In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Instructing, [ paideuonta (G3811)] - 'disciplining,' instructing with correction, which those who deal in 'undisciplined questions' need (notes, 2 Timothy 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:20).

Those, that oppose themselves, [ antidiatithemenous (G475)] - 'oppositely affected:' those of a different opinion; not so much definite heretics here (Titus 3:10) as those unsound about curious questions (1 Timothy 6:4).

If God peradventure - at any time: a faint hope [ mee (G3361) pote (G4218)].

Repentance - preliminary to the full knowledge [ epignoosin (G1922)] of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), their minds being corrupted (2 Timothy 3:8) and their lives immoral. The spiritual ignorance which prompts such "questions" is moral-has its seat in the will, not the intellect (John 7:17). Therefore "repentance" is their first need. That God alone can "give" (Acts 5:31).

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