2:20 great house. The great house is the church (note Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:20-21; I Timothy 3:15). The vessels are its members and their works (note I Corinthians 3:12-15; Romans 9:17-23).

2:21 purge himself from these. That is, we should not be influenced by the “vessels unto dishonour” in the church. In fact, depending on the particulars in a given case, such members may need to be brought under church discipline and even excommunicated.

2:21 prepared unto every good work. Compare II Timothy 3:17. If we would be “prepared unto every good work,” we must study, believe and heed the Holy Scriptures.