Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
All Commentaries on 2 Timothy 2:15 Go To 2 Timothy 2
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Everywhere this not being ashamed! And why is he ever so careful to guard him against shame? Because it was natural for many to be ashamed both of Paul himself, as being a tent-maker, and of the preaching, since its teachers perished. For Christ had been crucified, himself was about to be beheaded, Peter was crucified with his head downwards, and these things they suffered from audacious and despicable men. Because such men were in power, he says, Be not ashamed; that is, fear not to do anything tending to godliness, though it be necessary to submit to slavery or any other suffering. For how does any one become approved? By being a workman that needs not to be ashamed. As the workman is not ashamed of any work, so neither should he be ashamed who labors in the Gospel. He should submit to anything.
Rightly dividing the word of truth.
This he has well said. For many distort it, and pervert it in every way, and many additions are made to it. He has not said directing it, but rightly dividing, that is, cut away what is spurious, with much vehemence assail it, and extirpate it. With the sword of the Spirit cut off from your preaching, as from a thong, whatever is superfluous and foreign to it.
