Limited to 1 Thess. 2:7; 2 Tim. 2:24, the Greek adjective “epios” meant “soft,” “kind,” “gentle.”

Classical writers used this term to describe a nurse who dealt with difficult students, plus parents and their children.

God’s servants must be “gentle,” and this does not mean spineless, to all.  Paul said he had been “gentle” with the brethren at Thessalonica.