2 Timothy 2:14-26·~1 min

The Lord’s Approved Workman

Timothy must remind believers of these things and charge them not to quarrel over words, but instead present himself to God as an approved worker who handles the word of truth rightly. He is to avoid irreverent chatter like that of Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose teaching spreads like gangrene and upsets some by claiming the resurrection has already happened, yet God's firm foundation still stands with its seal.

R¹⁴emind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. ¹⁵Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. ¹⁶But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, ¹⁷and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some. ¹⁹Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

Paul compares a large house containing vessels for noble and common use, then says that anyone who cleanses himself from what is dishonorable becomes a vessel for honor, set apart and useful to the Master for every good work.

²⁰A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. ²¹So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

Timothy must flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. He is to refuse foolish controversies and instead, as the Lord's servant, be kind, patient, able to teach, and gentle in correction, hoping that God may grant opponents repentance, knowledge of the truth, and escape from the devil's snare.

²²Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. ²⁴And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. ²⁵He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. ²⁶Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

Section summaryPaul tells Timothy to keep reminding believers of these things while avoiding destructive word-fights, and to present himself to God as an approved worker who handles the word of truth rightly. He must avoid empty chatter that spreads like disease, yet remember that God's firm foundation stands and that those who belong to the Lord must turn from wickedness. The section ends by calling Timothy to cleanse himself for honorable use, flee youthful passions, refuse foolish controversies, and gently correct opponents in hope that God may grant repentance and rescue them from the devil's snare.

Role in the chapterThis closing section translates endurance into disciplined ministry. It defines faithful work not only by doctrinal precision, but by purity, restraint, and patient correction aimed at restoration.