Those Who Oppose

The servant of God must not be a striver, and yet he must correct the obstinate and proud. Paul tells Timothy that he must be prepared to meekly instruct those who oppose themselves (2 Tim. 2:25). The word here is antidiatithemai, and describes those who set themselves up in opposition. This is not because they have carefully heard the words of the gospel and have found them wanting. Rather it is because they hate the very aroma that proceeds from these words, even before they are spoken. This native opposition is hard to overcome, but Paul says that it is sometimes overcome by means of meek and patient instruction.