TRV
Translation
King James Version
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
KJV (with Strong's)
In G1722 meekness G4236 instructing G3811 those that oppose themselves G475; if G3379 God G2316 peradventure G3379 will give G1325 them G846 repentance G3341 to G1519 the acknowledging G1922 of the truth G225;
Complete Jewish Bible
Also he should be gentle as he corrects his opponents. For God may perhaps grant them the opportunity to turn from their sins, acquire full knowledge of the truth,
Berean Standard Bible
He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
American Standard Version
in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
World English Bible Messianic
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Instructing them with meekenesse that are contrary minded, prouing if God at any time will giue them repentance, that they may acknowledge the trueth,
Young's Literal Translation
in meekness instructing those opposing--if perhaps God may give to them repentance to an acknowledging of the truth,
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In the KJVVerse 29,853 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Timothy 2 verses 22–26
22 ¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
I. Paul here exhorts Timothy to beware of youthful lusts, Ti2 2:22. Though he was a holy good man, very much mortified to the world, yet Paul thought it necessary to caution him against youthful lusts: "Flee them, take all possible care and pains to keep thyself pure from them." The lusts of the flesh are youthful lusts, which young people must carefully watch against, and the best must not be secure. He prescribes an excellent remedy against youthful lusts: Follow righteousness, faith, charity peace, etc. Observe, 1. Youthful lusts are very dangerous, for which reason even hopeful young people should be warned of them, for they war against the soul, Pe1 2:11. 2. The exciting of our graces will be the extinguishing of our corruptions; the more we follow that which is good the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. Righteousness, and faith, and love, will be excellent antidotes against youthful lusts. Holy love will cure impure lust. - Follow peace with those that call on the Lord. The keeping up of the communion of saints will take us off from all fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See the character of Christians: they are such as call on the Lord Jesus Christ, out of a pure heart. Observe, Christ is to be prayed to. It is the character of all Christians that they call upon him; but our prayers to God and Christ are not acceptable nor successful except they come out of a pure heart.
II. He cautions him against contention, and, to prevent this (Ti2 2:23), cautions him against foolish and unlearned questions, that tend to no benefit, strifes of words. Those who advanced them, and doted upon them, thought themselves wise and learned; but Paul calls them foolish and unlearned. The mischief of these is that they gender strifes, that they breed debates and quarrels among Christians and ministers. It is very remarkable how often, and with what seriousness, the apostle cautions Timothy against disputes in religion, which surely was not without some such design as this, to show that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires than in subtle disputes. - The servant of the Lord must not strive, Ti2 2:24. Nothing worse becomes the servant of the Lord Jesus, who himself did not strive nor cry (Mat 12:19), but was a pattern of meekness, and mildness, and gentleness to all, than strife and contention. The servant of the Lord must be gentle to all men, and thereby show that he is himself subject to the commanding power of that holy religion which he is employed in preaching and propagating. - Apt to teach. Those are unapt to teach who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Ministers must be patient, bearing with evil, and in meekness instructing (Ti2 2:25) not only those who subject themselves, but those who oppose themselves. Observe, 1. Those who oppose themselves to the truth are to be instructed; for instruction is the scripture-method of dealing with the erroneous, which is more likely to convince them of their errors than fire and faggot: he does not bid us kill their bodies, under pretence of saving their souls. 2. Such as oppose themselves are to be instructed in meekness, for our Lord is meek and lowly (Mat 11:29), and this agrees well with the character of the servant of the Lord (Ti2 2:24): He must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient. This is the way to convey truth in its light and power, and to overcome evil with good, Rom 12:21. 3. That which ministers must have in their eyes, in instructing those who oppose themselves, must be their recovery: If God, peradventure, will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. Observe, (1.) Repentance is God's gift. (2.) It is a gift with a peradventure in the case of those who oppose themselves; and therefore, though we are not to despair of the grace of God, yet we must take heed of presuming upon it. To the acknowledging of the truth. (3.) The same God who gives us the discovery of the truth does by his grace bring us to the acknowledging of it, otherwise our hearts would continue in rebellion against it, for we are to confess with our mouths as well as to believe with our hearts, Rom 10:9, Rom 10:10. And thus sinners recover themselves out of the snare of the devil; see here, [1.] The misery of sinners: they are in the snare of the devil, and are led captive by him at his will, Ti2 2:26. They are slaves to the worst of task-masters; he is the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, Eph 2:2. They are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are as fishes that are taken in n evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare. Further, They are under Ham's curse (a servant of servants shall he be, Gen 9:25), they are slaves to him who is but a slave and vassal. [2.] The happiness of those who repent: they recover themselves out of this snare, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken and they have escaped; and the greater the danger the greater the deliverance. When sinners repent, those who before were led captive by the devil at his will come to be led into the glorious liberty of the children of God, and have their wills melted into the will of the Lord Jesus. The good Lord recover us all out of the snare.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–26. Public domain.
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Basil of CaesareaAD 379
THE LONG RULES, Q.50.R
The superior should not administer a rebuke to wrongdoers when his own passions are aroused. By admonishing a brother with anger and indignation, he does not free him from his faults but involves himself in the error.… Nor should he become vehemently angry even when he himself is treated with contempt. When he sees such treatment inflicted upon another, he should again show himself indulgent toward the sinner; but more than that, he ought, in the latter case, to manifest displeasure at the wrong done.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 2 Timothy 6
"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves." For he that teaches must be especially careful to do it with meekness. For a soul that wishes to learn cannot gain any useful instruction from harshness and contention. For when it would apply, being thus thrown into perplexity, it will learn nothing. He who would gain any useful knowledge ought above all things to be well disposed towards his teacher, and if this be not previously attained, nothing that is requisite or useful can be accomplished. And no one can be well disposed towards him who is violent and overbearing. How is it then that he says, "A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject"? He speaks there of one incorrigible, of one whom he knows to be diseased beyond the possibility of cure. "If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." What he says amounts to this. Perhaps there will be a reformation. Perhaps! for it is uncertain. So that we ought to withdraw only from those, of whom we can show plainly, and concerning whom we are fully persuaded, that whatever be done, they will not be reformed. "In meekness," he says. In this temper, you see, we ought to address ourselves to those who are willing to learn, and never cease from conversing with them till we have come to the demonstration.
John ChrysostomAD 407
ON THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF GOD 1.7
Therefore, let us not be provoked with these men, let us not use anger as an excuse, but let us talk with them gently and with kindness. Nothing is more forceful and effective than treatment which is gentle and kind. This is why Paul told us to hold fast to such conduct with all the earnestness of our hearts when he said, “The servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kindly toward all.” He did not say “only to your brothers” but “toward all.” And again, when he said, “Let your gentleness be known,” he did not say “to your brothers” but “to all men.” What good does it do you, he means, if you love those who love you.
John ChrysostomAD 407
ON THE PRIESTHOOD 2.4
The shepherd of sheep has the flock following him wherever he leads; or if some turn aside from the direct path and leave the good pasture to graze in barren and precipitous places, it is enough for him to call more loudly, lead them back again and restore to the flock those that were separated. But if a man wanders away from the right path, the shepherd needs a lot of concentration, perseverance and patience. He cannot drag by force or constrain by fear but must by persuasion lead him back to the true beginning from which he has fallen away. He needs, therefore, a heroic spirit, not to grow despondent or neglect the salvation of wanderers but to keep on thinking and saying, "God perhaps may give them the knowledge of the truth and they may be freed from the snare of the devil."
Augustine of HippoAD 430
SERMONS ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 38.20
But then in the correction and repression of other men’s sins, one must take heed that in rebuking another he does not lift up himself. The sentence of the apostle must be remembered: “Let one who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” Let the voice of chiding sound outwardly in tones of terror, let the spirit of love and gentleness be maintained within.… So then you must neither consent to evil, so as to approve of it, nor be negligent, so as not to reprove it, nor be proud, so as to reprove it in a tone of insult.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Letters 186.9.33
Let Pelagius confess that pardon is granted to the repentant according to the grace and mercy of God, not according to his merits. It is that very repentance which the apostle called the gift of God when he said of certain ones, “Lest God perhaps may grant them repentance.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Enchiridion 82.22
Now, penance itself is often omitted because of weakness, even when in church custom there is an adequate reason why it should be performed. For shame is the fear of displeasing men, when one loves good opinion more than he regards judgment, which would make him humble in penitence. Thus not only for one to repent but also in order that he may be enabled to do so, the mercy of God is prerequisite. Otherwise, the apostle would not say of some, “In case God gives them repentance.”
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Poemen said, ‘If a man sins and denies it, saying, “I have not sinned,” do not correct him, or you will destroy any intention he might have of changing. If you say, “Do not be cast down, my brother, but be careful about that in future,” you will move his heart to repent.’
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
Correcting challengers with gentleness, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's snare, having been captured by him to do his will.
correcting challengers with gentleness. For this is most necessary. For often he who has been given advice ten times and has not listened will obey another who gives advice once, clearly the first ten counselors are working against their own interest.
that God may grant them repentance. And if it happens, Paul says, it is the work of God, not only of your gentleness. He suppresses the mindset of the teachers, leading the matter up to God.
and that they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's snare. But what is the knowledge of the truth? It is to recover from the Devil and from false doctrines, toward the truth of faith. See how, as from drunkenness or madness, Paul said they recover from the Devil's snare. For just as a little bird, even if caught by the tip of its foot, is still under the snare beneath it; so also we, even if we stray slightly from the doctrine, are caught under the Devil's snare.
having been captured by him. Being revived while captured, that is, being seized and confined by error to the will of the Devil. For those who are led astray by evil doctrines, having been seized to the Devil's own will, are held by the Devil.
Prophecy of abundant human wickedness, through reprehensible deceit.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Timothy 2:25 provides crucial guidance for Christian ministry, particularly in confronting error. It instructs believers to engage those who resist the truth with a spirit of humility and gentleness, recognizing that genuine repentance and the ultimate embrace of truth are sovereign gifts from God, not merely products of human persuasion or argument. This verse emphasizes the divine initiative in spiritual transformation, tempering human effort with a profound reliance on God's grace.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Didacticism, as Paul directly instructs Timothy on the proper approach to ministry, emphasizing both the manner and the ultimate source of spiritual change. There is a clear Conditional Clause ("if God peradventure will give them repentance"), which highlights the divine initiative and sovereignty in the process of conversion, tempering human effort with a recognition of God's ultimate power. This creates a Theological Emphasis on grace and divine gifting, contrasting human striving with God's transformative work. Furthermore, the phrase "those that oppose themselves" functions as a form of Paradoxical Description, as it describes individuals whose actions of opposing the truth are, in fact, self-destructive and against their own best interests, creating a subtle but powerful indictment of their spiritual state.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 2:25 profoundly shapes our understanding of evangelism and discipleship, underscoring that while human effort in teaching and persuasion is essential, the spiritual breakthrough of repentance is a divine act. This perspective guards against both human pride (thinking we can convert anyone by our own skill) and despair (when our efforts seem fruitless), fostering a spirit of humble reliance on God's sovereign grace. It calls believers to embody the character of Christ—meekness and truth—in their interactions, knowing that only God can open hardened hearts to acknowledge His truth. This theological truth liberates ministers from the burden of results and empowers them to faithfully sow the seed of the Word with patience and prayer.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse is a timeless guide for all who seek to share the truth of Christ, whether in formal ministry or daily interactions. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motives when confronting error or engaging in spiritual conversations. Are we motivated by a desire to win an argument, or to see a soul genuinely transformed by God's grace? The call to "meekness" demands humility, patience, and a genuine love for the person, even when their beliefs or actions are deeply misguided. It reminds us that our role is to faithfully sow the seed of truth, but the harvest of repentance is entirely God's work. This understanding should lead us to fervent prayer for those who oppose themselves, trusting that God, in His perfect timing and sovereign will, can grant them the gift of repentance and a full acknowledgment of His saving truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that people "oppose themselves" in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "those that oppose themselves" (Greek: antidiatíthemai) refers to individuals who set themselves in opposition, are resistant, or are disputatious against the truth. The implication is that by opposing God's truth, they are ultimately acting against their own best interests and spiritual well-being. Their error is self-defeating and spiritually harmful, as they reject the very truth that could lead to their salvation and flourishing. This opposition isn't just against the messenger; it's a fundamental resistance to the divine reality that would bring them life, as seen in Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37.
Is repentance truly a gift from God, or is it something we choose?
Answer: 2 Timothy 2:25 clearly states that God "will give them repentance." This highlights the theological truth that while humans are called to repent and are responsible for their choices, the ability to genuinely turn from sin and embrace God's truth is ultimately a work of divine grace. It is not something we can conjure up on our own. God's Spirit convicts, enlightens, and enables the heart to respond. This divine initiative is also seen in passages like Acts 11:18, where Peter concludes that "God hath also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." This perspective fosters humility in evangelism and reliance on God's power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 2:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who instructed "in meekness," declaring Himself "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Even when confronting the hardened hearts of the Pharisees, Jesus' rebukes were rooted in a desire for their repentance, not merely condemnation, though He spoke with divine authority. He consistently presented "the truth" (John 14:6) to those who opposed themselves, knowing that their rejection of Him was ultimately self-destructive. Furthermore, the concept that God "will give them repentance" is profoundly realized through Christ's atoning work. His death and resurrection not only make salvation possible but also secure the spiritual power necessary for hearts to be transformed. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, is the one who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), leading to the very repentance and acknowledgment of truth that this verse describes. Thus, Christ is both the perfect model of meek instruction and the divine enabler of the repentance that leads to life.