Fathers

2 Timothy 2

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Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But 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. If 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. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

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What the Fathers say

2 Timothy 2:24

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive." Not even in questions ought he to strive, for the servant of the Lord must keep far from strife, since God is the God of peace, and what should the servant of the God of peace have to do with strife? "But be gentle unto all men." How is it then he says, "Rebuke with all authority" (Tit. ii. 15); and again, "Let no man despise thy youth" (1 Tim. iv. 12): and again, "Rebuke them Sharply"? (Tit. i. 13.) Because this is consistent with meekness. …

Homily on 2 Timothy 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"Courteous," that is, meek. Why then does the apostle say, "rebuke with all authority and strictly" (Tit. 2:15), and again, "let no one despise your youth" (1 Tim. 4:12)? Because a strong rebuke is especially moving when it is made with meekness. One can sooner move with meekness than put to shame with strictness. For those who wish to learn. For he himself says: "A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject" (Tit. 3:10). …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

And pray ye without ceasing in behalf of other men; for there is hope of the repentance, that they may attain to God. For "cannot he that falls arise again, and he that goes astray return?" Permit them, then, to be instructed by you. Be ye therefore the ministers of God, and the mouth of Christ. For thus saith the Lord, "If ye take forth the precious from the vile, ye shall be as my mouth." Be ye humble in response to their wrath; oppose to their blasphemies your earnest prayers; while they go astray, stand ye stedfast in the faith. …

Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Since there are so many deceptions and errors of wicked and perverse men clamoring against wisdom, how great is the need of a clean and single eye in order to find the path to wisdom! To escape all of these is the same as to reach the utmost security of peace and the unchangeable abode of wisdom. The noise of wranglers is of little account unless a man becomes a hindrance even to himself. …

Sermon On The Mount 2.25.86 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

The servant of the Lord, i.e., a person dedicated to the Lord's service, must not wrangle: not quarrelsome (1 Tim 3:3). But be mild toward all men: anyone who desires to dispute must be mild: he will teach the meek his ways (Ps 24:9). For meekness is a virtue that restrains anger, which disturbs the judgment of reason, whereas calm reason is required in questions and judgments of truth: learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart (Matt 11:29). …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗