Avoid Foolish and Ignorant Disputes, Knowing That They Generate Strife (2 Timothy 2:23)
The Apostle Paul instructed his disciple Timothy to reject quarrels that corrupt the purity of the soul under the pretence of defending the truth: “Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be gentle toward everyone, able to teach, patient in hardship, and correcting opponents with meekness. Perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, so that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:23–26 A believer’s obligation to interpret the word of truth rightly and preserve the deposit of faith without distortion does not mean entering foolish and ignorant disputes that generate quarrels, corrupt the purity of the heart, and strip away inner peace. As St John Chrysostom says: “Even in discussion, he must not quarrel; for a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, since God...