2 Timothy 2:23-24 23But avoid foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they produce fights. 24The Lord’s slave must not quarrel but be kind to all, able to teach, patiently enduring wrong,
Verse 23 gives specific examples of what Timothy must flee, and verse 24 shows what he should pursue. Part of the problem he faced in Ephesus was people who were caught up in meaningless speculations that had no positive impact on people’s spiritual maturity. Some people seem to be very opinionated and let others know their opinions, sometimes in a prideful way. Opinions are interpretations of a notion that may not be clear, well supported, or have multiple possible meanings. Opinions are usually influenced or determined by a person’s worldview. Wisdom is allowing the worldview of the Bible as God’s word to influence our thinking, interpretations of the world, and opinions. Foolishness comes when a person’s worldview is dominated by self, ignorance of God’s commands, and pride.
Timothy had to deal with foolish and ignorant controversies that resulted from teachers who were ignorant of the truth of the gospel and had been deceived (3:13). The problem with opinions and speculation is that they deceive a person into thinking that his or her ideas are better or correct and everyone else is wrong. When two or more different opinions come in contact, the result could be quarrels and fights. Quarrels and verbal fights are a form of competition to see whose opinion can be most forceful, and this approach is interpreted to be the most correct.
In verse 24, the Lord’s slave basically means those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The narrow application would be people like Timothy in a leadership position, but the principle applies to all believers. Followers of Jesus must respond differently. What we say must be based on the truth as revealed in Jesus, not on controversial opinions or speculation. Since quarrels lead to relational tension, it would be better to be kind (ēpios). This word is used in some contexts for the gentleness of a mother to a nursing child. The gospel should lead to the fruit of kindness and care. Our words can have powerful affect on the people around us. A kind and caring word can build others up and create positive and wholesome relationships.
Teaching was highly honored in the early church because it was so crucial for the spiritual growth of the earliest Christians. Teaching is part of the “great commission” Jesus gave his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. Teaching must focus on the things Jesus taught; therefore, it must be based on the solid truth and not theories, which could lead to speculation and controversy. The word translated as patiently enduring wrong (anexikako) occurs only here in the New Testament and means putting up with evil in a patient way. Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Our first response to when someone does something mean to us is to react in anger, frustration, or to lash out at them. The gospel teaches us to respond with love and patience because our words will have a powerful testimony to those who speak evil to us. Teachers and preachers often encounter criticism from people. The best approach to criticism is to make sure what we say is the truth. And then we respond with kindness, patience, and love.
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