2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

And {G1161} the servant {G1401} of the Lord {G2962} must {G1163} not {G3756} strive {G3164}; but {G235} be {G1511} gentle {G2261} unto {G4314} all {G3956} men, apt to teach {G1317}, patient {G420},

and a slave of the Lord shouldn’t fight. On the contrary, he should be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and not resentful when mistreated.

And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,

2 Timothy 2:24 provides essential guidance for anyone serving the Lord, particularly those in leadership or teaching roles. It outlines the foundational character traits necessary for effective and godly ministry, emphasizing a spirit of humility and patience over contention.

Context of 2 Timothy 2:24

This verse is part of Paul's second epistle to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus. In this letter, Paul offers practical advice, encouragement, and warnings, especially as he faces his own impending death. Chapter 2 focuses on Timothy's role as a faithful servant and soldier of Christ, urging him to entrust the gospel to faithful men and to endure hardship. Immediately preceding verse 24, Paul warns against "foolish and unlearned questions" (2 Timothy 2:23), highlighting the destructive nature of unproductive arguments. Verse 24 then presents the positive qualities that should characterize a servant of God in contrast to such strife.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Avoiding Strife (Non-Contentiousness): The phrase "must not strive" (Greek: machomai) means to avoid fighting, quarreling, or engaging in contentious debates. A servant of the Lord is called to promote peace and understanding, not discord. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on Christian conduct, such as in Titus 3:2, which exhorts believers to "be no brawlers, but gentle."
  • Gentleness Towards All: The KJV translates epios as "gentle," implying a mild, kind, and tender disposition. This quality is to be extended "unto all men," indicating a universal application, even to those who may be difficult or opposed. It reflects the character of Christ Himself, who described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29).
  • Aptness to Teach: "Apt to teach" (Greek: didaktikos) signifies being skilled, capable, and willing to instruct. This isn't just about possessing knowledge, but about the ability to impart it effectively and patiently. It underscores the servant's role in discipleship and spreading the truth of the gospel.
  • Patience (Forbearance): The word "patient" (Greek: anexikakos) literally means "enduring evil" or "patient of wrong." It speaks to the ability to bear up under mistreatment, opposition, or difficulty without becoming angry, retaliatory, or giving up. This quality is crucial when dealing with those who resist the truth or act provocatively.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "strive," machomai, vividly depicts engaging in battle or conflict, underscoring the strong prohibition against contentiousness. The word for "gentle," epios, is a beautiful term, elsewhere used to describe a nursing mother's tenderness towards her children, highlighting a caring and nurturing approach. "Apt to teach," didaktikos, emphasizes not just intellectual capacity but the disposition and skill to effectively convey truth. Lastly, "patient," anexikakos, is a compound word meaning "to hold up under evil," suggesting resilience and grace in the face of adversity.

Practical Application

While specifically addressed to Timothy, these qualities are vital for all Christians. In a world often characterized by sharp disagreements and quick tempers, the call to be non-striving, gentle, and patient is profound. For those involved in ministry or sharing their faith, these virtues are essential for effective communication and demonstrating the love of God. They enable a servant to correct those in opposition with meekness, hoping that God will grant them repentance. This verse challenges believers to reflect Christ's character in all interactions, especially when truth is contested or patience is tested.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Titus 3:2

    To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

  • James 1:19

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  • James 1:20

    For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

  • Titus 1:7

    For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

  • 1 Timothy 3:2

    A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

  • 1 Timothy 3:3

    Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:7

    ¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

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