2 Timothy 2:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:19-21

Here we see what we may comfort ourselves with, in reference to this, and the little errors and heresies that both infect and infest the church, and do mischief. I. It may be a great comfort to us that the unbelief of men cannot make the promise of God of no effect. Though the faith of some particular persons be overthrown, yet the foundation of God standeth sure (2 Tim. 2:19); it is not possible that they should deceive the elect. Or it may be meant of the truth itself, which they impugn. All... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Timothy 2:20-21

2:20-21 In any great house there are not only gold and silver vessels; there are also vessels of wood and earthenware. And some are put to a noble use and some to an ignoble use. If anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a vessel fit to be put to a noble use, ready for any good work. The connection between this passage and the one which immediately precedes it is very practical. Paul had just given a great and high definition of the Church as consisting of those who belong... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:21

If a man therefore purge himself from these ,.... That is, if a man clears himself, and keeps himself clear from such men as Hymenaeus and Philetus, who are comparable to wooden and earthen vessels, and are dishonourable ones; if he shuns their defiling company, and polluting principles; if he keeps clear of their heresies, and is not carried away with the errors of these wicked men, and is not drawn aside by them into immoral practices, but stands fast in the faith, and departs from... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Timothy 2:21

If a man therefore purge himself from these - He that takes heed to his ways and to his doctrines, and walks with God, will separate himself, not only from all false doctrine, but from all wicked men, and thus be sanctified and proper to be employed by the Master in every good word and work. The apostle has not made the application of these different similes, and it is very difficult to tell what he means. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Timothy 2:21

Verse 21 21If any man shall cleanse himself from these If the reprobate are “vessels for dishonor,” they have that dishonor confined to themselves, but they do not disfigure the house, or bring any disgrace on the head of the family, who, while he has a variety of articles of furniture, appropriates each vessel to its proper use. But let us learn, by their example, to apply them to better and worthier uses; for in the reprobate, as in mirrors, we perceive how detestable is the condition of man,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:14-26

Conduct in view of heresy appearing in the Church. I. METHOD OF THE HERETICS . "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear." The method of the heretics called for solemn warning from Timothy. Its essential character was word fighting. It dealt with the form, and not with the reality; and so it came to be controversial. The word is not unimportant, but it has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:15-26

The skilful workman. Besides the concentration of purpose, and the willingness to endure, which are necessary to the faithful minister of Christ, two other qualifications are no less needed. The one is skill in his work; the other is gentleness and patience in dealing with those that oppose themselves. By skill in his work we mean both the knowing what to avoid and shun, and the effective handling of the Word of truth. The minister of Christ who wastes his time, and spends his strength in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:20-21

The Church in its visible aspect before the world. The apostle seems to be answering the question why there are such unworthy members in the visible communion of the Church. I. THE CHURCH IS LIKE A GREAT HOUSE WITH VARIOUS SORTS OF VESSELS . "Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honour, and some unto dishonour." 1 . It is contended that the great house here is not the Church, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:21

Meet for and meet, A.V. and T.R.; prepared for and prepared, A.V. Purge himself from these ( ἐκκαθάρῃ ); stronger than the simple καθάρῃ , "thoroughly purge himself," as in 1 Corinthians 5:7 (the only other place in the New Testament where it occurs) and as in classical Greek. It is used also by the LXX . in 7:4 , as the rendering of פרַץָ , to try metals. The idea, therefore, seems to be that of separation, and, if so, "from these" may certainly mean from the false... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:21

Fitness for service. "Meet for the Master's use." Christ is our Lord as well as our Saviour. We are under a Master, and must bring our thought in captivity unto him. I. MEETNESS . For in man there is a power that grows by culture. Not so with the inferior animals. Take the bee: the first cell it makes is as geometrically perfect as the last. So take the bird: the first nest it makes is as soft and complete as the last. But man can grow in meetness. Self-discipline meetens. ... read more

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