Brother, whether you’re an elder or an aspiring elder, Scripture calls you to live a life characterized by Christlike humility. Paul instructs Timothy, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Timothy 2:24; cf 1 Tim 3:3). Let’s focus briefly on the requirement to “not be quarrelsome.”
What does Paul have in mind with that word “quarrelsome”?
First of all, the word here translated as “not quarrelsome” is ἄμαχος (amachos), translated by BDAG as “peaceable.” This word is also found in Titus 3:2, where Paul tells Titus “to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (NASB). The other characteristics in Titus 3:2 surrounding the word “uncontentious” help us to understand what this word means. It is to speak favorably of others, to be Christ-like, humble, and gentle (Matt. 11:29). The tenderness and care Christ shows toward the bruised reed and smoldering wick must also be evident in the words of his under shepherds.
To be uncontentious means to avoid fighting. As 2 Timothy 2:23 says, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels (μάχας).” Similarly, in Titus 3:9, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and
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