2 Timothy 2:24

24 As the Lord's servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher,

2 Timothy 2:24 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive
By "the servant of the Lord" is not meant any believer in common, but a minister of the word, as Timothy was; such an one ought not to strive about words to no profit, about mere words, and in a litigious, quarrelsome manner, and for mastery and not truth; though he may, and ought to strive for the faith of the Gospel; this is praiseworthy in him:

but be gentle unto all men;
not only to troubled minds, and wounded consciences, by supplying them with the precious promises and truths of the Gospel; and to backsliders, by restoring them in a spirit of meekness; but even to those who contradict the truth, and themselves, by mild and kind instructions.

Apt to teach,
showing a willingness to instruct the ignorant and obstinate, and making use of abilities given for that purpose, notwithstanding all discouragements; for it follows,

patient,
or "bearing evil"; not only the infirmities of weak brethren in the church, and the reproaches and persecutions of profane men in the world; but also the contradictions and oppositions of the adversaries of truth, so as not to be irritated and provoked, or to be discouraged, and desist from the defence of the Gospel.

2 Timothy 2:24 In-Context

22 Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help.

23 But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels.

24 As the Lord's servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher,

25 who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.

26 And then they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the Devil, who had caught them and made them obey his will.