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| 2 Timothy 2:15 |
Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
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This section has four verses:
2 Timothy 2:14-17
[See my notation in
Verse 17]
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging
them before the Lord that they strive not about
words to no profit, but to the subverting [undermining]
of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they
will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom
is Hymenaeus [Hi may
nay us] and Philetus [Phi-le-tus]
We will begin with the Barclay Commentary.
THE DANGER OF WORDS
2 Timothy 2:15
…paraphrased
Put out every effort to present yourself to God as
one who has stood the test, as a workman who has no
need to be ashamed, as one who rightly handles the
word of truth.
ONCE again, Paul returns to the inadequacy of words.
We must remember that the Pastoral Epistles were
written against a background of those Gnostics who
produced their long words and their fantastic
theories, and who tried to make Christianity into an
obscure philosophy instead of an adventure of faith.
There is both fascination and danger in words. They
can become a substitute for actions. There are
people who are more concerned to talk than to act.
If the world’s problems could have been solved by
discussion, they would have been solved long ago.
But words cannot replace deeds. As Charles Kingsley
wrote in ‘A Farewell’:
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever;
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long.
As Philip James Bailey wrote in Festus:
We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not
breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most – feels the noblest – acts the best.
The eighteenth-century man of letters Dr Johnson was
one of the great talkers of all time; the founder of
Methodism, John Wesley, was one of the great men of
action of all time. They knew each other, and
Johnson had only one complaint about Wesley: ‘John
Wesley’s conversation is good, but he is never at
leisure. He is always obliged to go at a certain
hour. This is very disagreeable to a man who loves
to fold his legs and have his talk out, as I do.’
But the fact remains that Wesley, the man of action,
wrote his name across England in a way in which
Johnson, the man of talk, never did.
It is not even true that talk and discussion fully
solve intellectual problems. One of the most
significant things Jesus ever said was: ‘Anyone who
resolves to do the will of God will know whether the
teaching is from God’ (John 7:17). Often,
understanding comes not by talking but by doing. In
the old Latin phrase, solvitur ambulando, the thing
will solve itself as you go on. It often happens
that the best way to understand the deep things of
Christianity is to embark on the unmistakable duties
of the Christian life.
Quoted verse:
John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the
doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself.
There remains one further thing to be said. Too much
talk and too much discussion can have two dangerous
effects.
First, they may give the impression that
Christianity is nothing but a collection of
questions for discussion and problems for solution.
The discussion group is a characteristic phenomenon
of our age. As the writer G. K. Chesterton once
said: ‘We have asked all the questions which can be
asked. It is time we stopped looking for questions,
and started looking for answers.’ In any society,
the discussion group must be balanced by the action
group.
Second, discussion can be invigorating for those
whose approach to the Christian faith is
intellectual, for those who have a background of
knowledge and of culture, for those who have a real
knowledge of, or interest in, theology. But it
sometimes happens that people with uncomplicated
views find themselves in a group which is tossing
heresies about and putting forward unanswerable
questions; and their faith, far from being helped,
is disturbed. It may well be that that is what Paul
means when he says that wordy battles can undo those
who listen to them. The normal word used for
building a person up in the Christian faith, for
edification, is the same as is used for literally
building a house; the word which Paul uses here for
ruin (katastrophe)
is what might well be used for the demolition of a
house. And it may well happen that clever, subtle,
speculative, intellectually reckless discussion may
have the effect of demolishing, and not building up,
the faith of some of those who happen to become
involved in it. As in all things, there is a time to
discuss and a time to be silent.
~Barclay commentary
Now to the other commentaries. We will begin with
the general and go to the specific.
The workman, 2 Timothy
2:14-18 : The one anxiety with us all should be to
stand approved before God. As the r.v. margin
suggests, we must hold a straight course in the word
of truth. Our testimony should resemble an
undeviating furrow. Let us construct in our life
something which will be a permanent addition to the
well-being of the world, so that at the last the
Master may say that He is satisfied.
~F. B. Meyer
Now from the Matthew Henry Concise which covers
verses 14-21:
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about
matters of small moment. But strifes of words
destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some
who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but
they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can
be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the
temporary faith of some professors. This foundation
has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None
can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen.
The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the
comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of
the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church
of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of
great value; some of smaller value, and put to
meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like
vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of
dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others
will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must
see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the
church whom God approves, will be devoted to his
Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.
~Matthew Henry Concise
Quoted verse:
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Now the Matthew Henry Main:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, 2 Timothy
2:15. Observe, The care of ministers must be to
approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of him,
and to show that they are so approved unto God. In
order thereunto, there must be constant care and
industry: Study to show thyself such a one, a
workman that needs not be ashamed. Ministers must be
workmen; they have work to do, and they must take
pains in it. Workmen that are unskilful, or
unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but
those who mind their business, and keep to their
work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what
is their work? It is rightly to divide the word of
truth. Not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to
divide the gospel that is committed to their trust.
To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs,
comfort to whom comfort; to give every one his
portion in due season, Matthew 24:45. Observe here,
1. The word which ministers preach is the word of
truth, for the author of it is the God of truth.
2. It requires great wisdom, study, and care, to
divide this word of truth rightly; Timothy must
study in order to do this well.
~Matthew Henry Main
Quoted verse:
Matthew 24:45
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his
lord hath made ruler over his household, to give
them meat in due season?
Now to the specific commentaries.
The commentaries break the verse down in roughly
three parts, though some break it up further.
1] Study to shew thyself approved unto God.
2] A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.
3] Rightly dividing the word of truth.
1] Study to shew thyself approved
unto God.
Study - Strictly, ‘be
eager, be zealous.’
~Popular commentary
Approved - i.e. tried
and standing the trial.
~Popular commentary
Study to show thyself.
- To this end the utmost diligence must be used.
~People's New Testament
Approved unto God. -
Such a preacher that his work will please the
Heavenly Father. ~People's
New Testament
The JFB breaks this phrase into 4 parts:
Study — Greek, “Be
earnest,” or “diligent.”
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
to show — Greek,
“present,” as in Romans 12:1.
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verse:
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service.
thyself — as
distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge
(2 Timothy 2:14).
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verse:
2 Timothy 2:14 [See
Lesson]
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging
them before the Lord that they strive not about
words to no profit, but to the subverting of the
hearers.
approved — tested by
trial: opposed to “reprobate” (Titus 1:16).
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verse:
Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they
deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and
unto every good work reprobate.
Study to show thyself approved
unto God - Give diligence, or make an effort
so to discharge the duties of the ministerial office
as to meet the divine approbation [approval;
commendation]. 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 favor rather than the divine approval. If
any man please God, it will be as the result of
deliberate intention and a careful life.
~Barnes Notes
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.
~Adam Clarke
Note:
"Cultivate" here means to promote or improve the
growth of by labor and attention. We are eager to
use the Word of God to improve our heart and mind in
all areas: mentally, psychologically, in
personality, emotionally, physically, as well as,
spiritually.
Study to show thyself approved
unto God - The Alexandrian copy reads, "to
Christ"; see Romans 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. ~John Gill
Quoted verse:
Romans 16:10
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which
are of Aristobulus' household.
2] A workman that needeth not to
be ashamed.
A workman that needeth not to
be ashamed. - Whose life and work are such as
to honor Christ and the gospel. This requires a pure
life as well as judicious work.
~People's New Testament
workman — alluding to
Matthew 20:1, etc.
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verse:
Matthew 20:1
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is
an householder, which went out early in the morning
to hire labourers into his vineyard.
not to be ashamed — by
his work not being “approved” (Philippians 1:20).
Contrast “deceitful workers” (2 Corinthians 11:13).
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verses:
Philippians 1:20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope,
that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with
all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be
magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by
death.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
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. ~Barnes
Notes
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 [the
workers] 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. ~John
Gill
3] Rightly dividing the word of
truth.
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; compare the notes at Matthew
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 (Lexicon)
renders it, “rightly proceeding as to the word of
truth;” that is, rightfully and skillfully 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 [The Kingdom].
~Barnes Notes
Quoted verse:
Matthew 13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which
is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like
unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth
forth out of his treasure things new and old.
rightly dividing —
“rightly handling” [Vulgate];
“rightly administering” [Alford];
literally, cutting “straight” or “right”: the
metaphor being from a father or a steward (1
Corinthians 4:1) cutting and distributing bread
among his children [Vitringa
and Calvin], (Luke 12:42). The
Septuagint, Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 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” (1 Timothy 1:3). The same image of a way
appears in the Greek for “increase” (see on 2
Timothy 2:16). The opposite to “rightly handling,”
or “dispensing,” is, 2 Corinthians 2:17, “corrupt
the word of God.”
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verses:
1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of
Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Luke 12:42
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and
wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over
his household, to give them their portion of meat in
due season?
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths.
Proverbs 11:5
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his
way: but the wicked shall fall by his own
wickedness.
1 Timothy 1:3 [See
Lesson]
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I
went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some
that they teach no other doctrine,
2 Timothy 2:16 [See
Lesson]
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will
increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of
God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the
sight of God speak we in Christ.
truth - Greek, “the
truth” (compare 2 Timothy 2:18).
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verse:
2 Timothy 2:18
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the
resurrection is past already; and overthrow the
faith of some.
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.
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. ~Adam Clarke
rightly dividing - or
"cutting" ~John Gill
Note: reference
back to the previous commentary and its linkage to
the sacrifices in the Temple.
Rightly dividing the word of
truth. - The Revision reads, "Handling
aright." The Greek word means, literally, "cutting
straight." The thought, probably, is to present the
truth clearly, truthfully, without blunders, and
with an exactness which cannot be gainsaid.
~People's New Testament
A workman that needeth not to
be ashamed - Either of unfaithfulness or
unskilfulness. Rightly dividing the word of truth -
Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture, so
as to give each hearer his due portion.
~John Wesley
Rightly dividing - The
literal meaning, ‘cutting straight,’ admits
obviously of many figurative applications, and the
word has been referred accordingly to the work of
the sculptor, the road-maker, the carpenter, the
ploughman, the carver at table, the sacrificing
priest. Of these, that of the ploughman seems to
give the best meaning; but I am disposed to think
that we may perhaps class this among the medical
words with which these Epistles abound, and see in
it a reference to the work of the surgeon, in which
any deflection from the true line of incision might
be perilous or even fatal. The reference in 2
Timothy 2:17 to the gangrene or cancer seems to
carry on the train of thought.
~Popular Commentary
Quoted verse:
2 Timothy 2:17 [See
lesson]
And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
Hymenaeus [Hi may nay us]
and Philetus [Phi-le-tus]
Recap:
1] Do not engage in a battle of biblical or
doctrinal words with anyone.
2] Our actions are more important than our words.
3] Often, the best way to understand the deep things
of Christianity is to embark on the duties of
Christian life.
4] A firstfruit must know the doctrines of God.
Therefore, he must immerse himself in the Word of
God.
5] Discussion has its place but it must be balanced
by actions.
6] There is a time to discuss and a time to be
silent.
7] Everything in the church must be uplifting and to
edification.
8] We must hold a straight course in the word of
truth.
9] Construct a life which will be a permanent
addition to the well-being of the world.
10] Strifes of words destroy the things of God.
11] Ministers preach the word of truth. Ministers
must invoke wisdom, study and care.
12] Ministers and firstfruits must be fervent,
diligent and zealous in their studies.
13] Never seek the approval of men. Rather seek the
approval of Christ.
14] One is ashamed when his thoughts and actions are
not approved of Christ.
15] There are deceitful workers in and around the
Body of Christ. Beware of them.
16] The ministry of the word is a work. It requires
industry, diligence and application which requires
the Spirit of God.
17] When the Bible speaks to walking to the right or
to the left, it is speaking of false doctrines.
18] God leads us in the right way. Our righteousness
will direct the way [Proverbs 11:5]. |
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