In meekness instructing those that oppose them; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
All Commentaries on 2 Timothy 2:25 Go To 2 Timothy 2
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
If at any time God may touch the hearts of those who believe not, or who lead a wicked life. (Witham)
In the Greek it is mepote, lest; that is, correct those who resist the truth, in hopes that God will some time bring them by repentance to the knowledge of the truth. The Greek does not express a fear that they will repent, but a certain doubt, mixed with strong hope and earnest desire of their conversion. Conversion from sin and heresy is the gift of God, yet we see good exhortations and prayers are available thereto; which would not be the case if we had not free-will. But these exhortations, to be profitable, must be made as the apostle says, en praoteti; i.e. with modesty and meekness. Si fortè det Deus illis meliorem mentem; i.e. ut perveniant ad agnitionem ejus veritatis, quam nunc oppugn ant.
