Quarrels and Quarrelers

Using an illustration that at first glance might be lost on us, Paul reminds Timothy that he has been set aside for a holy calling. In a house, there are some vessels used for honourable things - like serving food to cherished guests. And these vessels have been purified and set aside for such a purpose. But other vessels are not made clean. Instead, they are used for dishonourable things - like the maintenance of bodily functions. They retain their uncleanness and are not useful for any other task.

Building from this analogy, Paul instructs Timothy to remain useful - to be pure and clean from that which is dishonourable so that he might continue to fulfill the task he has been set aside for. Doing so means fleeing youthful passions, avoiding irreverent quarrels, and treating one's adversaries with gentleness. If Timothy does so, it is even possible that the Lord might use his gentleness to soften the hearts of those who oppose him, even saving them and purifying them for an honourable purpose. But Paul goes on to warn Timothy that this is often NOT the case. And he gives a long list of cutting descriptions of those who will stubbornly keep to their dishonourable work. Even in this heavy and discouraging reminder, the apostle is not devoid of comfort for his young son. "Remember, Timothy - those dishonourable adversaries will not get very far. Like the fraudulent magicians of Pharaoh's court, they will soon be exposed and their folly made evident."