2 Timothy 2:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

NIV: Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

NASB: with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

CSB: instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

NLT: Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

KJV: In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

NKJV: in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

Paul adds a fourth positive attribute to his list from the previous verse. The ability to give a mature, loving, effective answer is crucial to Christian leadership. Peter likewise mentioned the importance of this trait, stating, "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics, or defending the Christian faith, involves both the ability to teach (2 Timothy 2:24) and an attitude of gentleness in instructing others.

The goal of kindness, teaching, enduring evil, and correcting opponents with gentleness is the repentance of lost people. The goal of Christian knowledge and conversation is not to win an argument but to win souls to Christ. Those who watch their life and doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16) will find effective ministry among the unbelievers they serve.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 3:38:09 AM