But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
Read it in contextA vessel fit for service
Start reading at 2 Timothy 2:20 (2 Timothy 2:20 to 2 Timothy 2:26).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Personal cleansing and pursuit of righteousness are joined to gentleness in correcting opponents, keeping the worker's character with his teaching.
2:20But 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.
2:21If 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.
2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2:23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2:26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, traditionally understood as writing to Timothy late in his ministry. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:6. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Timothy 1:1–4:22): Paul addresses Timothy personally, urging faithful teaching and endurance and asking him to come; coworkers and opponents are named in the circumstances he describes. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, called Paul's dearly beloved son, with instructions he is to entrust to other faithful teachers. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? A vessel fit for service. Read 2 Timothy 2:20 through 2 Timothy 2:26 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Personal cleansing and pursuit of righteousness are joined to gentleness in correcting opponents, keeping the worker's character with his teaching. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul describes imprisonment and speaks of his departure as approaching. The letter does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Rome is named in the account of Onesiphorus' search for Paul; other places concern earlier ministry and fellow workers. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A vessel fit for service (2 Timothy 2:20 to 2 Timothy 2:26).
Start reading at 2 Timothy 2:20. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul calls Timothy to remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead and to continue in the Scriptures that make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. See 2 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:15. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Continue faithfully in teaching and conduct despite opposition. Use Scripture for its stated work of instruction and correction, and do not confuse faithfulness with the absence of suffering. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
FocusFaithful transmission and disciplined service
Connection to the wholeThe soldier, athlete, and husbandman illustrate Timothy's task, which is grounded in Jesus' resurrection and the need to endure.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts approved work with empty disputes and names a false teaching about resurrection that is overturning some hearers' faith.
Connection to the wholePersonal cleansing and pursuit of righteousness are joined to gentleness in correcting opponents, keeping the worker's character with his teaching.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
Connection to the wholePaul warns about corrupt conduct and deception, then directs Timothy to continue in what he has learned through the holy Scriptures.