Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to 2 Timothy · About this commentary
Vessels in a Great House
2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor and some for dishonor. · WEB
A household holds vessels of very different worth — and the one thing that decides which a person becomes is stated plainly.
In a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some for honor and some for dishonor. The picture follows the foundation of verse 19 naturally — having established the building, Paul looks at its contents.
The distinction offered is not between good people and bad in the abstract. It is between what a vessel is used for, and the household in view is the visible community, which contains both.
Verse 21 gives the turn, and it is unexpectedly hopeful. If anyone purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor. The material is not destiny. What determines the category is separation from the corrupting influences just described — the empty talk, the gangrene, the men whose teaching overturns faith.
Four things are then said of such a vessel, and the last is the point of the other three: sanctified, suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work. Usefulness is the aim. A gold vessel that the master cannot use has missed what vessels are for, and clay that he can use has not.
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