Note 25 at 2 Tim. 2:20: This verse begins with the word "But" and the previous verse began with the word "Nevertheless." Both these words are conjunctions that tie each verse with the preceding verses. This means all these verses and the thoughts they are expressing are connected.

Beginning in verse 18, Paul makes a statement that the faith of some people had been overthrown because of the false teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus. Then he reminds Timothy that this hasn't shaken God's kingdom because it is built on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ (see note 21 at v. 19). The seal that Paul alludes to infers that those whose faith was overthrown might not have been true believers (see note 24 at v. 19). This verse is continuing this thought.

The vessels of gold and silver that are honorable are comparable to sincere believers who glorify the Lord. The vessels of earth and wood that bring dishonor are unbelievers who masquerade as Christians. He is saying there are both of these in the church just as every house has these different types of vessels.

The next verse continues this allegory and strengthens this interpretation because it speaks of godly people separating themselves from these vessels of dishonor (see note 26 in v. 21, p. 1329).