2 Timothy 2:20

‘Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour, and some to dishonour (or ‘less honour’).’

This illustration might be seen as suggesting that the firm foundation in mind is the foundation of the household of God, (not a literal building), although it should be noted that its lesson is nowhere connected with the idea of the foundation. But its close proximity to the idea of the firm foundation may well be seen as suggesting that we must see the firm foundation as indicating a metaphorical building comprised of the people of God (see 1 Timothy 3:15). If the vessels in mind here had been Temple vessels then that would have confirmed the connection with Ephesians 2:20-22 and Isaiah 52:11, but they do not appear to be so. They are rather the normal tableware of a large household. It is probably best therefore to see the sure foundation as that of ‘God’s household’, firmly founded on Jesus Christ, with the vessels representing the members of that household, while possibly including some of the other aspects as being at the back of Paul’s mind.

And the suggestion is that in that household, as in all households, different vessels have different places of honour. Some are made of gold and silver. Others are made of wood or earthenware. Some have an honourable use. Others have a more mundane use. There is no reason why we should not see all these as representing the children of God, with some having higher honour than others, although in this case by their own choice. Compare Matthew 5:19 where we have a similar idea. Note here that underlying the whole illustration is the fact of the divine Potter producing His workmanship (compare Romans 9:21-23; Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-4).

A similar idea of vessels to honour and dishonour is found in Romans 9:21, although in that case the vessels to dishonour were subject to eternal wrath. Here they are simply Christians who are lacking in faith and dedication. The same illustration is thus being used from different angles. God is able to make vessels for honourable use, vessels for less honourable use and vessels only fitted for destruction. But here in 2 Timothy Paul is bringing out the element of choice which is available to the raw materials. They can choose which they will be in response to the working of the Potter/Metalworker’s hands.