ChristiansUnite Forums

What is that word of truth that Paul tells Timothy to rightly divide. 2 Timothy 2:15

Paul refers to the word of truth as the gospel of the Ephesian saints salvation at Ephesian 1:13.

It seems we take it out of context in our use to show a rightly dividing of truth between old covenant/new covenant, kingdom preaching of Christ to the Jews/gospel preaching of Christ's chosen apostles to Jews and Gentiles.

Paul tells Timothy to rightly divide the word of truth, the gospel, as some in that time are saying that the resurrection is past and the gospel word of truth puts it in the future and that no man knows when it will happen, only God. So Paul tells Timothy to work and show himself approved by rightly dividing the word of truth over this matter. To shun profane and vain babblings concerning the word of truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:15-18

My thoughts on how we misuse the phrase "rightly dividing the word of truth"

ollie

Hello Brother Ollie,

It's great to see you on the forum. I enjoyed your post. This is a rich and powerful portion of the Bible, and I think there are several valid opinions in the application of this Scripture. In fact, it has been the subject of many beautiful Bible studies over the centuries. I see and understand your point, but I also see and understand other views of this portion of Scripture.

In terms of context, it's interesting to consider: the whole chapter, the whole book, the relationship between the writer and others, the events of that time that the early Christians dealt with, and specifically the trials Christians faced at the time in preaching JESUS and the CROSS. The last concern was the biggest priority for the Apostle Paul, and it also involved his hardest trials. Conflicts with Jewish teaching and Jewish tradition were major challenges in the ministry of Paul, so they are part of the context. So, I would have to respectfully disagree and say this portion of Scripture does apply to differences between Law and Grace and more specifically what changed at the CROSS.

The error spoken of in 2 Timothy 2:18 is also spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:12. The "cutting straight" (rightly dividing) the the Word of Truth solves much confusion and corrects many errors. This error in 2 Timothy 2:18 involved the overthrow of faith (rendered truth) for some at the time, or at least great confusion. Correcting the error had to involve sharply defining God's Plan of Salvation and cutting away what was causing the confusion and errors. It would definitely involve what a preacher would "cut" and prepare to "dispense" to an unsaved or confused audience. We must remember there were large numbers of unsaved or confused audiences for the entire ministry of Paul, and many of those confused audiences were Jews, or they had been confused by Jews or Jewish teaching.

In following the example set by the Apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 2:15 has been and should be a goal of everyone studying the Holy Bible and especially those who teach or preach. We still have many unsaved and confused people, and they need carefully prepared spiritual food from God's Word, first the "milk" and then on to the "meat" of God's Word.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 120:1 NASB  In my trouble I cried to the LORD, And He answered me.