Paul and the Case of the Changing Vessels: 2 Tim 2:20-21 and Its Implications for Rom 9:20-23

Scholars hotly debate whether Romans 9:20–23 depicts God as unconditionally electing individuals to salvation. One text that has played a surprisingly small role in this debate is 2 Timothy 2:20–21, where Paul uses imagery very similar to Romans 9:20–23. The present study surveys the neglect of 2 Timothy 2:20–21, discusses the reasons for it, and argues that 2 Timothy 2:20–21 poses a significant problem for the unconditional elective interpretation of Romans 9:20–23.