An Alphabetical Analysis
Volume 5 - Dispensational Truth - Page 297 of 328
INDEX
enters into the expression `Inspiration of God' in 2 Timothy 3:16, which in
the Greek reads theopneustos.
As we remarked earlier, Right Division deals with The Word of Truth and
comparison deals with the same inspired oracles of God.  We further observe
that Paul speaks of the `words' which the Holy Ghost `teacheth' which word in
the original is the word didaktos (1 Cor. 2:13).  Didaskalos (1 Cor. 12:28);
didasko (1 Cor. 4:17); didache (1 Cor. 14:6), all derive from the same root,
and by comparing one with the other, links teacher, teaching and doctrine
together, and with all `The Words which the Holy Ghost teacheth', a blessed
and fruitful fellowship to be earnestly safeguarded and fostered by teacher
and taught.
The word translated `compare' is the Greek sunkrino, and is found only
in the epistle to the Corinthians:
`Comparing spiritual things with spiritual' (1 Cor. 2:13).
`For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves
with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise' (2
Cor. 10:12).
The word `discerned' in 1 Corinthians 2:14 is however a compound of
krino, namely anakrino.  This word is translated `examine', `search',
`judge', `ask questions' in Luke 23:14; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 2:15 and
10:25.
Krino means `to judge'.
It is explained in Dr. Bullinger's Critical
Lexicon thus:
`To divide, to separate (akin to Lat. cerere, to sift), to make a
distinction, come to a decision, to judge, to pronounce final judgment.
Not merely sentence of condemnation, but also a decision in any one's
favour'.
It seems therefore that `compare' in 1 Corinthians 2:13 is the
complement of `divide' in 2 Timothy 2:15, for whereas Right Division
separates into classes and callings, Comparison brings together those items
that are thus segregated and provides a common denominator in the search for
essential meaning.  Let us consider some examples of this principle:
The apostle's
`If By Any Means'
In Philippians 3:11 we read:
`If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead'
(Phil. 3:11).
It is certainly a disturbing thought that the apostle Paul could at the
time of writing the epistle to the Philippians be in any doubt as to whether
he would participate in a most glorious resurrection.  No doubt on this score
can be read into Philippians 3:21:
`Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His
glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to
subdue all things unto Himself'.