25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
25 working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:25
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:22-26
(Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26)
The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of saints, will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth, by his grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would continue to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure," in respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot tell that he will give repentance to those who oppose his will. Sinners are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except by repentance, which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him by earnest, persevering prayer.