Note 40 at 2 Tim. 2:24: Paul is not advising Timothy to avoid all controversy concerning the faith. The scriptures state, "And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures"(Acts 17:2). "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks" (Acts 18:4). It is clear from these and other passages that Paul regularly reasoned, discussed and had dialogues with others concerning the faith.

He is talking about avoiding foolish debates that do nothing for you and don't advance the Christian cause in the least way. The "unlearned questions" of this verse, could be questions that basically are insoluble, or questions from those who have no knowledge of the true facts. These kind of questions lead only to quarrels and strife.

Note 41 at 2 Tim. 2:24: Paul now gives some basic guidelines on Christian behavior. This may apply to any Christian, but especially to Christian leaders.

The Lord's servant must not strive or be quarrelsome, but be gentle and kind to every one, even those who ask the stupid questions he spoke of in verse 23 (see note 42 at this v.). Second, the Lord's servant must be "apt to teach." Third, a Christian leader must be patient. The end result of this behavior is the hope that God will bring men to repentance, which will lead them to the truth.

Note 42 at 2 Tim. 2:24: The Greek word used for "strive" is "MACHOMAI" meaning, "to fight, of those who engage in a war of words, to quarrel, wrangle, dispute" (Thayer).

There could be many reasons why the Lord's servant shouldn't strive. Certainly one of those reasons is listed in James 3:16 which says, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Strife gives Satan a free hand to do whatever he wants to do. That's reason enough to avoid getting into strife.

Also, Proverbs 13:10 says, "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." The root of all strife is pride (see note 11 at Acts 20:30, p. 700; see notes 19 & 21 at 1 Tim. 3:6, p. 1281). No one will be effective serving the Lord who is full of pride.

Note 43 at 2 Tim. 2:24: Paul is contrasting "gentle" with the word "strive." A gentle person would be the opposite of a person who causes strife. This means a gentle person is humble (see note 42 at this v.). The Amplified Bible adds, "mild-tempered" to this translation.

Note 44 at 2 Tim. 2:24: The word "apt" means, "Exactly suitable; appropriate. Likely. Having a tendency; inclined. Usage Note: Apt is used instead of likely to indicate a natural tendency. . ." (NAHD). This is describing someone who has a God-given ability or a gift to teach.

Note 45 at 2 Tim. 2:24: The Greek word used for "patient" in this instance is unique. This is the only time "ANEXIKAKOS" is used in scripture and its meaning differs from what we usually think of as being patient. This Greek word means, "enduring of ill, i.e. forbearing" (Strong).

The New International Version translates this verse as, "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." The Amplified Bible says, ". . .patient, and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong."

Paul is saying that Christian leaders must be willing to bear up under ill treatment, specifically suffering wrongfully. People who can't bear criticism or persecution will never make it in the ministry.