to fund a lifestyle filled with material pleasures. Despite achieving a certain level of “success” back then, I was unhappy, stressed, and lacked peace. I often asked myself, “Is this the life I want to live?”
When that relationship ended after 4 years, I lost all sense of purpose and direction. It triggered a downward spiral, as the very foundation of my life had collapsed. My friends noticed I was struggling and began supporting me emotionally—talking with me and showing deep care.
One day, during a conversation with my friend Nicholas, he shared Bible verses and explained how trusting in God’s plan and timing had helped him endure life’s challenges. His words lingered with me. After much thought, I reached out to my best friend, Ryann—who had also been very supportive—to ask if I could join him at his church. To my surprise, he was about to invite me at that very moment. Remarkably, Ryann had never invited me before, which made the timing feel extraordinary.
During the sermon at his church, the pastor emphasised the importance of guidance and encouraged us to pray for it. For the first time in 10 years, I prayed—asking God to show me the way and guide my next steps as I sought Him. When I finished praying, Bo Hao came to mind. I texted him to arrange a meet-up, thinking I might return to Tabernacle BPC. Despite my scepticism at the time, I couldn’t ignore the series of coincidences that had led up to that moment.
Bo Hao promptly agreed to meet with me. During our conversation, I learned that he had moved to True Life BPC. I decided to attend True Life, arriving just in time to join the Westminster Shorter Catechism English Sunday School. After a few weeks, I began to realise how perfectly it aligned with my desire to learn about God and the Christian faith. I remembered Rev Samuel Joseph saying that this catechism was used to teach children about the faith, and I thought, “Isn’t that me? This is exactly what I need. Is this the perfect timing Nicholas talked about?” More than that, I began to experience a kind of peace that had always felt missing from my life.
It became clear that God had orchestrated these events to bring me where I needed to be. He showed me the emptiness of worldly pursuits and the joylessness they bring. Through Nicholas, He reminded me of what I truly needed. Through Ryann and his church, He showed me the importance of guidance. And through Bo Hao, He brought me to True Life, where I could grow in faith.
Life hasn’t suddenly become easy—many doors have recently closed—but trusting in God’s plan and timing has given me peace. When I struggle emotionally, prayer brings comfort. I now look forward to Sundays, learning God’s Word, and seeking Him. These have brought me true joy. And though the journey here was difficult, I thank God for it. It taught me valuable lessons about who I am and what I truly value.
I am seeking baptism because I want to live a God-centred life. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. Baptism is my way of publicly declaring my faith and committing to follow Him. I know it won’t always be easy, but I truly want to follow Jesus—because the peace I’ve found in Him is unlike anything else.
I am deeply grateful to Nicholas, Ryann, and Bo Hao for their willingness to support me on this journey. Thank you for being a part of this testimony.
[Ed: Brother Wei Xuan attends the Chinese service.]
