What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:23? But reject Paul opens with an imperative: “But reject….” The command is decisive—turn away, refuse, have nothing to do with what follows. Scripture never treats error casually; it calls for separation from it (Titus 3:9). Just as Romans 16:17 tells believers to “turn away” from divisive people, Timothy is urged to take active steps, not merely passive disapproval. The literal force of reject reminds us that obedience involves deliberate action, much like James 4:7, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” foolish and ignorant speculation The target is “foolish and ignorant speculation.” • Foolish: empty, lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 26:4). • Ignorant: uninformed, without understanding of truth (1 Timothy 6:4). • Speculation: conjecture that goes beyond what God has revealed (1 Timothy 1:4). Paul is not stifling honest questions about Scripture; he is cutting off debates that major on the minors or drift into myth. 1 Timothy 6:20 echoes the warning: “Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called ‘knowledge.’” God’s Word calls believers to guard the gospel, not chase every rumor. for you know Timothy isn’t hearing this for the first time. “For you know” appeals to his settled conviction, built from years at Paul’s side (2 Timothy 3:14). Biblical truth is not theoretical; it is lived, proven, and remembered. 1 John 2:21 captures the same tone: “I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you know it.” The Spirit uses past instruction to fortify present obedience. that it breeds quarreling The fruit of foolish speculation is clear: “it breeds quarreling.” • Controversy swells and love shrivels (1 Corinthians 3:3). • Words become weapons, not tools (2 Timothy 2:14). • The church’s witness is clouded (James 4:1). Paul warns that unchecked disputes multiply like weeds; what starts as a harmless tangent becomes a full-blown fight. Proverbs 26:21 pictures it well: “As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” Refusing foolish talk protects unity and keeps energy focused on gospel advance. summary 2 Timothy 2:23 calls believers to take decisive, informed action: consciously refuse empty debates; recognize their foolish and ignorant nature; remember what Scripture already makes plain; and understand that such talk only produces quarrels. By turning away from fruitless speculation, we safeguard unity, uphold truth, and keep our attention on the work that truly matters—proclaiming and living the gospel. |
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