2 Timothy 2:13

2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself. ¹ 

2 Timothy 2:21

2:21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, ²  he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

¹ sn If we are unfaithful…he cannot deny himself. This could be (1) a word of warning (The Lord will exact punishment; he cannot deny his holiness) or (2) a word of hope (Because of who he is, he remains faithful to us despite our lapses). The latter is more likely, since Paul consistently cites God’s faithfulness as a reassurance, not as a warning (cf. especially Rom 3:3; also 1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor 1:18; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Thess 3:3).

² tn Grk “from these,” alluding to the errors and deeds of the false teachers described in vv. 14-19.