Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 15. Study to show thyself approved unto God. Give diligence, 2 Pe 1:10, or make an effort so to discharge-the duties of the ministerial office as to meet the Divine approbation. The object of the ministry is not to please men. Such doctrines should be preached, and such plans formed, and such a manner of life pursued, as God will approve. To do this demands study or care -- for there are many temptations to the opposite course; there are many things the tendency of which is to lead a minister to seek popular favour rather than the Divine approval. If any man please God, it will be as the result of deliberate intention and a careful life.

A workman that needeth not to be ashamed. A man faithfully performing his duty, so that when he looks over what he has done, he may not blush.

Rightly dividing the word of truth. The word here rendered "rightly dividing," occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, to cut straight, to divide right; and the allusion here may be to a steward who makes a proper distribution to each one under his care of such things as his office and their necessities require. Comp. See Barnes "Mt 13:52".

Some have supposed that there is an allusion here to the Jewish priest cutting or dividing the sacrifice into proper parts; others, that the allusion is to the Scribes dividing the law into sections; others, to a carver distributing food to the guests at a feast. Robinson (Lex.) renders it, "rightly proceeding as to the word of truth;" that is, rightfully and skilfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven.

{a} "Study" 2 Pe 1:10 {b} "rightly dividing" Mt 13:52