2 Timothy 2:15
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Study to show thyself approved unto God - Endeavour so to cultivate and improve thy heart and mind, that thou mayest not be a reproach to him from whom thou professest to receive thy commission. Rightly dividing the word of truth - It is generally supposed that the apostle alludes here to the care taken to divide the sacrifices under the law; the priests studied, in dividing the victim down the spine, to do it so scrupulously that one half of the spinal marrow should be found on each side the backbone. Probably nothing was much farther from the apostle's thoughts than this view, which is now commonly taken of the subject. Indeed this scrupulously dividing does not appear to have been any original ordinance among the Jews; much stress was laid upon it in later times, but from the beginning it was not so. The word ορθοτομειν signifies, 1. Simply to cut straight, or to rectify. 2. To walk in the right way; it is thus used by Gregory Nazianzen, who, in Orat. Apol. fugae, opposes ορθοτομειν to κακως ὁδευειν, walking in a right way to walking in a bad way. Thus, καινοτομειν signifies to walk in a new way, and κατευθυνειν to walk in a straight way. See Kypke. Therefore, by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and, according to our Lord's simile, giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate, reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Study--Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent." to show--Greek, "present," as in Rom 12:1. thyself--as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (Ti2 2:14). approved--tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Tit 1:16). workman--alluding to Mat 20:1, &c. not to be ashamed--by his work not being "approved" (Phi 1:20). Contrast "deceitful workers" (Co2 11:13). rightly dividing--"rightly handling" [Vulgate]; "rightly administering" [ALFORD]; literally, cutting "straight" or "right": the metaphor being from a father or a steward (Co1 4:1) cutting and distributing bread among his children [VITRINGA and CALVIN], (Luk 12:42). The Septuagint, Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5, use it of "making one's way": so BENGEL here takes Paul to mean that Timothy may make ready a straight way for "the word of truth," and may himself walk straight forward according to this line, turning neither to the right nor to the left, "teaching no other doctrine" (Ti1 1:3). The same image of a way appears in the Greek for "increase" (see on Ti2 2:16). The opposite to "rightly handling," or "dispensing," is, Co2 2:17, "corrupt the word of God." truth--Greek, "the truth" (compare Ti2 2:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Study to show thyself approved unto God,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, "to Christ"; see Rom 16:10. Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God; commending themselves to him, and to every man's conscience, by manifestation of the truth; and such will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" another day. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed; the ministry of the word is a work, and it is a good work; and those that perform it aright are worthy of honour and esteem; and it requires industry, diligence, and application, and for which no man is sufficient without the grace of God; and those who are employed in it are workmen, workers together with God, and labourers in his vineyard: and such who are faithful and diligent ones, "need not to be ashamed"; such do not cause shame, neither in themselves nor in others, as false teachers do, who foam out their own shame, and as negligent ministers of the word, and such whose lives are not agreeable to the doctrines they preach; nor have they any reason to be ashamed, neither of the Gospel, which they preach, nor of their sufferings, which they endure for the sake of it, nor of their upright ministrations of the word; and as they are not afraid to suffer shame for the sake of Christ now, they will not be ashamed before him at his coming. rightly dividing, or "cutting" the word of truth; that is, the Scriptures of truth, Dan 10:21 which come from the God of truth, are concerning Christ, who is the truth, and are dictated and led into by the spirit of truth, and contain in them nothing but truth: to divide the word, is not merely to divide the text into its proper parts, though care should be taken that this be done aright; and some think that the allusion is to the verses of the Hebrew Bible, which are called "divisions", sections, or cuttings, from the word "to cut" or "divide", being cut or divided one from another; hence those that were employed in the law, and were conversant with the sacred writings, and exercised therein, were called , "cutters", or "dividers of the law" (e); and so is one that is well versed in the Bible, and knows every part of it, and readily uses it, in speaking or writing; and such an one was Timothy, Ti2 3:15 though I rather think the apostle refers to a wrong way of dividing the Scriptures by the Jews, to which he opposes the right dividing of them. They had used not only to take away a letter out of one word, and add it to another, and so expound the text, but to remove words in it, and make that which went before to go behind, and that which was behind to go before; and this they call a sharp knife, which , "cuts and divides the Scriptures" (f): but this way, which his countrymen used, the apostle would not have Timothy, and other Gospel ministers, make use of; for this is not rightly to divide, but to mangle and tear in pieces the word of truth. Moreover, to divide the word of truth, or to cut it, is to cut it open, and dissect its several parts, and search and look into the inside and bottom of it, for to find out every truth contained in it, and lay them open to others; and may be, as some have thought, an allusion to the cutting open the sacrifices, and laying the parts of them aright, and in a decent manner: to which may be added, that since ministers of the Gospel are stewards, and who, when wise and faithful, give to everyone of the household their portion of meat in due season; the metaphor may be taken from such, and from masters and governors of families, who cut up the food, and distribute it to each, according to their age and appetite; and so the ministers of the Gospel are to distribute the spiritual food of the word to babes in Christ, and to grown Christians, according to their capacities, and suitable to their cases and circumstances, dividing to everyone what is proper for him: in short, one that divides the word of truth rightly, is, as the Vulgate Latin version renders it, one that "rightly handles"; or, as the Syriac version, that "rightly preaches the word of truth"; who gives the true sense of Scripture, does not pervert and wrest it, and take from it, or add to it; who points out the truth in it, and shows unto men the way of salvation, and plainly and faithfully preaches the Gospel contained in it, without keeping back anything that is profitable, but declares the whole counsel of God. This same Greek word is used by the Septuagint in Pro 3:6 where it answers to the Hebrew word which signifies to direct the way, and make it plain; and may here design a plain and open interpretation of the word of God: and to answer these several characters in the text should be the studious concern of every Gospel minister; and study is necessary thereunto; it requires great care that a man take heed to himself, and to his doctrine; and great industry, diligence, and application, and much reading, meditation, and prayer. (e) Vid. Fuller Miscell. Saora, l. 3. c. 16. (f) Halichot Olim, port. 4. c. 3. p. 192.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15 who correctly explains (literally who guides along a straight path): The NLT relates this verse to right interpretation of the word of truth. Another possibility is that Timothy should keep to his purpose in teaching the word (see 1 Tim 1:4) and not turn aside by engaging in the false teachers’ controversies (2 Tim 2:16).
2 Timothy 2:15
The Lord’s Approved Workman
14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Truth
By Francis Schaeffer9.8K54:10TruthJHN 17:51TI 2:52TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acting upon the knowledge of the truth in order to experience peace. He emphasizes that God wants all people to be saved and has provided enough evidence for them to come to the knowledge of the truth. The preacher also highlights the role of believers in sharing the truth with others, citing John 17 as evidence that people become Christians through the testimony of God's people. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to live out the truth they have received and to be a force for God in the world.
(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days!
By Keith Daniel7.7K1:12:59LUK 21:15ACT 6:101TI 4:132TI 2:152TI 4:22TI 4:51PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He criticizes theological centers and seminars that teach preachers to be entertainers rather than faithful messengers of the Bible. The preacher warns against compromising the message of the Bible for the sake of pleasing the masses, stating that this leads to a distortion of God's blueprint for our lives. He urges preachers to prioritize the salvation of souls over entertaining the congregation, emphasizing the importance of preaching the truth even if it may offend some.
The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill7.0K51:19RevivalEXO 33:20JDG 14:62KI 2:9ISA 6:5DAN 11:322TI 2:15JAS 5:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a city and killing a lion. However, Samson's downfall came when he was betrayed by his own people and captured by his enemies. The preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and confessing one's faults before God, using examples of individuals who were once respected but fell into sin. He concludes by urging the audience to seek God's forgiveness and transformation in their lives.
Die, Wait, and Get Alone
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K1:12:13Dying To SelfMAT 4:4JHN 12:23JHN 15:7JHN 17:22TI 2:152TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that believing in Jesus is not enough, there is something more that God needs to do in us. The preacher refers to the Gospel of John and explains that there is one Gospel told by four different people. He compares the Gospels to the different parts of the Tabernacle, with John being the holy place and John 17 being the holy of holies. The primary purpose of Jesus coming into the world was not just to save sinners from hell, but to bring glory to the Son of man. The preacher also encourages the audience to seek God's vision and be willing to give their all for Him.
(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 02
By Alan Redpath5.4K26:28Sermon PreparationPSA 37:23PRO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 8:32EPH 4:152TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing one's own individuality when preaching and proclaiming the gospel. He highlights that the New Testament writers had different styles, and therefore, each preacher should be themselves and not try to copy others. The speaker emphasizes that the gospel is communicated through individuals, and it is important to avoid becoming carbon copies of others. He warns against the tendency to repress one's personality and urges listeners to avoid copying others, as it is the worst form of flattery.
A Certain Sound
By Manley Beasley5.2K1:04:44Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 13:81CO 14:9EPH 4:142TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking for prayers for the upcoming multimedia presentation in Europe. He then reads a passage from the Bible and discusses the importance of being aware of certain issues in the world today. The speaker emphasizes that he is not trying to provide a structured teaching, but rather wants to raise awareness and encourage listeners to seek guidance through Bible study, prayer, and personal experiences. The sermon highlights the significance of staying balanced as a Christian and the need to recognize and combat the strategies of the devil, particularly his attempts to create uncertainty among believers.
Not With the Sword of Man
By David Wilkerson4.2K43:27MAT 6:33JHN 16:13ROM 6:111CO 10:112TI 2:15HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from the examples in the Old Testament. He encourages the audience to seek the keys to overcoming sin, flesh, and the devil. The preacher invites those who are backslidden or do not know Jesus to come forward and believe in the Lord for a lasting change. He emphasizes the need to lay down our own efforts and trust in God for miracles and victories in our lives.
(Reformation Within Protestantism): The Goal of the Church
By A.W. Tozer4.2K45:07ReformationGEN 28:17MAT 6:33EPH 5:271TH 1:82TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worship, witness, and work in the lives of believers. He expresses his concern that many people claim to be followers of Christ but do not live out their faith in their actions. The speaker highlights the need for believers to engage in good works and benevolence, following the example of Jesus who went about doing good and healing the oppressed. He challenges the audience to be a model church, presenting a new model for others to follow, and to align their lives with the teachings of the New Testament and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Apologetics
By Francis Schaeffer4.1K57:23ApologeticsPRO 2:3JHN 14:6ACT 17:11ROM 10:171TH 5:212TI 2:151PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural framework and mindset of the people we are trying to communicate with. He compares it to speaking in a foreign language without learning it first. The speaker suggests that in order to effectively preach the Gospel, we must take the time to understand the generation we are living in and address their objections and concerns. He also highlights the need for both defense and positive communication in engaging with others. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel in a way that resonates with the culture of the second half of the 20th century.
Biblical Courtship Session #4 - the When of Biblical Courtship
By Paul Washer3.6K59:17Biblical CourtshipPRO 4:23HOS 4:6MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:132TI 2:151PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living every moment of our lives for the glory of God. He highlights that simply acquiring knowledge and principles without a Christ-like character is of little value. The speaker also discusses the significance of teaching children about relationships and sexuality within the context of the parent-child relationship, cautioning against exposing them to worldly influences. He concludes by discussing the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the dangers of allowing young people to enjoy the privileges of adulthood without assuming the responsibilities that come with it.
When Defeat Becomes Doctrine
By Carter Conlon3.6K49:58DefeatJDG 6:1ISA 1:18MAT 16:24MAT 26:39ROM 8:222TI 2:15REV 3:17In this sermon, the speaker passionately addresses the pursuit of self and how it aligns with the heart of Christ. He questions whether the pursuit of self can truly be considered the gospel of Jesus Christ. The speaker refers to Judges 6:1, where the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, as an indictment on any church or church age that claims to be rich and in need of nothing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's kingdom and responding to His word.
(Fury of Fire) 07 - Close to Being Cursed
By Milton Green3.5K1:25:59CursedMAT 6:33ROM 14:221CO 1:171CO 3:142TI 2:15JAS 1:221PE 2:2The video discussed the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God, even if it conflicts with previous teachings or traditions. The speaker emphasized the need to follow the teachings in the Bible rather than the traditions of men. The video also highlighted the importance of unity within the body of Christ and the desire to involve others in the ministry. The speaker shared a personal story about someone wanting to show the video in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but being warned that some people may not understand or accept the message.
Running From Church to Find God
By Carter Conlon3.4K50:59Seeking GodMAT 6:331TI 4:122TI 2:152TI 3:16TIT 2:11PHM 1:6HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of the Holy Ghost and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. He prays for God's guidance and asks for the grace to release any debts or wrongs done to us. The preacher shares a story about an evangelist who was not afraid of the devil and had a strong trust in the Lord. He then discusses the blessings that come to the righteous, including business sense, a good reputation, and provision for their household. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting and obeying God's word and promises that He will provide light in the midst of darkness.
Evils of Postponed Living
By A.W. Tozer3.3K49:54EvilPSA 119:11MAT 6:33LUK 11:28ACT 24:252CO 6:22TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is willing to give and be generous. He shares a story of a man who withheld his money from a missionary offering out of fear of not having enough for himself, but later had his money stolen. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the principle that if we don't give to God, the devil will take it. He then urges the listeners to not procrastinate in their spiritual growth and to take time out to prioritize their relationship with God. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of losing one's soul and the importance of not delaying in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Winning God's Approval - Part 1
By Zac Poonen3.3K44:36Approval2TI 2:15HEB 11:6HEB 11:39In this sermon, the speaker announces a series of nine sessions on the topic of winning God's approval. He plans to study characters from the Old and New Testaments who either won or lost God's approval and draw lessons from their experiences. The speaker highlights the importance of seeking God's grace in times of need, using the analogy of a mountain climber who falls but is too proud to ask for help. He emphasizes the need to recognize the seriousness of rejecting God and the temptation to ask for grace. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's goodness and forgiveness, using the example of God clothing Adam and Eve with fig leaves after their failure in the Garden of Eden.
Election
By C.H. Spurgeon3.2K58:25PRO 18:13ISA 8:20JER 36:23ROM 3:24ROM 11:42TI 2:152TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning Scripture into practical discourse under the influence of God's Spirit. He encourages the audience to set aside their prejudices and listen with an open mind. The sermon focuses on the doctrine of God's immutable love and the concept of God choosing individuals for salvation. The preacher aims to prove the truth of this doctrine and explore its effects and tendencies, addressing different positions and stations within the Church.
Fulfills That for Which God Made Him
By A.W. Tozer3.1K39:17FulfillmentMAT 6:33JHN 10:27ROM 8:28PHP 3:102TI 2:151PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of knowing God and being in a relationship with Him. He emphasizes that God created the heaven and the earth and all things in it. The preacher also talks about the concept of the "deeper life" and how it is found in Jesus Christ. He encourages listeners to seek a deeper understanding of God and to remove anything that hinders their relationship with Him. The sermon emphasizes the need to know God and the significance of the image of God in humanity.
Beware of Dogs
By Bill McLeod3.0K24:48False TeachersPSA 119:97PSA 119:162ISA 56:10MAL 1:10LUK 12:151CO 10:242TI 2:152TI 3:2JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of not remaining silent about one's faith. He recounts a plane journey where he noticed people wearing red suits with only their hands and faces visible, but he did not speak to them about his faith. He urges listeners to wake up and not let Satan silence them. The speaker also shares a story of being stuck in a ditch and being helped by a stranger, highlighting the importance of helping others. He concludes by urging listeners to ask God for forgiveness and to rid themselves of self-seeking attitudes.
What Christ Did for Me (Zac’s Testimony)
By Zac Poonen3.0K1:00:30EXO 22:1MAT 28:19LUK 23:43JHN 7:38ACT 2:42TI 2:151PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the disconnect between the captivating nature of worldly entertainment and the perceived lack of interest in church and sermons. The speaker questions why God, as the creator of intelligence, does not help make church and sermons as interesting as secular television programs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking God's word seriously and ignoring the opinions of others and one's own reasoning. The speaker also shares personal experiences of surrendering ambitions and giving all to God, highlighting the emptiness of worldly pursuits compared to a life dedicated to God.
A Call to Endurance, Part Ii
By David Roper2.9K35:23EndurancePRO 3:52TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the second chapter of Second Timothy. He discusses three metaphors that the apostle Paul uses to describe the faithful man of God: a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. These metaphors emphasize the importance of endurance and diligent effort in the Christian ministry. The speaker then applies these metaphors to Timothy, encouraging him to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus and to continue in his faith despite opposition and adversity. Additionally, the speaker introduces three more figures that describe the faithful man of God: an unashamed workman, an undefiled vessel, and an inoffensive servant. These figures highlight the importance of handling the word of truth correctly, maintaining purity, and serving with gentleness and mercy.
(Faith Community Chapel) 10/31 Message
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:30:44Obeying ParentsDEU 27:26ISA 55:11MAT 6:332TH 2:112TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing one's friends wisely and avoiding those who compromise their faith. The sermon encourages believers to distance themselves from godless friends and to pray for their salvation. The preacher also warns against the defiling influence of worldly entertainment, such as books, magazines, television, films, video games, and music, which are said to be 99% defiling and damning to the soul. The sermon concludes with a story about a broken relationship between a father and son, highlighting the consequences of sin and the need for forgiveness and restoration.
Devotional Life
By Gerhard Du Toit2.9K1:10:44DevotionalISA 50:4MAT 6:33ROM 5:82TI 2:152TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's plan for one's life. They stress that every day spent outside of God's will is wasted time. The speaker also discusses the concept of time management and encourages listeners to maximize and utilize their time effectively. They highlight the need to give an account before God for one's life. Additionally, the speaker explains that God has given humans a spirit to make them conscious of Him and to cultivate a sense of God consciousness.
(Basics) 69. Proving God's Perfect Will(2)
By Zac Poonen2.6K12:561CO 6:121CO 10:231CO 10:312CO 9:8COL 3:172TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a spiritually profitable and edifying life. He references 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23, where Paul states that while all things may be lawful, not all things are profitable or edifying. The speaker encourages believers to invest their time on earth in ways that will bring maximum returns for God's kingdom. He poses several questions for believers to consider when making decisions, such as whether an action can be done to the glory of God, in fellowship with Jesus, or if Jesus would join in the activity. The sermon emphasizes the need to seek God's perfect will for our lives in order to live a useful and impactful life.
Evicting Uzziah
By Carter Conlon2.4K44:03UzziahJER 33:3MAT 6:6ACT 1:14ACT 2:4ACT 2:382TI 2:15HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker expresses his disappointment with the current state of preaching in many churches. He criticizes the use of slick video presentations and packaged sermons that lack anointing and are not given by God. The speaker shares a personal experience of a pastor who was once a seeker of God but became more focused on using these packaged sermons for guaranteed attendance and reputation. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power and presence, rather than relying on formulas and schemes, and encourages the church to seek the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
The Last Letter of Paul
By Carter Conlon2.4K57:53Letter2TI 1:132TI 2:12TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing on the testimony of Christ to future generations. The charge given by Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1 is highlighted as a commission to preach the word of God. The speaker encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace of Christ and to commit what he has learned to faithful men who can teach others. The sermon emphasizes the need to endure hardships and strive lawfully in order to be a true testimony for God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Study to show thyself approved unto God - Endeavour so to cultivate and improve thy heart and mind, that thou mayest not be a reproach to him from whom thou professest to receive thy commission. Rightly dividing the word of truth - It is generally supposed that the apostle alludes here to the care taken to divide the sacrifices under the law; the priests studied, in dividing the victim down the spine, to do it so scrupulously that one half of the spinal marrow should be found on each side the backbone. Probably nothing was much farther from the apostle's thoughts than this view, which is now commonly taken of the subject. Indeed this scrupulously dividing does not appear to have been any original ordinance among the Jews; much stress was laid upon it in later times, but from the beginning it was not so. The word ορθοτομειν signifies, 1. Simply to cut straight, or to rectify. 2. To walk in the right way; it is thus used by Gregory Nazianzen, who, in Orat. Apol. fugae, opposes ορθοτομειν to κακως ὁδευειν, walking in a right way to walking in a bad way. Thus, καινοτομειν signifies to walk in a new way, and κατευθυνειν to walk in a straight way. See Kypke. Therefore, by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and, according to our Lord's simile, giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate, reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Study--Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent." to show--Greek, "present," as in Rom 12:1. thyself--as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (Ti2 2:14). approved--tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Tit 1:16). workman--alluding to Mat 20:1, &c. not to be ashamed--by his work not being "approved" (Phi 1:20). Contrast "deceitful workers" (Co2 11:13). rightly dividing--"rightly handling" [Vulgate]; "rightly administering" [ALFORD]; literally, cutting "straight" or "right": the metaphor being from a father or a steward (Co1 4:1) cutting and distributing bread among his children [VITRINGA and CALVIN], (Luk 12:42). The Septuagint, Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5, use it of "making one's way": so BENGEL here takes Paul to mean that Timothy may make ready a straight way for "the word of truth," and may himself walk straight forward according to this line, turning neither to the right nor to the left, "teaching no other doctrine" (Ti1 1:3). The same image of a way appears in the Greek for "increase" (see on Ti2 2:16). The opposite to "rightly handling," or "dispensing," is, Co2 2:17, "corrupt the word of God." truth--Greek, "the truth" (compare Ti2 2:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Study to show thyself approved unto God,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, "to Christ"; see Rom 16:10. Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God; commending themselves to him, and to every man's conscience, by manifestation of the truth; and such will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" another day. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed; the ministry of the word is a work, and it is a good work; and those that perform it aright are worthy of honour and esteem; and it requires industry, diligence, and application, and for which no man is sufficient without the grace of God; and those who are employed in it are workmen, workers together with God, and labourers in his vineyard: and such who are faithful and diligent ones, "need not to be ashamed"; such do not cause shame, neither in themselves nor in others, as false teachers do, who foam out their own shame, and as negligent ministers of the word, and such whose lives are not agreeable to the doctrines they preach; nor have they any reason to be ashamed, neither of the Gospel, which they preach, nor of their sufferings, which they endure for the sake of it, nor of their upright ministrations of the word; and as they are not afraid to suffer shame for the sake of Christ now, they will not be ashamed before him at his coming. rightly dividing, or "cutting" the word of truth; that is, the Scriptures of truth, Dan 10:21 which come from the God of truth, are concerning Christ, who is the truth, and are dictated and led into by the spirit of truth, and contain in them nothing but truth: to divide the word, is not merely to divide the text into its proper parts, though care should be taken that this be done aright; and some think that the allusion is to the verses of the Hebrew Bible, which are called "divisions", sections, or cuttings, from the word "to cut" or "divide", being cut or divided one from another; hence those that were employed in the law, and were conversant with the sacred writings, and exercised therein, were called , "cutters", or "dividers of the law" (e); and so is one that is well versed in the Bible, and knows every part of it, and readily uses it, in speaking or writing; and such an one was Timothy, Ti2 3:15 though I rather think the apostle refers to a wrong way of dividing the Scriptures by the Jews, to which he opposes the right dividing of them. They had used not only to take away a letter out of one word, and add it to another, and so expound the text, but to remove words in it, and make that which went before to go behind, and that which was behind to go before; and this they call a sharp knife, which , "cuts and divides the Scriptures" (f): but this way, which his countrymen used, the apostle would not have Timothy, and other Gospel ministers, make use of; for this is not rightly to divide, but to mangle and tear in pieces the word of truth. Moreover, to divide the word of truth, or to cut it, is to cut it open, and dissect its several parts, and search and look into the inside and bottom of it, for to find out every truth contained in it, and lay them open to others; and may be, as some have thought, an allusion to the cutting open the sacrifices, and laying the parts of them aright, and in a decent manner: to which may be added, that since ministers of the Gospel are stewards, and who, when wise and faithful, give to everyone of the household their portion of meat in due season; the metaphor may be taken from such, and from masters and governors of families, who cut up the food, and distribute it to each, according to their age and appetite; and so the ministers of the Gospel are to distribute the spiritual food of the word to babes in Christ, and to grown Christians, according to their capacities, and suitable to their cases and circumstances, dividing to everyone what is proper for him: in short, one that divides the word of truth rightly, is, as the Vulgate Latin version renders it, one that "rightly handles"; or, as the Syriac version, that "rightly preaches the word of truth"; who gives the true sense of Scripture, does not pervert and wrest it, and take from it, or add to it; who points out the truth in it, and shows unto men the way of salvation, and plainly and faithfully preaches the Gospel contained in it, without keeping back anything that is profitable, but declares the whole counsel of God. This same Greek word is used by the Septuagint in Pro 3:6 where it answers to the Hebrew word which signifies to direct the way, and make it plain; and may here design a plain and open interpretation of the word of God: and to answer these several characters in the text should be the studious concern of every Gospel minister; and study is necessary thereunto; it requires great care that a man take heed to himself, and to his doctrine; and great industry, diligence, and application, and much reading, meditation, and prayer. (e) Vid. Fuller Miscell. Saora, l. 3. c. 16. (f) Halichot Olim, port. 4. c. 3. p. 192.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15 who correctly explains (literally who guides along a straight path): The NLT relates this verse to right interpretation of the word of truth. Another possibility is that Timothy should keep to his purpose in teaching the word (see 1 Tim 1:4) and not turn aside by engaging in the false teachers’ controversies (2 Tim 2:16).