2 Timothy 2:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.

NIV: In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.

NASB: Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.

CSB: Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable.

NLT: In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

KJV: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

NKJV: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

Verses 20–21 discuss the analogy of a vessel. Paul states that in a wealthy house, there would be containers made of various materials, used for different purposes, and given different roles to fulfill. Gold and silver are clearly the most expensive and desirable vessels. Wood and clay were the everyday materials used for cups, jars, and pitchers in the first century.

The containers meant for "honorable use" are the gold and silver vessels. These items were not for everyday dining, but were reserved for special meals and events. Those which were "dishonorable" referred to the vessels of wood and clay, used for everyday activities. Timothy is to focus on cleansing himself from what was "dishonorable" (2 Timothy 2:21) so he could be a vessel for "honorable" use. In other words, those greatly used by God are those who pursue a holy life, abstaining from sin—referred to as "iniquity" in verse 19—and false teachings (2 Timothy 2:16–18).

Second Timothy 2:14–26 contains Paul's instructions to Timothy about leading other believers. Two important themes here are avoiding pointless bickering and holding to sound biblical teachings. Arguments over non-essential issues quickly turn into feuds, poisoning the body of Christ just as gangrene attacks the physical body. Paul names specific false teachers, but brings a note of compassion. Here, he reminds Timothy that gentleness and patience are key. After all, those who do not believe are not our enemies: they are those we are trying to rescue from the control of the Devil!

Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.

In chapter 1, Paul gave Timothy encouragement by reminding him of his heritage and spiritual power. Here, in chapter 2, Paul expands on these commands. Rather than giving minute details, Paul presents a series of examples and tells Timothy to consider them carefully. Paul's instructions here set the stage for the warnings coming up in the next chapter. Timothy—and all believers—need to be prepared and right-minded, because the world is going to become spiritually darker and darker.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.