2Timothy 2:22-24 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, Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
‘Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.’ Eight commands to Timothy: Flee from lusts (1Tim. 6:11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10). Follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace (1Tim. 6:11). Avoid foolish and unlearned questions that gender strife (2:23). Do not strive with men (2:24). Be gentle to all men. Be apt to teach. Be patient. Instruct rebels with the view of reclaiming them to the truth (2:25-26).
‘Pure heart’ – The only kind of heart to have if we are to expect prayer to be answered (2:19-21; Ps. 66:18).
‘But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.’ Among the heathen were endless tales of offspring of numberless gods. Jews and Samaritans took great pride in their ancestors (Matt. 3:9, John 4:12; 8:39). Paul warned against this (2Cor. 5:16; 11:22; Php. 3:4-6) and charged Timothy to be occupied with essentials of the Christian faith. Emphasis on natural descent is foreign to Christianity, for in Christ there is no difference (1Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11).
‘Strive’ [Greek: machomai] to fight; contend in battle; quarrel; wrangle; dispute. Translated strive (2:24; John 6:52; Acts 7:26) and fight (Jas. 4:2).
‘Apt to teach’ [Greek: didaktikos] capable of teaching (1Tim. 3:2).
‘Patient’ [Greek: anexikokos] enduring evil.
Living the Word 