2 Timothy 2:24 - Exposition

The Lord ' s servant for the servant of the Lord, A.V.; towards all for unto all men, A.V.; forbearing for patient, A.V. The Lord's servant ( δοῦλον κυρίου ) . So St. Paul repeatedly describes himself ( Romans 1:1 ; Galatians 1:10 ; Philippians 1:1 ; Titus 1:1 ), as do also the apostles James, Peter, Jude, and John ( James 1:1 ; 2 Peter 1:1 ; Jud 2 Peter 1:1 ; Revelation 1:1 ). The term seems, therefore, especially (though not exclusively, Ephesians 6:6 ; 1 Peter 2:16 ; Revelation 19:2 , Revelation 19:5 ; Revelation 22:3 ) to describe those whose office it is to preach the gospel, either as apostles or as ministers ( Colossians 4:12 ). Must not strive ( μάχεσθαι ) ; a conclusive reason against engaging in those foolish and ignorant questionings which necessarily engender strife. Gentle ( ἤπιον ); only here and in 1 Thessalonians 2:7 , where we see how St. Paul carried this precept into practice. A nurse does not meet the child's waywardness by blows or threats, but by gentleness and love. It is a classical word. Apt to teach (see 1 Timothy 3:2 , note). Forbearing ( ἀνεξίκακον ); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX ., and only in late Greek. It means literally "bearing up against ill treatment," patiently enduring it.