“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but rather Kind to everyone; an apt teacher — patient; guiding opponents with gentleness.” ~ author unknown (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

 

Even though Paul did not actually pen this letter*, 2 Timothy does contain quite a few of Paul’s favorite ideologies – one of the most poignant of which being found in this particular passage; namely, the errantly arrogant belief that it is the responsibility of all Christians to guide non-Christians to redemption with words of criticism or correction; that it is every Christian’s duty to thereby “make others right with God” or “bring others to salvation” or “save the Souls of sinners” by “guiding them back” to the traditionally accepted interpretations of the Scriptures &/or particular beliefs about God …

And even though this passage encourages others to do so “with gentleness” while being “Kind to everyone”, it is actually impossible (and indeed also a direct violation of The Way of Jesus Christ) for them to do so.  For the teachings (indeed the entire Way, Truth, & Life) of Jesus made it very clear that Humility was the key to entering his “Kingdom of Heaven” (see Matthew 18:3-4); that we were not to raise ourselves up by judging others or putting them down (see Matthew 7:1-5 & Matthew 23:12); that it is indeed impossible to be Kind to anyone while harming them in any way – that it is impossible to openly bear the Good Fruit of Peace & Joy using methods that bring others pain &/or shame &/or anger &/or sadness.

Indeed, quite unlike Paul, Jesus made it very clear that it was most often our wordless acts of Love that “guided” others, not our haughty words of critique or condemnation (see Matthew 22:36-40 & Matthew 25:40 & John 13:15-17 et al); that the only way to avoid being “quarrelsome” was to be truly humble, and that the only way to be truly humble was to emulate the fully non-condemnatory Way of Christ, not the critical un-way of Paul.
*The Greek vocabulary and style of 2 Timothy diverges in many ways from the rest of Paul’s genuine letters, 2 Timothy describes a historical situation marked by both the institutionalization of the church and a vibrant opposition thereto – much more akin of the period of the church’s history that existed well after Paul’s death, and 2 Timothy lacks all mention of a favored theme of Paul – the justification by faith – and seems to replace it with a focus not prevalent in Paul’s authenticated letters (Christian piety being shown by adherence to tradition).

 

Filed under: My Favorite Verses by Scaughdt