He must gently reprove those who oppose himThis phrase emphasizes the manner in which correction should be administered. The term "gently" suggests a spirit of humility and patience, reflecting the character of Christ (
Matthew 11:29). The word "reprove" indicates a need for correction, but it must be done with love and respect, as seen in
Galatians 6:1. The context of this letter is Paul's guidance to Timothy, a young pastor facing opposition. The opposition likely came from false teachers or those misled by them, a common issue in the early church (
Acts 20:29-30). The instruction to reprove gently aligns with the broader biblical principle of speaking the truth in love (
Ephesians 4:15).
in the hope that God may grant them repentance
This phrase highlights the ultimate goal of correction: repentance. Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God. It is a gift from God, as seen inActs 11:18, where the Gentiles are granted repentance leading to life. The hope expressed here is not a wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God's character and promises. Theologically, this underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, as repentance is not merely a human decision but a divine gift (2 Peter 3:9).
leading to a knowledge of the truth
The "knowledge of the truth" refers to an understanding and acceptance of the gospel message. In the pastoral epistles, "truth" often contrasts with false teachings and myths (1 Timothy 1:4, 4:7). This knowledge is not just intellectual assent but involves a relational understanding of God's will and character, as seen inJohn 17:3. The phrase suggests a process, where repentance opens the way to deeper spiritual insight and transformation. This aligns with the biblical theme that truth sets people free (John 8:32) and is embodied in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul- The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and personal conduct.
2.
Timothy- A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter.
3.
Opponents- Individuals who oppose the teachings of the Gospel, possibly including false teachers or those misled by incorrect doctrine.
4.
God- The divine being who grants repentance and leads individuals to the truth.
5.
Ephesus- The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges to early Christian teachings.
Teaching Points
Gentleness in CorrectionApproach those who oppose with a spirit of gentleness, reflecting Christ's love and patience.
Hope for RepentanceTrust in God's power to change hearts, understanding that our role is to instruct, while God grants repentance.
Knowledge of the TruthAim for opponents to come to a full understanding of the Gospel, leading them to salvation and a transformed life.
Role of the BelieverAs believers, we are called to be instruments of God's grace, showing kindness and patience in our interactions.
Spiritual WarfareRecognize that opposition often stems from spiritual deception, and our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:25?
2.How can we "gently instruct" those who oppose us in today's world?
3.What role does "repentance" play in leading others to "knowledge of the truth"?
4.How does 2 Timothy 2:25 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?
5.Why is gentleness important when correcting others according to 2 Timothy 2:25?
6.How can we apply 2 Timothy 2:25 in our daily interactions with non-believers?
7.What does 2 Timothy 2:25 teach about correcting those in opposition?
8.How does 2 Timothy 2:25 relate to the concept of repentance?
9.Why is gentleness emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:25 when correcting others?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 2?
11.What does the Bible say about Joel Osteen?
12.What does the Bible say about Christian debating?
13.Who was Charles Haddon Spurgeon?
14.Are you foolish?What Does 2 Timothy 2:25 Mean
He must• The verse begins with obligation. “The Lord’s bond-servant,” Paul writes (2 Timothy 2:24-25), is not acting on personal whim; he is under divine assignment.
• Leadership in the church is never optional or self-appointed; it arises from God’s clear calling, just as elders “must be above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and “a steward of God” (Titus 1:7).
• This opening reminds us that every instruction that follows is anchored in God’s authority, not human preference.
gently reprove• Correction is required, yet it must be clothed in gentleness. Paul elsewhere calls believers to “restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1) and to give an answer “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
• Gentleness doesn’t dilute truth; it delivers truth in a way that opens ears and hearts.Proverbs 15:1 affirms, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
• The Lord’s servant mirrors the Shepherd who is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29).
those who oppose him• Opposition is expected. Timothy faced false teachers (2 Timothy 2:23) just as Paul did (Acts 18:6).
• The phrase highlights that the issue is not personal dislike but resistance to sound doctrine; the real conflict is over truth (2 Corinthians 10:5).
• Remembering that the opponent is not the enemy—error is—keeps the servant from slipping into hostility.
in the hope that God may grant them repentance• The goal of correction is redemptive, not punitive. Repentance is portrayed as a gift: “God exalted Him…to give repentance” (Acts 5:31).
•Acts 11:18 notes, “God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life,” underscoring that turning hearts is God’s work.
• Our gentle reproof is the human means; God’s grace is the decisive cause (Romans 2:4;Ephesians 2:8-9).
leading to a knowledge of the truth• Repentance has a destination: embracing truth. God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
• Truth is personal and embodied in Christ—“Your word is truth” (John 17:17) and “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
• When opponents receive truth, they move from error’s bondage to freedom in Christ, strengthening the church and glorifying God.
summaryEvery phrase of2 Timothy 2:25 charts a path for Christian correction: the servant, compelled by God, must engage opponents with gentle firmness, trusting that God alone grants repentance and opens minds to His truth. The ultimate aim is restoration, unity, and the triumph of divine truth in the lives of those once opposed.
(25)
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.--By "those that oppose themselves," St. Paul alludes scarcely so much to those leading teachers of false doctrine as to those led away by them. In
Titus 3:10 we read how these pronounced heretics--no doubt the teachers and leaders of the school--were, after a first and second admonition, to be shunned, were to be left to themselves. These, however, were evidently to be dealt with in a different manner. Their treatment was to be a gentle one. Nothing is here said respecting a first and second admonition only; no hint is given that these are to be shunned. They are clearly not the same as those referred to in
Titus 3:10, or above in
2Timothy 2:21 of this chapter, where, again, separation is definitely urged.
If God peradventure will give them repentance.--The Greek original here also carries out what was said in the Note on the last clause, and may be rendered literally,if perchance at any time God mightgrant to them . . . This suggests a hope at least that at some time or other God's grace would work in these "opposing" members of the congregation a change. The "repentance" here signifies an abandonment on the part of those erring Christians of that wrong course on which they had entered, and a return to the true Church of God and to the full knowledge of the gospel truth.
Verse 25. -
Correcting them for
instructing those, A.V.;
peradventure God for
God peradventure, A.V.;
may for
will, A.V.;
unto the knowledge for
to the acknowledging, A.V.
Correcting (
παιδεύοντα),
παιδεύειν means properly to "educate," "bring up," or "train" a child. Hence sometimes the idea of
teaching predominates, sometimes that of
correcting or chastising. Here the context shows that the idea of
teaching is pre-dominant - partly because the word suggests something contrary to the
ἀπαίδευτοι ζητήσεις of ver. 23, and partly because the end of this
παιδεία is to bring them to the knowledge of God's truth. The A.V. "instructing" is therefore the right word here. Them that oppose themselves (
τοὺς ἀντιδιατιθέμενους); only here in the New Testament or the LXX., or in classical Greek. Literally,
those who arrange or
set themselves in opposition; or, in one word, "opponents," referring, no doubt, chiefly to such
ἀντιλέγοντες as are mentioned in the very similar passage,
Titus 1:9 (see too
Titus 2:8). If peradventure (
μήποτε). "
Μήποτε, in later Greek, loses its aversative meaning ('lest at any time'), and is almost equivalent to
εἴποτε (Alford,
in loc.) -
equivalent to "in case God should," etc.
Repentance (
μετανοία); such a change of mind as shall lead them to embrace the truth.
Knowledge (
ἐπίγνωσις); almost invariably used of the knowledge of God or of God's truth (ch. 3:7;
Romans 1:28;
Ephesians 1:17;
Ephesians 4:13;
Colossians 1:9, 10;
Colossians 3:10;
Titus 1:1;
Hebrews 10:26, etc.).
The truth; that truth which before they set themselves to oppose, disputing against it and resisting it. The servant of the Lord must never despair of any one, never throw an additional obstacle in any one's way by roughness or harsh speech, and never allow unkind feelings to be roused in his own breast by the perverseness or unreasonableness of them that oppose themselves to him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[He must] gentlyπραΰτητι(prautēti)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4240:Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.reproveπαιδεύοντα(paideuonta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3811:From pais; to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or, discipline.those whoτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.oppose [him],ἀντιδιατιθεμένους(antidiatithemenous)Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 475:To set myself against, oppose. From anti and diatithemai; to set oneself opposite, i.e. Be disputatious.in the hope thatμή‿(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.GodΘεὸς(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.may grantδώῃ(dōē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.themαὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.repentanceμετάνοιαν(metanoian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341:From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).leading toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.a knowledgeἐπίγνωσιν(epignōsin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1922:From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.of [the] truth.ἀληθείας(alētheias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.
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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:25 In gentleness correcting those who oppose him: (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) 
