2 Timothy 2:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

NIV: Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

NASB: Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

CSB: So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

NLT: If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

KJV: If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

NKJV: Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

In verse 20, Paul began an analogy using containers made of various materials. In wealthy homes, vessels of gold and silver were reserved for honorable uses. Vessels of clay or wood were used for more common, or "dishonorable" uses. Continuing this thought here, Paul writes that a Christian can become "a vessel for honorable use" by separating himself from sin. The Greek of this verse literally says "from these things," and the specific reference to "what is dishonorable" is added for clarity in many translations. If anyone cleanses or sets himself apart from the false teaching and sinful life described in verses 16–18, he will be "set apart as holy."

Paul has in mind both a spiritual and literal understanding here. Timothy is to be set apart and holy. However, he is also still talking about vessels. Clean, set apart vessels are "useful to the master of the house." The master is a reference to the Lord. Those set apart as holy are "ready for every good work." "Good work" is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:17 as something for which we are equipped through a focus on God's Word. Paul also mentioned the importance of good works elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles, including 1 Timothy 5:10 and Titus 1:16 and 3:1.

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.